A Woman’s Influence

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

The Many Roles of Women

Women often simultaneously play many roles to different people. Important role in early development of children. 

Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Proverbs 22:6 

 

Hannah: Her name means Grace 

One of two wives of Elkanah 

Hannah was barren And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. 1 Sam. 1:6 

Hannah: Her name means Grace 

Hannah purposed in her heart Then she made a vow and said, “O lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, …but will give Your maidservant a man child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 1 Sam. 1:11 

Hannah: Her name means Grace She faced further ridicule from Eli, the Priest for her silent prayer: 

So Eli said her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” 1 Sam.1:14 Hannah did not answer back in a spiteful tone: “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.” 1 Sam. 1:15 

Hannah: Her name means Grace 

“And the Lord Remembered Her” 

Hannah kept her vow and returned Samuel to God’s Service in Shiloh. “For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of him: “Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshipped the Lord there. 1 Sam. 1:27-28 

Hannah: “For this child I prayed…” She rejoiced to be a partner with God. She was blessed with more children And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the child Samuel grew before the Lord. I Samuel 2:21 

Ruth and Naomi: An adopted love Naomi, the pleasant mother-in-law Her husband died, Then, Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Ruth 1:3 Then ten years later she lost her two sons Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.” Ruth 1:5 

 

Ruth and Naomi: An adopted love Was Unselfish And Naomi said to her two daughters in law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.” Ruth 1:8 

An adopted love Was deeply loved by these adopted daughters “…And they lifted up their voices, and wept. Ruth 1:9 “ Then they lifted up their voices, and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clung to her.” Ruth 1:14 

Ruth and Naomi: An adopted love Ruth: the faithful young widow “But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will I die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 

Ruth was virtuous And Boaz answered and said unto her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother in law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.” Ruth 2:11 

Ruth was given a place in the lineage of Christ So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Ruth 4:13 …and they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Ruth 4:17 

Timothy was a Man of Great Faith As Recorded by Paul I Timothy 1:2 - Paul refers to Timothy as a “true son in the faith” II Timothy 1:2 – Paul fondly calls him a “beloved son.” This relationship was first made evident in Acts 16:3, where Paul encouraged Timothy to travel with him on his journey 

Timothy was taught and at an early age: “… and that from childhood you have known the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” II Tim. 3:14-15 

Timothy’s Origin of Faith “…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. ” II Tim 1:3-5 Ananias and Sapphira

Wrongful actions Acts 5:1-11 Reaffirmed by Peter when he asked “ How is it that you have agreed together to test the spirit of the Lord?” Acts 5:9 

Unaware of Ananias’ fate, she individually continued in the deception Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “ Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Acts 5:7-8 

Mary the Mother of Jesus

Mary was chosen by God Gabriel tells her she is “blessed among women” and God has found favor in her. Luke 1:28-30 How did Christ regard Mary? He was obedient. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but his mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 

He honored her even at death When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loves standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. John 19:26-27 

Mary begins to see her Son as the Savior Jesus saith unto her, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4 This marked the beginning of his public ministry. Her work had ended and his had begun 

Mary realizes that She gave Birth to her own Savior “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” John 2:5 

Conclusion:

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise” Proverbs 31:31