The Qualities of a Godly Mother

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Genesis 3:20 (NKJV) “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.”

2 Timothy 1:3-5 (NKJV) “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 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.”

Opening Reading: “The Meanest Mother In The World”

I. The course of world has been impacted by the faith of godly mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers

II. Having a child is a matter of biology. Being a mother is a matter of choice.

III. Our mothers deserve to be honored and thanked

A. Illustration: A mother found under her place one morning at breakfast a bill made out by her small son, Bradley, aged eight—Mother owes Bradley: for running errands, 25 cents; for being good, 10 cents; for taking music lessons, 15 cents; for extras, 5 cents. Total, 55 cents. Mother smiled but made no comment. At lunch Bradley found the bill under his plate with 55 cents and another piece of paper neatly folded like the first. Opening it he read—Bradley owes Mother: for nursing him through scarlet fever, nothing; for being good to him, nothing; for clothes, shoes and playthings, nothing; for his playroom, nothing; for his meals, nothing. Total: nothing.[1]

IV. What are the qualities of a godly mother?

A. 2 Timothy 2:15 “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.”[2]

1. Through Eve came the Seed of her own salvation (Genesis 3:15)

2. The context is maintaining proper roles in the family and in the church

3. The issue of a woman being saved through childbearing is not referring to soul salvation which would contradict salvation by grace through faith. The word “salvation” is translated “preserved” in the NASB and means, saved, preserved, delivered, made whole.

4. “A woman will find her greatest satisfaction and meaning in life, not in seeking the male role, but in fulfilling God’s design for her as wife and mother with all ‘faith, love, and holiness with propriety’”[3]

B. What are the qualities of a godly Woman?

1. Faith

a Unhypocritical faith

b She holds to the faith

c She lives the faith

d She teaches her children the faith

2. Love

a Sacrifice for another’s welfare

b Making necessary adjustments for the sake of her children

3. Holiness

a Moral purity

b Modesty

4. Self-control

a Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV) “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

b Restraint over impulses, emotions, and desires

1) Anger, resentment, jealousy, etc.

2) Protectionism over the children that prevents proper correction and discipline

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[1]Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : [a treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers]. Garland TX: Bible Communications.

[2]The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 (1 Ti 2:8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[3]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.