Series: Action [#149]
WOMEN MATTER
Acts 22:1-30
Introduction:
We are living in a time when women say they are men; and men say they are women. We are living in a time when men compete as women against real women. Let me remind you that God created male and female. So why would I bring this up on Mother’s Day? Because women matter.
This morning, we are going to hear Paul’s testimony. In the Book of Acts, we have heard Paul’s testimony before; but today we are going to see it from his mother’s viewpoint. Do not forget that in Paul’s time, women had little value in society; but they had great value to God. Let’s look at the value of women.
Acts 22:1
1. Just because women are not mentioned in this passage does not mean that they do not matter.
Paul addressed the men; but this does not mean that women do not matter. This is a reminder that men and women have different roles. Again, it does not mean that 1 gender is more important than the other. Women and girls, being female is not a curse; and don’t let the world tell you any different.
Acts 22:2-5
2. You can teach and train up your child in the right way; but when they are adults, they will make their own decisions.
Paul discussed how he was Jewish and was a very faithful Pharisee. He was so ingrained in his religion that he was persecuting Christians as fast as he could. He even stood and held people’s garments as they killed Stephen. I wonder how his mother felt about his treatment of Christians? He was arresting men and women; and he was going to Damascus to bring these people back to Jerusalem to be punished.
If Paul’s mother was unhappy about his actions as an adult, what could she do? Nothing- You can teach your children God’s ways and have a strong Christian home; but once they leave your house, it is up to them. (This does not mean that you should not train up your children in the ways of the Lord.) If you are here today and 1 of your grown children or family members is not getting it right; don’t stand around taking the blame, pray for them.
Acts 22:6-21
3. Pray that God will change your children.
Paul tells us how God saved him. He learned that the Jesus he was trying to destroy was actually the Jesus who could save him. Teach your children about Jesus and strive to lead them to Jesus; but if they are not saved when they leave your house, don’t give up. Pray for your children- This includes your saved children. Teach them about the importance of their testimony and that no one can take their testimony away from them.
Acts 22:22-30
4. Pray that your children will remain faithful to God.
When the people heard Paul say that he was sent to preach to the Gentiles, the people lost their minds. How dare this Jewish man even breathe those words. Although the people were trying to kill Paul, he did not back down. He remained faithful regardless of the circumstances- Christians, we must do the same.
I pray that my adult children will remain faithful to God and the truth of His Word regardless of what happens to them. When they are children, they need to see our example of how to live a faithful Christian life. They probably will not appreciate it as children; but when they get older, they will remember.
Conclusion:
God changed Paul in a mighty way, and He can do that for anyone else. Mothers, women, and girls- I pray that you leave here encouraged today; and will find out what God’s plan for you is.
