Credit and Respect, Where Credit and Respect is Due
Proverbs 31:10-31

Good Morning.

INTRO:
All across the world people are celebrating a very special day today, which we call ‘Mother’s Day’. People all over the world are giving their mom’s cards and gifts in an attempt to show their gratitude to the best mom in the world. I think that’s fantastic. I think it should happen more often. I think this is a very important day for many reasons, but today I want to talk to all of the women at Chardon, to let you know just how appreciated you are. That’s going to be the focus of our lesson today.

Before we get into it, let me tell you about three mothers who were bragging about their sons. "My son is a wealthy lawyer," said one. "For my birthday he gave me this fur coat." The second mother said; "My son is a doctor, last winter he gave me a vacation at Miami Beach." The third thought for a moment, then blurted, "My son sees a fancy psychiatrist each week. He pays the psychiatrist a hundred fifty dollars an hour and guess who he spends his time talking about? Me!"

I think that women are the most under estimated Christians in many congregations. We men need to honor them for what they do within our church family. Our scripture reading this morning was taken from Proverbs 31 and I just want to paraphrase the last verse for now. Proverbs 31:31 – ”Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.”

What I want to do this morning is remind us men to be more aware of what the ladies are doing for the Lord within our congregation, and I also want to encourage the ladies to keep doing what they are doing. I want to encourage them to do because God appreciates it. We want to give the ladies credit for all they do and give all the respect that is so richly deserved. Hence the title today is “Credit and Respect where Credit and Respect is Due”.
I was at the area men’s meeting on Monday and as the various elders and preachers talked about what was happening in their respective congregations a number of them talked about the work that the ladies have been doing. The tone of their remarks was heavy in gratitude for the work that the ladies were doing and for the support that they furnished. I thought we should hear about that. The ladies work hard in the background, and they need to be given credit.

The ladies within our congregations work tirelessly for the Lord and most times they do it quietly behind the scenes. I want to encourage you ladies to keep doing that because you do make a difference in a congregation. You are a huge help to us men whether we want to admit that or not. The ladies are a crucial part of a congregation, and very much needed.

