050816AM THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL (SOLOMON), THE PROPHECY THAT HSI MOTHER (BATHSHEBA) TAUGHT HIM

 

Chesswood Baptist Church

       Where Everybody is Somebody

                                  Pastor Howard Daniel, Jr.

                                                                  4357 US Hwy 59 South

                                                            P.O. Box 343

                                      Livingston, Texas 77351

                                                               936-327-8870

 

	MINISTRY OF THE WORD THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL (SOLOMON), THE PROPHECY THAT HIS MOTHER (BATHSHEBA) TAUGHT HIM PASTOR HOWARD DANIEL, JR. SUNDAY MORNING, MAY 8, 2016 MOTHERS DAY SCRIPTURE READING: PROVERBS 31:1-12
	Proverbs  31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

 

1. BACKGROUND
		a.	Please see the evening message from May 8, 2016 for the Background.

 

2. INTRODUCTION
	a.	Today is Mother’s Day and it only fitting that we examine Historical events that lead to the destination of Mother’s Day.
	b.	“After Anna Reeves Jarvis died, her daughter Anna M. Jarvis campaigned for the creation of an official Mother’s Day in remembrance of her mother and in honor of peace. In 1908, Anna petitioned the superintendent of the church where her Mother had spent over 20 years teaching Sunday School. Her request was honored, and on May 10, 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration took place at Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia and a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The West Virginia event drew a congregation of 407 and Anna Jarvis arranged for white carnations — her Mother’s favorite flower — to adorn the patrons. Two carnations were given to every Mother in attendance. Today, white carnations are used to honor deceased Mothers, while pink or red carnations pay tribute to Mothers who are still alive. Andrew’s Methodist Church was incorporated into the International Mother’s Day Shrine in the late 1960’s, and in 1992, became a National Historic Landmark for its significance in the establishment of a national Mother’s Day celebration. US Government Adoption In 1908 a U.S. Senator from Nebraska, Elmer Burkett, proposed making Mother’s Day a national holiday at the request of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). The proposal was defeated, but by 1909 forty-six states were holding Mother’s Day services as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. Anna Jarvis quit working and devoted herself full time to the creation of Mother’s Day, endlessly petitioning state governments, business leaders, women groups, churches and other institutions and organizations. She finally convinced the World’s Sunday School Association to back her, a key influence over state legislators and congress. In 1912 West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Mother’s Day, and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed it into national observance, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.”
	c.	We recognize Mothers as a vital part of God’s frame work for the family. It is for this reason we have recognized all Mother and would-be Mothers in attendance today at Chesswood Baptist Church.
	d.	In the beginning, God created male and female. Genesis 1:27, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. God told them to be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28, And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
	e.	We honour our Mothers, would-be Mothers and Mrandmothers on this special day. We cannot turn to a better passage of scripture than the one that is in our text, The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
	f.	Proverbs 31 opens with Solomon recalling what his Mother Bathsheba taught him.
		I believe in Christian circles we have over emphasized Bathsheba and David’s actions. We must remember that both were fully forgiven for their deeds by the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often we focus on the negative aspects of one’s life; Today I want to emphasize Bathsheba’s life from a positive perspective.
	g.	All of God’s servants have had flaws even Daniel which scripture reflects no derogatory information on his part.
		Mary the mother of Jesus whom some would attempt to deify acknowledges God my Saviour. Luke 1:47, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
	h.	After reading and studying Proverbs 31 I am of the opinion that Bathsheba should be listed in the Hall of Fame of great mothers of the Bible. Her instructions to King Solomon are accurate, timely and on target.
	i.	She ranks along with Sarah, Esther, Ruth, Hannah, Eunice, Lois and Mary the mother of Jesus just to name a few.
	j.	Although Solomon disobeyed God it was certainly not his mother’s fault.
	k.	With that introduction let’s see what God would have us learn from this precious woman’s actions, as she teaches King Solomon.

 

3.	NINE POINTS TO THE MESSAGE
	a.	The words of king Lemuel.
		1.	Proverbs 31:1, The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
		2.	It is amazing how accurate the Word of God is. We do not have to be confused by this particular verse under consideration.
		3.	As we search the kings in both Israel and Judah, we find no king by this name. However, a close examination would indicate that Solomon is the author of this book.
		4.	God gave Solomon a name in 2 Samuel 12:25, And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. This name under consideration of Lemuel is none other than Solomon being taught by his mother Bathsheba.
		5.	We have a statement that is not contained in the Bible that says, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.”
		6.	I believe one of the problems in America is that we have diminished womanhood to a very low level and few want to rock the cradle.
		7.	I can tell you there is nothing better than a Godly mother who is merciful to guide the family in the right direction. She has an influence on the girls. We are told in Titus 2:3-5, The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4: That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5: To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
		8.	We also know the mother has a tremendous influence on the males in the family, especially on her sons when she takes time to teach them.
		9.	The verse under consideration says that King Lemuel was taught this prophesy by his mother.
		10.	She took time to instruct this young man. We know Solomon turned out to be a great man although he did not please the Lord in every aspect of his life. The Lord told him not to multiply horses, wives, gold and silver and he disobeyed.
		11.	If Solomon had listened and acted upon the advice his mother gave him, it is amazing what he would have turned out to be: a real gem for God.
		12.	Solomon asked God for wisdom and God gave him that wisdom. 1 Kings 3:12, Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

