King Lemuel was taught well by his mum. Have a read as to what a godly wife and mother looks like.
Proverbs 31: The Words of King Lemuel
1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
The Woman Who Fears the LORD
10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Things to think about…
1. Praise God for godly mothers. We don’t know anything about King Lemuel – except what he has written here in this paragraph, Prov 31:1-9. But we know he had a deep respect for his mother and knew what a godly wife looked like as a result. Think about some common mistakes that Christian parents make with their children in trying to raise them in the ways of Christ. In Prov 31 we have a description from a son who has an accurate view as to what a godly wife and mother looks like.
2. Consider how this godly mother draws out her son. She says several times “What are you doing”, Prov 31:2. This statement is especially true of a mother with little boys, but often not out of place for a mother who cares about her adult sons. Our sons need to be loved with questions that check the heart and its motivations.
3. She instructs Lemuel on wine and strong drink in vss 4-7. Drunkenness is for men who not only lack self-control but who are escaping an insecurity in themselves that they refuse to acknowledge or deal with. Young men to be encouraged to acknowledge areas in their lives where they feel inadequate or where past hurts carry through to current toxic behaviours. Mentoring young men is vital. For godly parents this role should only cease when we depart this life.
4. Lemuel’s mother says rather than use your mouth to abuse alcohol, use it to stand up for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the poor and the needy by speaking words of truth and justice, vss 8, 9. May we see many of our young men stand up and do likewise. Heaven knows we certainly need such men in our day.
5. The description given from Prov 31:10-31 regarding the godly wife seems impossible for any woman to keep. What do you think the spirit of this entire paragraph is saying? Have a look at Prov 31:10-12. The man who finds such a woman trusts her and the promise is that he will have no lack of gain. This means that his work will be blessed because of his wife’s influence. She does him good all the days of his life, vs 12. We know a wife is provided as God’s helper to her husband, Gen 2:18-24. We know this understanding is also being eroded away in our culture. The church is to restore the balance.
6. Fourteen verses start with the word ‘She’. They describe what she does, who she is and what her heart motivations are, but conclude with what she believes. She ‘fears the Lord’, Prov 31:30, and as such ‘is to be praised’. I thank God that the women of CBC, have a love for the Lord that is evident to all. Our Lord’s praise is on your lips, and it is how you are known. We know of situations where there is whinging, backbiting, slander and gossip. Praise God for grace and peace in the church. Let us never take it for granted.
7. The woman in this chapter rises before the sun, Prov 31:15 and doesn’t stop working until well after dark, vs 18. She is a property investor and farmer, vs 16, a merchant trader, vs 24, constantly providing clothing etc for her household and at the same time keeps a neat house, Prov 31:19, 21, 22, 25, in fact she is constantly working vs 27. She clearly works inside and outside the home and as such is well known in the community as a result, Prov 31:31. She is dignified, strong, wise and kind, Prov 31:25, 26. Her children and husband love her and praise God for her, vs 28. Surely, she is superwoman! Does this chapter inspire or discourage you? How do you see yourself honouring God in your field of labour? The key I believe is simply to be faithful in the calling the Lord has given. Not to try and be someone you are not called to be, but honour Christ in the day-to-day circumstances. Jesus gives some good advice for us all on this in Mt 6:25-34.
8. What role does this woman’s husband play? Consider what he does and is known for in Prov 31:23. He is an elder and is known for his wisdom and as a man of fairness, who implements justice. Wise and godly women thrive in homes where they are encouraged and supported by wise and loving husbands. Paul helps us here in his commentary on the elements of a Christ centred marriage, Eph 5:22-33.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “a healthy heart and mind” – Reading Phil 4:1-9
1. If you could describe what would make you perfectly content in this life, what would it be?
2. Euodia and Syntyche were having a disagreement. Paul asks that they “agree in the Lord”. What does this mean do you think? Discuss how this should apply in every church.
3. Read vs 8 and 9 again. How do you, or would you apply these things into your life? What are the distractions or limitations to making it happen?
4. The promise when we do is that the God of peace will be with us. Sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action, reap a habit, sow a habit, reap a character, sow a character, reap a destiny.
Prayer Points
1. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
2. Doug and Joanne Horne as they prepare for the Celebration of Life service for Doug’s father.
3. Ministry leaders within the church.
4. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Quite a few young people and visitors on Sunday
2. Give thanks for Sam and Krystal Beatty – a wedding that honoured Christ, was a real joy to be part of.
3. Many returning back to full health.
4. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Beatty boys and Rosie Dunn looking after Kidz at Church, Maddie doing the words and maintaining her cool with the pastor’s dodgy slides. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
