A Biblical Tribute to Motherhood

In this part of the sermon: Martin introduces the sermon by acknowledging Mother's Day as a matter of Christian liberty, which he chooses to use as a springboard for a biblical tribute to godly motherhood…

The sermon's title is likened to a pegged coat hanger, where each word or couplet acts as a prominent peg upon which to hang the substance of the sermon, ensuring the message remains secure.

I want to set before you what I am calling a biblical tribute to the noble task of godly motherhood. A biblical tribute to the noble task of godly motherhood. Now this title was not thrown together in a hasty, haphazard fashion. Rather, I have concocted it to act like one of those pegged coat hangers that some of you have in your hallway.

4:09 - 4:44 Read in full sermon

Driving home: A tribute is a testimony that shows gratitude, respect, honor, or praise. And what I desire to do this morning is to pay a tribute to godly motherhood.

Martin shares a personal anecdote about his own godly mother's influence, who molded his character and is with him every day, illustrating the lasting impact of a mother's nurture.

There will no doubt be some biographical and personal tributes. And surely I could spend the morning, were it appropriate, engaging in that. Having had the unspeakable privilege to this very day of the nurture of a godly mother who in a sense is with me every day of my life as she gave herself to the molding of my character. But my desire is that you will leave with fundamental biblical perspectives etched upon your memory.

6:44 - 7:20 Read in full sermon

Driving home: And I'm prepared to say that there are few if any callings in life including the work of the ministry that are more arduous and demanding of sanctified labor than the task of motherhood.

He contrasts the 'noble task' of motherhood with the superficial nobility of 19th-century Parisian court ladies who left 'menial tasks' to servants, emphasizing that true nobility in motherhood involves arduous labor.

And the word task is defined as an undertaking involving labor or difficulty. And I'm prepared to say that there are few if any callings in life including the work of the ministry that are more arduous and demanding of sanctified labor than the task of motherhood. And so by bringing those two words together we underscore that though it is arduous it is not demeaning, it is noble. And though it is noble, it is not noble with the nobility of lords and ladies

8:59 - 9:42 Read in full sermon

Driving home: It is the tireless, continuous, self-withering ministry of giving yourself to the nurture and training and then godly tracking of the fruit of your womb till death do you part.

Athaliah from 2 Kings 11 is presented as a prototype of a wicked, murderous, and prolific mother, illustrating that biological motherhood alone is not virtuous.

Athaliah is the prototype of a wicked mother in the Old Testament. Read about her this afternoon in 2 Kings 11. She was a murderous, scheming, heartless, bloodthirsty woman. But a very prolific mother.

11:52 - 12:07 Read in full sermon

Driving home: It is the tireless, continuous, self-withering ministry of giving yourself to the nurture and training and then godly tracking of the fruit of your womb till death do you part.

Herodias is presented as a New Testament prototype of a wicked mother, scheming with her daughter Salome for John the Baptist's head, further illustrating the concept of wicked motherhood.

But not a godly mother. The prototype in the New Testament is that wicked woman Herodias. She schemes with her daughter Salome. Think of it.

12:07 - 12:20 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin briefly outlines his intended first segment on the necessity of such a tribute, citing Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-2, Romans 13:7, and Proverbs 31:28-31 for biblical…

A member's experience in college, being 'pummeled with the propaganda of feminism' and its attack on the dignity of motherhood, illustrates the societal pressures against biblical motherhood.

we are not to walk as the Gentiles with their darkened understanding demonstrate how society oozes with a thousand influences to denigrate the nobility of motherhood. I was speaking to one of our members who is just finishing up a course of study in a local college and she said to me Wednesday night day after day classroom after classroom I'm pummeled with the propaganda of feminism and one of the major tenets of radical feminism is a frontal attack upon the biblical doctrine

15:37 - 16:20 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Expounding 1 Timothy 2:15, Martin argues that 'she shall be saved through her childbearing' means that godly motherhood is the concrete framework for a woman's persevering faith…

Martin quotes Lutheran commentator Lenski on how women are to be outwardly and inwardly adorned when attending church, providing a concise summary of 1 Timothy 2:9-10.

particularly at verse fifteen is beautifully summarized by Lenski the Lutheran commentator in these words how the woman is to be outwardly and inwardly adorned when attending church look at verse nine and ten in like manner that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel that's their outward appearance with the old word shamefastness means nothing to us modesty and sobriety not with the emphasis upon braided hair or gold or pearls or costly raiment but which becomes women professing godliness if you're going to be gaudy in your dress be gaudy in good works

20:27 - 21:11 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Expounding 1 Timothy 2:15, Martin argues that 'she shall be saved through her childbearing' means that godly motherhood is the concrete framework for a woman's persevering faith…

Luther's insistence on the literal meaning of 'this is my body' is used as an analogy for Martin's own insistence on the literal words of Scripture, while still seeking their true meaning in context.

in the person and work of Jesus Christ conferred upon sinners whom God quickens to life and brings into the way of repentance and faith we'd have to throw out the whole teaching of the bible on one of its most fundamental affirmations of faith in order to say it says save through childbearing I stand on the word of God it's like Luther remember this is my body and he insists that and he insisted it was the body of Christ not this stands for my body and Luther said this is what my bible says and he stood now you say I can't buy that well I'm glad you can because you don't want to throw over the...

