The Influence Of Mothers

A. INTRODUCTION

1. What comes to mind at Mother’s Day? School’s out, springtime, graduation, anticipation.

2. What is the strength of a godly mother? Christ, love, sacrifice.

3. What do we do on Mother’s Day? Celebration, meal, flowers, happiness.

4. What should happen to us on Mother’s Day? Become more appreciative, happy, confident, grateful, and aware of life.

"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . ."

(II Timothy 1:5-8).

B. MOTHERS GIVE US IDENTITY: WHO WE ARE

1. What is identity? Identity is seeing who I am.

Identity comes from deep within.

Identity is given by God.

Identity is molded by mothers.

2. What did Lois and Eunice mold into Timothy?

a. "Unfeigned fate" (v. 5) belief in God.

b. "Stir up (coals) the gift of God" (v. 6) fire of passion.

c. "Power, love, sound mind" (v. 7) positive optimism.

d. "Be not ashamed" (v. 8) boldness.

3. What are negative identities?

a. Weak ego-can’t see self.

b. Negative ego-see self as evil.

c. Confused ego-no purpose in life.

d. Rejecting ego-fearful.

e. Rebelling ego-lawbreaker

4. What are some positive identities?

a. Good ego-self-acceptance.

b. Supportive ego-confident.

c. Superior ego-bold & driven.

d. Strong ego-self-belief.

5. What does your self-identity give you?

f. As you see your strength, you accept yourself.

g. As you see your family, you learn relationships.

h. As you see your potential, you plan for the future.

i. As you see your obstacle, you adjust to life.

C. MOTHERS GIVE US HERITAGE: WHERE WE COME FROM

1. A mother can give us a heritage without help from the father. "A certain woman who was a Jewess, and believed, but his father was a Greek" (Acts 16:1).

2. A mother can do without community support. No synagogue.

3. A mother does it with Scriptures. "From a child thou hast known the holy scripture" (II Tim. 3:15).

4. A mother communicates her faith. "The unfeigned faith . . . in thy mother Eunice" (II Tim. 1:5).

5. A mother plants seeds that blossom in life; "stir up" (II Tim. 1:6).

"Remember who you are . . . you’re a Towns.

Make me proud of you." Erin Towns

D. MOTHERS GIVE US PURPOSE: WHERE WE ARE GOING

1. What is the greatest thing a mother gives her children? God. Enthusiasm is "literally, God in us."

2. When a child has God, what does he/she have?

a. Partnership. God goes with me.

b. Confidence. God will look out for me

c. Self-Acceptance. God accepts me.

d. Boldness. God will help me.

e. Purpose. God has a plan for me.

3. What weighs heavily on the mind of most children? A mother’s expectations.

a. Positive. Children live good lives to please their mother.

b. Negative. Children who rebel, usually know they are going against the wishes of their mother.

Happy Mother’s Day!

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.eduand tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.