A Godly Mother
Introduction
We've heard the statement: "The hand that rocks the
cradle rules the world." There's certainly a great deal of truth to
that. Many of us have experienced the impact of a godly mother and
understand how vital that role is. In this sermon, we will focus on the
influence and work of a godly mother
and look at three examples from Scripture to better
understand what a godly mother looks like.
The Influence of a Godly Mother
The first example is found in the book of 2
Timothy, focusing on Timothy's mother and grandmother. In
2 Timothy 1:5, Paul says:
"When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that
is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your
mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also."
Godly mothers like Eunice can help instill authentic,
genuine faith in their children. Faith is not inherited—it
is learned. Timothy did not automatically inherit faith because of his
mother and grandmother. He learned it from them through their
example, teaching, and devotion.
Children must see their mothers reading the Bible,
worshiping, praying, and sharing their faith. Timothy no doubt saw his
mother and grandmother worshipping under the Law of Moses and later
under the Law of Christ.
Godly mothers are more interested in their children’s
souls than their clothes, eternal life
over earthly success, and their relationship with Jesus
over popularity. Their spiritual priorities shape the home.
A Respect for Scripture
Paul continues in 2 Timothy 3:14–15:
"But you must continue in the things which you
have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned
them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures…"
The term "childhood" can also mean babyhood—Timothy
was taught God’s Word from the time he was a baby. His mother fulfilled
Deuteronomy 6:4–7, diligently teaching the Word at
every opportunity.
Godly mothers help children understand that the Bible
is not just any book—it is God’s book, inspired and
divine. A deep reverence for Scripture must be instilled from infancy.
The Work of a Godly Mother
Being a godly mother is never-ending work.
Titus 2:1–5 gives specific instructions:
"The older women… that they admonish the young
women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be
discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands…"
A godly mother must guard her speech
(v.1), behavior, and teaching. She
must adorn the doctrine of God not outwardly but inwardly—by godliness,
kindness, and a gentle spirit.
An anonymous quote puts it beautifully:
"The godly mother puts on the lipstick of a kind
tongue, the blush of purity, the foundation of godliness, the
eyeliner of compassion, and the mascara of sincerity."
She teaches by example. She is to be a
homemaker, discreet, and obedient
to her husband. When the home fails to reflect God’s design, His
Word is blasphemed (Titus 2:5).
The Proverbs 31 Woman
In Proverbs 31:15–27, we read about
the godly woman’s tireless work. She provides for her family, manages
the household, reaches out to the needy, and is not lazy.
She rises early, considers and buys a field, and makes
wise investments. She manages her time well and runs an efficient home.
Godly mothers are not idle but industrious,
compassionate, and spiritually minded.
Examples of Godly Mothers
- Jochebed (Exodus 2):
She protected Moses from evil and entrusted him to God.
- Hannah (1 Samuel 1):
She vowed to give Samuel to God—and did. She prayed for him and then
lent him to the Lord.
- Sarah (1 Peter 3:1–6):
She was submissive to Abraham and exemplified a quiet and gentle
spirit. Her obedience and example are held up as a model for
Christian wives and mothers.
Conclusion
The Bible speaks extensively about godly mothers for a
reason. Their influence and work shape not just homes but
society. Imagine a society without godly mothers—it would
crumble.
Proverbs 31 says:
"Her children rise up and call her blessed."
Let us honor godly mothers—not just on Mother’s Day
but always.
To be a godly mother, one must first be a
child of God, born into His family through baptism. Let the
older women teach the younger. Let every woman strive
to reflect the qualities God values.
If you have a need—to obey the gospel, to repent, or
to request prayers—we invite you to come as we stand and sing.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Importance of a godly mother
- Overview of sermon goals
- The Influence of a Godly Mother
- 2 Timothy 1:5 – Lois and Eunice
- Faith must be learned, not inherited
- Mothers demonstrate faith through action
- Prioritizing spirituality over worldly
success
- A Respect for Scripture
- 2 Timothy 3:14–15 – From childhood taught the
Scriptures
- Deuteronomy 6:4–7 – Teach diligently
- God’s Word is divine, not just literature
- The Work of a Godly Mother
- Titus 2:1–5 – Teaching younger women
- Godly behavior, speech, homemaking
- Adorning the doctrine of God inwardly
- Home must reflect God’s design or His Word is
dishonored
- Proverbs 31 – The Godly Woman
- Industrious and compassionate
- Manages her home well
- Serves her family and the needy
- Examples of Godly Mothers
- Jochebed – Protected Moses (Exodus 2)
- Hannah – Gave Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1)
- Sarah – Submissive and godly (1 Peter 3)
- Conclusion and Invitation
- Godly mothers shape the world
- Children should honor them
- Every godly mother must first be a child of
God
Call to Action
If you are a mother, commit to being the godly example
your children need. Reflect Christ in your home. If you are not yet a
child of God, be baptized into Christ today so you can raise your
children in the Lord. If you need forgiveness or strength, seek it from
the Lord. Respond now as we stand and sing.
Scripture Reference List
- 2 Timothy 1:5 – Lois and Eunice's faith
- 2 Timothy 3:14–15 – Knowing Scripture from
childhood
- Deuteronomy 6:4–7 – Teaching God’s Word
diligently
- Titus 2:1–5 – Responsibilities of godly women
- Proverbs 31:15–27 – Portrait of the godly woman
- Exodus 2 – Jochebed protects Moses
- 1 Samuel 1:11, 27–28 – Hannah’s vow and
dedication
- 1 Peter 3:1–6 – Sarah’s submissiveness and inner
beauty
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of
Christ at Granby, MO
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