24:07 - 24:52 Read in full sermon

The point: Stop wondering if you've missed it when you read pop literature on self-fulfillment; instead, hear the word of God that you will be saved in your childbearing as you continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobri…

The freedom of a bird is described as being found in its God-given nature (flying, nesting), not in envying a fish, illustrating that a woman's freedom and fulfillment are found in embracing her God-given role, not rejecting it.

see the freedom

30:42 - 30:47 Read in full sermon

The point: Stop wondering if you've missed it when you read pop literature on self-fulfillment; instead, hear the word of God that you will be saved in your childbearing as you continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobri…

He cites 'Bundy's bimbo' (Peggy Bundy from Married... with Children), 'cynical foul-mouthed Roseanne,' and 'aggressive Dr. Quinn' as wretched feminist models of motherhood in sitcoms, illustrating the cultural denigration of godly motherhood.

this is in my gut because you dear women are pummeled from every side from the wretched mindless sitcoms with Bundy's bimbo the model of quote motherhood primping her dyed red hair and trussing up her body and that cynical foul-mouthed Roseanne and with the aggressive Dr. Quinn as a wretched feminist these are the models being pressed upon this generation and after a while some of you

31:34 - 32:18 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not envy women who prioritize worldly appearances and self-indulgence; hold your head high, knowing your labors will bear fruit in children who call you blessed.

A contrast is drawn between a frumpy, tired godly mother and a 'sharp looking twit' in a business suit who spends hours at a spa, to encourage mothers not to envy worldly appearances but to value their eternal impact.

and another one's hollering because it's got a belly ache and another one says mommy help me with this lesson and all the rest and you wonder what in the world I'm doing dear women stop in the middle of it and say my seeds are planted in the way of persevering faith I shall be saved in my child bearing as I continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety hold your head high and when that sharp looking twit comes down the street in her two piece business suit ripped because she spends her five hours a week at the spa lady and has gone and got nothing to do

33:45 - 34:29 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not envy women who prioritize worldly appearances and self-indulgence; hold your head high, knowing your labors will bear fruit in children who call you blessed.

Marsha Clark (a prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial) is used as an example of a woman who might achieve worldly success but end up with 'bitter memories' and cosmetic surgery bills, contrasting with the lasting fruit of godly motherhood.

but print her body and her face don't you envy her for a minute there'll be children to rise up and call you blessed and I trust you have a husband who continually calls you blessed let the world pity you let the smart alecks who make their mark and hit the talk shows let the Marsha Clarks of this world become old wrinkled ladies and have nothing but bitter memories and the bills from their cosmetic surgeons to try to push away the marks of advancing years and if the Lord tarries you'll have your children and your grandchildren around you

34:29 - 35:13 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not envy women who prioritize worldly appearances and self-indulgence; hold your head high, knowing your labors will bear fruit in children who call you blessed.

Martin shares that his wife was barren for almost five years, demonstrating his personal understanding of the pain of providential barrenness and ensuring his words are not spoken indifferently.

reflecting the fruit of your labors and then they'll all meet you in the last day please turn this cassette over to continue the message in the last day what a blessed privilege to be a godly mother yes I know I've not addressed sanctified singleness Paul doesn't address it here he does that in 1 Corinthians 7 I've not addressed the pain of providential barrenness I know something of that my wife was barren for almost the first five years of our marriage and I don't speak indifferently

35:13 - 35:58 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not envy women who prioritize worldly appearances and self-indulgence; hold your head high, knowing your labors will bear fruit in children who call you blessed.

Quotes from Vivian Gornack and Gloria Steinem are used to illustrate the radical feminist agenda to remove the choice and need for women to be mothers, highlighting the direct opposition to biblical truth.

but you see I can't say everything in one sermon and what I want to do is to set forth a biblical tribute to the noble task of godly motherhood when you're tempted dear mothers to believe this nonsense listen, listen, listen this is what the articulate feminists are saying Vivian Gornack in 1982 wrote the choice to serve and be protected and planned toward being a family maker is a choice that should not be the heart of radical feminism is to change that they want to take from you even the choice to be a mother Gloria Steinem said

35:58 - 36:43 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Drawing from Titus 2:3-5, Martin explains that older women are to train younger women to love their husbands and children, be sober-minded, chaste, and 'workers at home,' so that…

Martin recounts telling an older woman that 'women of riper years' sounds better than 'old women,' illustrating his pastoral sensitivity while introducing the term from Titus 2.

to do this just preach the truth and let the holy ghost apply it that is sheer nonsense he says I want you to speak the specific things that are commensurate with and befitting healthy teaching and then he gets specific that the aged men and this is what they are to be now verse three that the aged and if that's offensive let's say the women of riper years I said that to an older woman the other day and she smiled she said that sounds so much better than old women I said I shall henceforth refer to you it wasn't my wife as someone of riper years alright that the women of riper years okay what ...

