GOD OUR FATHER AND MOTHERHOOD

Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2

May 13, 2001 AM

Introduction

· “Gender Inclusive” language that would refer to God as our “mother,” or use the personal pronoun “she,” is biblically inappropriate.

· Neither is “Gender Equal” language that refers to God as “He/She,” or “Father/Mother” authorized by Scripture.

· Women, nevertheless, are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1-2; cf. I Cor. 11:7).

· Women do not in any way need to feel excluded from a rich identification with God.

· This is most especially so with regard to motherhood.

God Our Father and Motherhood

· Isaiah 42:14

· Isaiah 66:13

· Hosea 13:8

· Matthew 23:37

· Isaiah 49:15

· Numbers 11:11-12

· Deuteronomy 32:18

· There are aspects of God’s care for us that are best illustrated by the care a mother has for her child.

· There can be no greater endorsement of motherhood than this!

Motherhood

· Proverbs 31:10-31

· Proverbs 1:8; 6:20

· Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 19:26

· Proverbs 23:22b; Mark 7:5-13

· John 19:25-27

· Mothers are to be respected and honored.

· Jesus’ defense of motherhood and His honoring of His own mother say volumes about the importance of motherhood!

Edwin

5/13/01