 

	b.	The son of my vows.
		1.	Proverbs 31:2, What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
		2.	Bathsheba is making sure that Solomon is instructed using Godly principles.
		3.	Some would say Bathsheba was involved in a great degree of sin; however, I would like to quickly tell you that Bathsheba was certainly involved with David, but it was David that sinned against the Lord.
		4.	I believe she was associated with this sin but I do not believe she was the one that instigated all of this activity. By the way we must remember God forgave her just like he forgives you and I. We must keep in mind none of us are worthy and certainly none of us are perfect. Galatians 6:1, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
		5.	As a matter of fact when we look at Matthew 1:6, And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; Notice Bathsheba’s name is not even mentioned.
		6.	I believe God is making it clear that it was David who was responsible for this sin.
		7.	As Nathan faced David and said, Thou art the man, David did not deny the fact. 2 Samuel 12:7, And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 2 Samuel 12:13, And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. But those that believe and teach that you can lose you salvation David does not lose his but merely asked the Lord to restore the joy of his salvation which speaks to fellowship not a relationship. Psalms 51:12, Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit
		8.	We have an old saying that says, The fruit does not fall far from the tree.
		9.	Bathsheba knew in detail the heart of David and she knew that Solomon would face similar temptations and wanted to make sure Solomon was instructed the right way so he would not yield to this temptation.
		10.	When we read about Solomon we see that it did not work even though the instructions were accurate and very clear.
		11.	When we have been taught and given light we are responsible for that light we have been given. Psalms 119:130, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
		12.	As a result of Solomon’s disobedience, the Kingdom was divided and was split into Israel and Judah. We all know the story.
		13.	Bathsheba was a dedicated mother; she tried to guide Solomon in the right direction.

 

	c.	Give not thy strength unto women.
		1.	Proverbs 31:3, Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
		2.	She knew David and knew his throne had been greatly affected as a result of David looking upon her instead of being out with his men at war; committing both adultery and murder.
		3.	Because kings were in authority, she wanted to make sure that Solomon did not get the impression that he was bigger than life.
		4.	Bathsheba wants Solomon to know that he is not to give his strength to women. She was keenly aware that lack of control, with respect to women, destroys kings. God has ordained one woman for one man for a life time. Genesis 2:24, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Solomon should give his strength to the things of the Lord. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
		5.	nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. – I believe Bathsheba saw in Solomon many of the characteristics of King David.
		6.	Although King David was considered a man after God’s own heart; he stepped out of God’s will and as a result David was punished sorely. God took the kingdom from Saul. 1 Samuel 13:14, But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
		7.	Not too long ago we preached on David and we learned that as a result of David’s punishment God said the sword would never depart from his house. 2 Samuel 12:10, Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

 

	d.	O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine.
		1.	Proverbs 31:4, It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
		2.	The thing that has destroyed most nations is alcohol. It is a problem within our nation as well. Latest statistics there are over 12 million alcoholics in the US alone. It has destroyed lives and families in abundance and it all started with that first social drink. I seldom get the opportunity to preach against alcohol, but here God has given us that privilege.
		3.	As you know, I try not to meddle and get into other folks business, but when we come across certain things in the Word of God we must preach the whole counsel of God.
		4.	Notice the reason why kings need to stay away from wine and strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
		5.	According to this particular passage, kings have a responsibility to the people, to govern according to the rules that God has laid down. When that judgment is clouded in any way, shape or form it poses severe problems.
		6.	Timothy was instructed in 1 Timothy 5:23, Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. We must be careful to note that this was for medicinal purposes for his often infirmities and for no other reason.
		7.	As far as cocktail parties, happy hours or all the things that alcohol is associated with it causes all types of problems within families. It is difficult for men and woman to comprehend its devastating effects.
		8.	Bathsheba is able to see this and she instructs her son in the right direction.
		9.	If we want to abide by God’s instructions that is fine; if we do not want to abide by it there are certainly consequences.
		10.	I would advise our nation that we need to turn to God’s Word and find out what is contained in the Preserved Word of God.
		11.	We are instructed in Proverbs 23:31, Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

 

	e.	Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish.
		1.	Proverbs 31:6-7, Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7: Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
		2.	There is pleasure in sin for a season. Hebrews 11:25, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
		3.	Solomon is to use the wine for medicine only as God instructed us in 1 Timothy.
		4.	Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7: Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. – This misery is remembered later on as it reflects throughout the families.
		5.	There are so many families who have been destroyed as a result of alcoholic beverages.
		6.	I know there are many Christians who rationalize and say it is ok. Bathsheba gives very good instructions from the Inspired Preserved Word of God.