38:11 - 38:56 Read in full sermon

The point: Avoid wasting time on the telephone, gossiping, watching television, or reading banal literature; instead, dedicate time to nurturing your children, perceiving their character, and strengthening them.

Martin vividly recalls his mother teaching him to scrub floor corners thoroughly, emphasizing diligence and attention to detail, illustrating how godly mothers instill character traits.

They need not be diffident and retiring. Taking enough time to perceive the patterns in character. And laboring to strengthen them. I think of my godly mother.

46:21 - 46:33 Read in full sermon

The point: Give yourself to the task of godly motherhood by the strength of God and the power of the Spirit, recognizing that the credible witness of the church and its message rests on your shoulders.

He connects his mother's teaching on thoroughness to his own sermon preparation, where he makes multiple revisions for precision, showing the lasting impact of her training.

That's why there are white outs. In the first paragraph of my introduction. Where certain words have been changed. Two and three times.

47:07 - 47:16 Read in full sermon

The point: Give yourself to the task of godly motherhood by the strength of God and the power of the Spirit, recognizing that the credible witness of the church and its message rests on your shoulders.

He recounts being made to re-enter a door to open it for his sister, illustrating how his mother taught him to be a gentleman and think of others.

Where were fundamental manners taught. When you brusquely ran in the door. And you didn't open it for your sister. You were made to go out again.

47:28 - 47:40 Read in full sermon

The point: Give yourself to the task of godly motherhood by the strength of God and the power of the Spirit, recognizing that the credible witness of the church and its message rests on your shoulders.

He recalls being reprimanded for carelessly waking a sleeping child, illustrating how his mother taught him self-control and consideration for others.

And open it. And you were taught what it was to be a gentleman. Where was self-control taught. When as a bouncing boundless ball of energy as a teenager.

47:40 - 47:52 Read in full sermon

Driving home: God doesn't deposit well-developed character in the act of regeneration. You hear me? A man may be a foul-mouthed, wretched, unbelieving, lecherous, murderous, you name it. And when God is pleased to arrest him, he blots…

Moses' 40 years in Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness before his ministry are used as an example of God forming character long before calling someone to service, illustrating that character is not deposited at regeneration.

I'm reading through the Old Testament right now. Think of Moses. Forming his character for 40 years in Egypt. 40 years in a wilderness.

58:10 - 58:19 Read in full sermon

Driving home: God doesn't deposit well-developed character in the act of regeneration. You hear me? A man may be a foul-mouthed, wretched, unbelieving, lecherous, murderous, you name it. And when God is pleased to arrest him, he blots…

Jesus's submission to Mary and Joseph and his growth in wisdom and stature from age 12 to 30 are used to illustrate that even his sinless human character was formed through the disciplines of responsible manhood and parental nurture.

Then and only then is there the burning bush. Spent two-thirds of his life for the one-third of ministry. Our blessed Lord, nothing said of him from age 12 to age 30. The last words that ring in our ear, he went down to Nazareth and was subject to them.

58:20 - 58:39 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Through 2 Timothy 1:3-5 and 3:14-15, Martin demonstrates that Timothy's unfeigned faith and character, which made him fit for ministry, were largely due to the godly nurture and…

The saying 'The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world' is quoted to emphasize the recognized, profound influence of mothers on their children and society.

And that man of God, the great principles that are here in these passages, he was molded by godly motherhood and by extension. A godly grandmother. You've heard the saying, haven't you, kids? The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

60:05 - 60:22 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Through 2 Timothy 1:3-5 and 3:14-15, Martin demonstrates that Timothy's unfeigned faith and character, which made him fit for ministry, were largely due to the godly nurture and…

Martin offers a personal tribute to his mother, crediting her nurture and prayer for any impact he has had for the kingdom of God, illustrating the fruit of godly motherhood.

And if I've been able to strike even a few blows for the kingdom of God, I owe so much to that precious little woman that gave herself to me. To nurture and to travel in prayer to see a man given to this generation.

60:35 - 60:56 Read in full sermon

The point: Take to heart the dignity and nobility of the calling God has given you, and by His grace, manifest godly motherhood so that the word of God is validated in this place.

He mentions Cal Thomas's editorial tribute to his mother, which Martin sent to his own mother, as an example of a public figure acknowledging the profound influence of a godly mother on his life and ministry.

Will your sons rise up and make that tribute in the presence of God that I can make to my dear mother? Did some of you read Cal Thomas' editorial in the Star-Ledger last Monday? I only get his paper on the Monday. I'm not that holy.

61:00 - 61:14 Read in full sermon