I. The men in the Lord’s church should be taking the time to thank God for each and every one of you and the help given us. We read of a woman just like this in Romans 16:1-2 – where the apostle says; “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.”
A. Paul wanted others to know that his sister in Christ, Phoebe, was a great help to him and many others. She was a great friend.
B. Let me tell you about another woman like that which we can read about in Romans 16:3-4 – “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” The apostle Paul again wanted others to know that his sister in Christ, Priscilla, was a great help to him. Paul says she was so much help that she even risked her life to help Paul.
C. There are four other women like that which we can read about in Romans 16:6;12 – “Greet Mary, who labored much for us” - “Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.” Tryphena and Tryphosa, their names, characteristically pagan, are in contrast to their significance. Paul wants the hearers of the Roman Epistle to know about his sisters in Christ: Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis who were a great help to Paul in proclaiming the gospel.
II. We are so fortunate to have godly women working hard helping us spread the gospel in places we men can’t reach.
A. I heard of a lady say once; ‘I don’t think I’m doing much to serve the Lord’s church’. Do you know what that lady’s problem was? She was only thinking about Sunday mornings. Serving is more than Sunday mornings. When you think about it, Sunday mornings are only two hours of the week.
B. We mention in the announcements the names of the men who will serve in worship each Sunday. That is not the only serving that is going on, believe me. The men are mentioned in that way so worship will proceed in an orderly manner with each one knowing what part they are to lead. It in no way enumerates all the serving that is going on for the congregation.
C. Ladies, we want all of you to know this morning, that just like Paul we thank God for what you do, not only on Sunday’s but every day of the week. Because if this congregation is going to keep going, a lot of it is going to be due to the all the hard work you ladies do, often in the background, every day of the week. That’s what it is going to come down to.
D. I can confidently say that because I know that our ladies speak to others about Jesus. I know that our ladies talk to their family and to their friends and neighbors about Jesus. I know that our ladies are trying to set up studies with people. I know that our ladies offer invitations to people to come to our assembly and see for themselves. I see how they talk to visitors and make sure they are welcomed and encourage them to visit again. I just want to encourage you all to keep doing that because that’s a vital part of the Lord’s work.
III. Another area I want to encourage you in, is benevolence. I believe that all Christians should be involved with benevolence. James tells us in James 1:27 – “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
A. Just like it says, benevolence is the mark of pure and undefiled religion. All of us should be involved with this area, but I think if there is ever an area of serving which suits women better, it is benevolence. Let me explain why.
B. You see, I believe that women bring a certain kind of grace and beauty when it comes to helping others. They project a grace and beauty which men don’t possess. In areas where men just run in and look for a quick fix to any problem, women seem to have this unique attribute of femininity which serves well in areas of benevolence.
C. When talking with the ladies of this congregation you can hear it when they speak. You can see it when they do things. There’s something there that men don’t have. They are full of mercy and compassion because it seems to be almost second-nature to them. In fact, listen to what Paul says in Romans 12:6-8 – “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
D. I know men have these gifts, but I think the ladies exercise these things more than anyone else. You can call me old fashioned but I believe there are certain areas where women are far superior in using their skills than men are.
E. Let me share with you another lady we find in the Bible who was like that. She was a woman who used her talents for the benefit of the congregation in a remarkable way. Luke records in Acts 9:36-39 – “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas (in Greek that means a “deer”). This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”
F. Tabitha made clothes for those widows, for those who were very much in need. She made a big difference in the lives of those widows and everyone she came into contact with was blessed by her efforts. You know what, ladies; you do the same.
G. Think about it, you care for the households, look after and minister to the physically and spiritually sick, encourage those needing encouragement, and apply correction where it is needed. You do all these things. I don’t think that anyone is better at extending hospitality than women are.
H. Ladies, again let me encourage you to keep doing that. If you ever take the time to read church history you will discover that one of the main reasons why the church grew so quickly was because of women like you who showed great hospitality.
IV. I would ask you to turn with me to our text for today; Proverbs 31:10-31 – and here in this poem we read a brilliant description of the wife and mother in the Old Testament. “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. . She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.'' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
A. This poem is a powerful description and it applies to our ladies today in many ways. Here are illustrated wonderful qualities of thrift, industry, kindness, compassion, efficiency, business sense, discretion, discernment, true-love, faithfulness and all the other graces and virtues of true womanhood. However, her crowning glory is expressed in these words; “but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” There is no ability or achievement that surpasses the sacred worthiness of the truly Christian woman like the ones in our midst.
B. When I read this poem I automatically think about the ladies within our congregation. I look at you and see Christian ladies with good reputations, those who have and some still are bringing their children up well. I look around and see those who have welcomed strangers into their house and worked together humbly with other Christians. Those who have helped countless people who are in trouble and are totally devoted to doing good. I’ve said this already this morning, but thank God for women like you, because you are a great blessing to the Lord’s work here in Chardon in countless ways.
C. You may not think that you have a lot of offer people, but if you offer God what you have, you are in a no lose situation. With God’s help you can do anything. We all need to recognize that any work that a woman does for the Lord is a powerful contribution to the work here at Chardon and to the reputation of our congregation. Ladies, please don’t stop doing that. You are making a huge difference not only in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ but also in the lives of everyone you meet and everybody you help.
V. Another area I believe that all Christians have an essential role in, is edification of the church. Paul says in Ephesians 4:15-16 – “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” This is a passage that reminds us of the importance of working together. If one person isn’t working in the body that affects the whole body.
A. Paul says we all need to be involved in the building of the Lord’s body. We all need to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ"[para] according to Galatians 6:2. We all need to "Comfort each other and edify one another" [para] according to 1 Thessalonians 5:11. We all need to "Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak" [para] according to 1 Thessalonians 5:14. We all need to be involved with those areas of edification of the church.
B. I believe our women do this in such a beautiful and glorious way. Yes, women can’t preach or teach during the worship assembly, but they can still preach and teach. In 2 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 3:14-15 Paul tells us that grandmothers and mothers can teach children, as Lois and Eunice did with Timothy.
C. I know that we have a few women who have been very active in teaching not only their own children but other children about God.
D. According to Titus 2:3-5 we find that the older women can and should teach younger women.
1. A lady who adopted an orphan girl lavished upon her the same love and care as upon her own children. When the child was old enough to attend school, she one day heard someone there remark that she was "only an adopted child."
2. She ran home crying bitterly, and sobbed out to her mother: "Is it true that I'm not really your little girl," "Why, of course you're my little girl," was the answer. "Isn't this your own home, and aren't May and Jasmine and Willie and Tom your sisters and brothers?" The child's head was laid in her mother's lap, and the lady stroked her hair soothingly: "But, mother, did you born me?"
3. The mother said; “I did not give birth to you my darling, but I chose you to be my little girl.”
E. I tell you, we are not by birth children of God. Sin does not stamp us as children of the devil by birth either. The moment we receive Christ as Savior we are adopted as children of God. Not only that—to make it doubly sure, God provides an actual birth in baptism, a new birth—the second birth.
F. The Scots have a soft, pleasant word for children. They call them "bairns". "Bairns" means born ones. Those who have broken with sin and have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior are both adopted orphans and "bairns", the born ones. For Jesus' sake God adopts us as Jesus' brothers and sisters; and through the Holy Spirit he regenerates us. Christians are both adopted and born again as God's children. You may think, ok, what does this have to do with what you’re talking about?
G. Sometimes God adds people to His number who have never benefited from having godly mothers or godly grandmothers in their lives. There are ways the ladies here become almost like surrogate mothers and grandmothers to these new converts. That plays a big, big part in their lives.
H. If there is one area of edification I believe that is very powerful and totally underestimated, it’s when you’re feeling down and you need someone to talk to. We talked about that the other week, about it being a “dry time”, a time of spiritual dryness. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have received encouragement from the women of this congregation, besides Nina I mean. Though they may or may not have known it, those words of encouragement I have received have really helped me. Sometimes I have received that encouragement in a time of struggle and I thank God for each of you, not just for the words you are saying, but because you are allowing God to use you in this way.
VI. It has been said that men are natural producers, where women are natural nurturers. I think that is true. When we look at society today with so many dysfunctional families and emotional problems in the world, the gift of encouragement and nurturing possessed by many women is essential for the work of the Lord. You have what people need. Not only I, but many teachers and preachers have been greatly blessed by godly women encouraging them in their work. Ladies, please keep doing that, your role in the edification of the congregation… is essential.
A. I want to encourage each of you today to see yourselves that way.
B. You need to see yourselves as teachers of young people and other women, and as encouragers of us men in our work of preaching the gospel. We men want you to know that we see what you’re doing and thank God for each of you. Even if we do not always remember to express it, shame on us, but we do notice.
C. David Kenny at the area meeting mentioned Nina’s work as church secretary in Streetsboro. That was over 10 years ago and there was no particular call for him to bring it up, but he did. It left an impression.
VII. The final area where the ladies are heavily involved that I want to look at before we wrap up, is your contribution towards evangelism. This is another area that is often overlooked. Again, this is another area where we all need to be involved. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;”
A. We all have a duty to share the gospel with others and remember according to Romans 1:16, it’s the gospel which has the power to save people. This is another area where we find that women can help preach the gospel in different ways.
B. They can help support those who preach the gospel just like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna did in Luke 8:1-3. They can help support those who preach the gospel by providing much needed hospitality, as did Lydia in Acts 16:15.
C. I know that you can tell others about Christ because you’re already busy doing that, and ladies, please don’t ever think you’re insignificant because like we said earlier God can use what you have to offer. If you ever think; well, I have got nothing to offer, I’m just a woman, - none of you are “just” anything, - I want you to remember the example of the Samaritan woman. After talking with Jesus this woman, who isn’t even mentioned by name and some would call insignificant, does something incredible. John 4:28-30 – “The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?'' Then they went out of the city and came to Him.”
D. Look what happened because this “insignificant” woman with no name took the time to tell others about Jesus. Look at John 4:39-42 – “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did.'' So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” You see how this works folks?
E. This woman, called insignificant, with no name recorded, was instrumental in bringing many people to believe in Jesus. Each of you ladies here today is just as instrumental as that woman was back then.
F. Then there was Priscilla, who with her husband according to Acts 18:1-4 provided a place for Paul to stay during his ministry at Corinth. Not only that, she actually helped according to Acts 18:24-26 to teach Apollos at Ephesus. If that wasn’t enough according to 1 Corinthians 16:19 she also helped host a congregation of the saints in her home.
VIII. Look at 1 Peter 3:1-2 – where it says; “Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” Your conduct may win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is.
A. What I’m saying, folks, is that even without a word, godly women can lead others to Christ, including unbelieving husbands. Many souls have been saved, and many congregations started, through the evangelistic efforts of godly women.
B. As I said at the start of this sermon, what I want to do this morning is bring more awareness to the men about all the things the ladies of this congregation are involved with in the background, and to encourage the ladies to keep doing what they are doing. I also want you ladies to know that we love you and pray that God will give you the strength and grace to carry on.
C. Ladies, keep praying because I believe there is something deeply spiritual about a woman’s prayer and we know that prayer is the most powerful weapon we all possess. God sees everything that’s going on so please don’t think that your not contributing to the work here at Chardon, you are in a very big way. Remember it is far more important than anyone else seeing what you’re doing. That working in the background thing—keep doing it.

