Honor for Mothers

1 Peter 3:1-7

Introduction

1.      The general theme:  to give honor to those to whom it is due

2.      Specifically:  Give honor to mothers

3.      Honor has two sides:  there is the honor that we ought to give to another; there is the need to act in an honorable manner in order that honor might be given  

Discussion

1.      Reasons for honoring mothers

a.       Because of their contribution to the well-being of children – Eph 6:1-2

                                                            i.      Hannah’s contribution to Samuel

                                                          ii.      The contribution of Lois and Eunice to Timothy – 1 Tim 3:15  

b.      Because of the stability they provide for families

                                                            i.      The spiritual strength of many families flows from the mothers

                                                          ii.      The mothers who have stayed behind as their husbands went off to war, or, off to preach  

c.       Because of their contributions to the larger community

                                                            i.      PTA would not exist without mothers

                                                          ii.      Hospital volunteers and many others  

2.      Paul advocates honor to those in government – Rom 12:7

a.       He advocates prayer in their behalf – 1 Tim 2:1-4  

b.      Peter advocates submission – 2 Peter 2:13-17  

3.      Specific ways in which we can give honor

a.       By recognizing the good which another has done  

b.      By compliments  

c.       By rewards, gifts, tokens of appreciation  

Conclusion

1.       There is good and bad in all of us

2.      In most cases the “bad” ought to be minimized and the “good” maximized and appropriate honor given

3.      Above all we must give honor to God