Bethel Baptist Church of Tillamook, OR
May 10, 2026
- For The Beauty Of The Earth
- Now Thank We All Our God
- I Am Not My Own
- For your sermon, consider this reframing: Rather than celebrating what mothers do, explore what women are—their capacity for influence, their spiritual strength, their role as leaders and mentors in the faith community. You might emphasize helping women “grow, to expand their lives and to find pleasure and happiness in serving others,” which honors feminine contribution without reducing it to maternity.Practically, this allows you to honor women who aren’t mothers—whether by circumstance, calling, or choice—while still acknowledging those who are. The theological move is subtle but significant: from celebrating a role to celebrating a character. You’re not dismissing motherhood; you’re placing it within a larger vision of women’s spiritual significance and agency.1. A capacity for transformative influence.Biblical examples of a woman's capacity for influence for good?Scripture presents women wielding transformative influence across multiple spheres—domestic, political, spiritual, and moral. Their capacity to shape outcomes extends far beyond the household into matters of national consequence and redemptive history.Deborah operated as both prophetess and judge, sitting under a palm tree where Israelites came to her for judicial decisions, Judg 4:4–9
Judges 4:4–9 NASB95 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment. Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, “Behold, the Lord, the God of Israel, has commanded, ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun. ‘I will draw out to you Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon, and I will give him into your hand.’ ” Then Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.She commanded the military leader Barak to mobilize troops against Sisera, the enemy commander (Judg 4:4–9), and identified herself as “a mother in Israel” (Judg 5:7)Judges 5:7 NASB95 “The peasantry ceased, they ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Until I arose, a mother in Israel.—a role encompassing spiritual leadership and national deliverance. Her godly judgment accompanied and encouraged Barak in battle.Esther risked her own life by approaching the king without permission to intercede for her people Esther 4:13–16Esther 4:13–16 NASB95 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”Esther demonstrated how strategic positioning and courage could prevent genocide.The Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah, fearing God, refused Pharaoh’s command to kill newborn boys, and God established households for them Exod 1:15–21Exodus 1:15–21 NASB95 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.” So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them.showing how women in vulnerable positions could protect the vulnerable.In domestic contexts, a worthy woman earned her husband’s trust and “does him good and not evil all the days of her life” Proverbs 31:10–12 The Proverbs 31 woman invested her energies for her family and community; her husband “stood taller in the community because he had such a wife”. Women with theological depth “empowered, strengthened, and urged” men toward greater faithfulness[1].Proverbs 31:10–12 NASB95 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.Lydia, a merchant, responded to Paul’s teaching and opened her household to hospitality (Acts 16:14–15Acts 16:14–15 NASB95 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.Dorcas was “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity” Acts 9:36–39Acts 9:36–39 NASB95 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, “Do not delay in coming to us.” So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.Priscilla assisted in instructing the eloquent Apollos in God’s way more accurately Acts 18:24–26Acts 18:24–26 NASB95 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God 2more accurately.Mary Magdalene became the first witness to the resurrection, commissioned to announce Christ to the disciples (John 20:11–18).These examples show us that God has given women “a remarkable ability to be a compelling force” in their spheres as servants, wives, and mothers[2]. Whether through prophetic speech, wise counsel, courageous intervention, or faithful service, biblical women shaped history and pointed others toward God’s purposes.2. Their spiritual strength.Biblical women demonstrate spiritual strength through prophetic authority, unwavering faith, and theological depth that shaped nations and generations.Deborah functioned as a prophetess and judge, sitting under a palm tree where Israelites came seeking her judgment. (Judg 4:4–9) Her spiritual authority extended beyond the courtroom—she commanded Barak to mobilize troops, declaring that God would deliver the enemy commander into his hands. (Judg 4:4–9) Deborah identified herself as “a mother in Israel,” (Judg 5) a title encompassing spiritual leadership and national deliverance. She judged Israel and accompanied and encouraged Barak in the heat of battle.Mary’s Magnificat reveals profound theological conviction—she exalted the Lord, recognizing God’s regard for her humble state and proclaiming that all generations would count her blessed because “the Mighty One has done great things” for her. (Luke 1:46–55) Her spiritual perception