 

	f.	Open thy mouth, judge righteously.
		1.	Proverbs 31:8-9, Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9: Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
		2.	Solomon is instructed by his Godly mother to be honest, just and to be fair in all his dealings.
		3.	I believe the slogan at Chesswood Baptist Church; Where Everybody is Somebody, is very good advice for all of us.
		4.	We must not pick favorites and we must not fail to recognize there are poor among us.
		5.	We are not to embarrass them in any way. We are to take care of their needs.
		6.	I believe one of the curses upon this country is the way we exploit the poor. It all depends on who you know. It should not be that way at all.
		7.	Now this Godly Mother is going to another area, having covered the fact that Solomon is not to give his strength to women, but is to stay true to God, stay away from wine and strong drink. Now she turns to another area where David had a problem and it will destroy Solomon’s home if he does not heed to what his mother is about to say. The following   passage deals with Solomon’s selection of a wife.

 

	g.	Who can find a virtuous woman?
		1.	Proverbs 31:10, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
		2.	Virtuous in this particular passage means a woman of character.
		3.	It also means a woman of strength, of talent, who has abilities, is smart, and is compassionate, kind and understanding.
		4.	This passage means so many things that we could not paint a proper picture.
		5.	We have recognized one who, I believe, displays all these virtues and qualities and her name is Bathsheba.
		6.	I can tell you that a Mother and her guidance are so important. I remember my Mother and her instructions, although she died in 1965, it is very clear in my heart and mind that my Mom taught me patience. She taught me excellence, how to do things the right way and not be satisfied with just any old way. She was not a busybody; she was not about trying to take care of other folks business. She concentrated her efforts on her son and wanted me to turn out well in every respect.
		7.	Notice there is nothing that would compare to this virtuous woman. “for her price is far above rubies.”
		8.	What a picture of the virtuous woman. Bathsheba explains to Solomon all of these qualities.
		9.	Solomon followed part of his Godly Mom’s instructions. However, he did multiplied horses, wives, gold and silver in disobedience to God and it caused severe and extreme consequences.
		10.	God has never intended for it to be any other way than one man and one woman for a lifetime.
		11.	This is God’s rule. God said to Adam in Genesis 2:18, And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
		12.	It is sad that we do not find virtuous women in abundance today.
		13.	I am pleased that God was able to give me a virtuous woman as my mother. And likewise allowed me to find a virtuous woman to be my bride. Notice in the next verse a trust relationship is established immediately as we become one flesh. Genesis 2:24, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

 

	h.	The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.
		1.	Proverbs 31:11, The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
		2.	She is faithful in all that she does; faithful to her husband, faithful to her family. She is frugal in the resources that God has given them.
		3.	A help meet does not mean a servant or slave. I believe so many men have placed their wives in the form of servants and slaves. We must remember she is an equal partner and the two become one. The Scriptures say she is the weaker vessel. 1 Peter 3:7, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
		4.	The divine order for a productive home is contained in the Preserved Word of God. 1. Ephesians 5:21, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 2. Husbands are instructed to love their wife. Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 3. Wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. Ephesians 5:22, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 4. Children are commanded to obey their parents. Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
		5.	I understand in the day in which we live, we have women’s liberation that has caused men in many cases to disrespect women.
		6.	I believe she is the weaker vessel and I believe God has placed her here as the other half of man.
		7.	I do not believe man is complete unless he has a virtuous help meet.
		8.	The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her – There is so much jealousy in the land. There should be no jealousy between husband and wife.
		9.	We have no need of spoil if things are being taken care of. Always remember that the five basic needs of a woman are: 1.   Affection 2.   Communication 3.   Openness 4.   Family Support 5.   Family Commitment

 

	i.	She will do him good and not evil.
		1.	Proverbs 31:12, She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
		2.	She is a true help meet. She is not seeking ways to destroy or usurp authority. She is seeking ways to praise her husband.
		3.	If she will take care of this, it is amazing as to what the children will turn out to be. The guiding principle for children is how dad treats mom.
		4.	So many people have problems with children today. But if we as husband and wife submit ourselves one to the other in the fear of the Lord, then we will have children who will fall in line.
		5.	Certainly every child will test the water. But if dad and mom are together and not in competition with each other, then the children will follow suit.

 

4.	CONCLUSION
	a.	Do you know the Saviour?
	b.	If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, it is impossible to be a virtuous woman.
	c.	If you do not know him as Saviour, it is impossible to raise a Godly family. Our kids will later depart.
	d.	Remember God says in Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
	e.	Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
	f.	Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
	g.	Romans 10:9-10, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
	h.	Would you please stand?

 

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