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Mistakes of Some Godly Women Introduction: We often talk about the virtues of women on "Mother's Day" but this time I want to be different. Even godly women make mistakes. Of course a godly person will realize their mistake and either repent if it involves sin, and/or learn from it. Therefore, we want to learn from some mistakes made by godly women. I) Sarah A) Married to Abraham, the father of the Jewish Nation 1. She left her homeland to follow Abraham to the land of Canaan. She endured the same travels and problems as Abraham. 2. Abraham and Sarah were promised a child in Genesis 12. At this time Abraham was 75 and Sarah was 65. 3. We read of them having the child in Genesis 21 when Abraham was 100 and she was 90 years of age. 4. See her qualities in Hebrews 11 as she is mentioned in the "Hall of Fame of Faith." and 1 Peter 3.5-6 as being an example of a submissive wife. B) But there was one time when Sarah doubted 1. She suggested that Abraham have a child by her maid, Hagar, Genesis 16.1-2. a. Notice her wording "the Lord has constrained me" in other words God is keeping me from having a child. b. However, God was the one who promised her a child. 2. Her lack of faith lead to impatience. She grew tired of waiting. Abraham was almost 86 so she was almost 76. v. 16 3. She decided to help God out. God does His work in His time. a. King Saul grew impatient with Samuel in 1 Samuel 13. b. God sent Jesus after400 years of silence. c. God will do what He promises when it is right with Him. 4. This lead to a child being born and almost immediate jealously. 5. Only when she trusted in God did she have Isaac, Hebrews 11.11. C) Our lesson 1. Do not try to help God out, do what God says in the way God says. 2. Patience is connected to faith. Luke 21.19 "In your patience you possess your souls" II) Rebekah A) The wife of Isaac, Genesis 24 1. Abraham sends his "oldest servant" to find a wife for Isaac. 2. The servant prays to God for help, vv. 14-15. God answers his prayer with Rebekah. Talk about Divine providence, here it is in action. Which says something about Rebekah. 3. She is described as "very beautiful" and a "virgin". 4. The servant tells her father of his mission and prayer. At that time she agrees to go leave her home and family to marry Isaac. 5. She shows modesty in v. 65. B) Her fault is in Genesis 25. 1. She and Isaac showed partiality with their children. 2. She loved Jacob more than Esau and Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob. a. Some times it is easy to show partiality: men with boys, women with girls, age of children, who they look like, what activities they like, their temperament, etc. b. Partiality often encourages one to misbehave and the other to quit trying. 3. Long term results can be seen in the enmity between the two sons. C) Lesson for us to learn 1. We are to treat our children as God treats us, without partiality. Romans 2.11; Acts 10.;34-35. 2. Children are different but we need to make sure that we are consistent with them. III) Abigail A) The Wife of Nabal, 1 Samuel 25 1. Describe in verse 3 as a women of good understanding and beautiful appearance. 2. Married to Nabal, a wealthy man. One with many servants and livestock. 3. David and his men were camping near Nabal's herd and men. They did not harm them or take any livestock. 4. David sent 10 men to ask for some food. v. 8 5. Nabal insults them and sends them away empty handed. 6. Abigail upon hearing what happened immediately goes into action. a. She has food prepared and sends it to David and his men. b. She goes out to the camp, vv. 23ff. 7. She was of good understanding, took control of the situation, and told the truth. B) Her fault 1. She was married to a worthless man. How? 2. She did not allow his actions stop her from doing what needed to be done. C) Lessons 1. Some times people are in bad marriages but they must not allow it to hinder their good judgment and actions. 2. It only by your faithfulness and obedience can you hope to influence them. Conclusion: We have many similar examples around us today. Successful business women, teachers, store clerks, etc. Who make mistakes but learn from them.
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