CLOSE:
Folks, as someone once said, the true measure of a local congregation is not defined “only” by what occurs in the assembly, it includes what the members do day by day, in the home, at work, in the world. It involves the benevolence, edification, and evangelism takes place on a daily, personal basis.

When godly women are active in the service of the Lord, like you all are, using the talents and opportunities given to you, do you know what happens? Souls are saved. People are going to be strengthened in the Lord, and cared for in times of need.

The Lord's church is made stronger, and the kingdom of God is expanded in the world. When I look around at the ladies of this congregation, do you know what I see? I see women like Mary, Dorcas, Lydia, Priscilla, Lois, Eunice, and Phoebe. That’s who I see and I hope and pray that the men are seeing that as well.

If I were to write a letter like the one Paul wrote Romans 16:1-2 – I would say; “I recommend to you our sisters in Christ (Ruth, Juanita, Mary, Rebecca, Sara, Cindy) and all the other Christian women in attendance here today, who come to visit and support and who serve the church at Chardon. Receive them in the Lord's name, as God's people should, and give them any help they may need from you; for they all have been good friends to many people and also to me”. Men, may we never take for granted nor belittle the valuable service provided by our sisters in this congregation, but may we encourage them, and give them the credit and respect that is due. Treat them as worthy saints.
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We learn from the New Testament how to be saved. We need to hear the word; believe in Jesus; repent of our sins; we must confess our belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and be baptized for the remission of our sins… If we follow these steps, the Lord adds us to His church.

Perhaps there is someone in the assembly today with the need to be buried with Christ in baptism. If you have never done these things, we urge you to do so today. If anyone has this need or desires the prayers of faithful Christians on their behalf, we encourage them to come forward while we stand and sing.

# 623
Taken from sermon by Mike Glover