grasped redemptive significance before others understood it.Anna the prophetess, advanced in years, never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers, and at the moment of Jesus’s presentation, she came forward giving thanks to God and speaking of Him to all who awaited Jerusalem’s redemption. Luke 2:36–38Luke 2:36–38 NASB95 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.Her decades of devotion culminated in recognizing the Messiah.The Proverbs 31 woman clothed herself with strength and dignity, opening her mouth in wisdom with teaching of kindness on her tongue. This ideal woman invested all her energies and resources for the good of her husband, family, and community, and was a woman of action whose mind was deeply engaged in the ways of God.A careful study of women in Scripture reveals that godly women who served God’s purpose in their generation displayed courage, endured hardship, and exercised faith that overcomes impossible odds. Timothy’s sincere faith dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, 2 Tim 1:5 demonstrating how spiritual strength transmits across generations through maternal influence.2 Timothy 1:5 NASB95 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.Priscilla, with her husband Aquila, took Apollos aside and explained God’s way more accurately, (Acts 18:24–26) exercising theological authority. These theologically informed women empowered, strengthened, and urged men on to greater faithfulness and were better equipped to do so because of their grasp of God’s character and ways.3. Their function as mentors and leaders.Scripture reveals women functioning as mentors and leaders across multiple contexts—from one-on-one spiritual formation to prophetic authority and judicial leadership.Spiritual mentoring occurs when a woman possessing faith and spiritual maturity enters into a nurturing relationship with a younger woman in order to encourage and equip her to live for God’s glory. While discipleship teaches how to understand God’s Word and pray, mentoring demonstrates how to live life. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mary exemplifies this dynamic.God knew that Mary would need a mentor and a friend to counsel, comfort, and coach her, and He provided for her before she even asked. Mary, probably around sixteen years old, traveled one hundred miles from Galilee to Judea to spend three months with her mentor, Elizabeth. When Mary entered Elizabeth’s home, the older woman blessed her, declaring “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” and “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”Phoebe represents a striking example of female leadership in the early church. Paul identifies Phoebe as a deaconess and forerunner in the faith, recognizing her as “a helper of many and of myself as well.” Paul made a point of announcing publicly that the person who helped give him whatever he needed for effective ministry was a woman, in a letter that would have been heard by first-century Christians.Paul draws attention to the fact that Phoebe is not only his helper but also a leader in a church, calling her “our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchreae.”Deborah functioned as both judge and prophet, taking the initiative in rousing her people against the Canaanites, with her leadership celebrated in a victory song.Other countercultural leaders include Huldah, the prophetess who was the agent of Yahweh’s word to Josiah at the inception of his revival. 2 Kings 22:14-202 Kings 22:14–20 NASB95 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter); and they spoke to her. She said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, thus says the Lord, “Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. “Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched.” ’ “But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord thus shall you say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel, “Regarding the words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,” declares the Lord. “Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.” ’ ” So they brought back word to the king.Huldah’s reception and transmission of God’s word was remarkable because she was contemporary with Jeremiah and Zephaniah—in this case God chose to speak through a woman.New Testament women released from cultural limitations on their public ministries include the daughters of Philip, who were prophetesses,Romans 16:1–12 NASB95 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.Phoebe, who was a leader of a local church, Priscilla, who with her husband were fellow workers in the gospel with Paul, Junia, fellow prisoner with Paul who is considered outstanding by Paul, being active in proclaiming Christ and was in Christ before Paul, Tryphena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord, Persis the beloved. who worked hard in the Lord, and Euodia, and Syntyche, Phil 4:2-3Philippians 4:2–3 NASB95 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.These and other women marked the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that women as well as men would be instruments of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Judges 4:4–9NASB95
Judges 5:7NASB95
Esther 4:13–16NASB95
Exodus 1:15–21NASB95
Proverbs 31:10–12NASB95
Acts 16NASB95
Acts 16:14–15NASB95
Acts 9NASB95
Acts 9:36–39NASB95
Acts 18:24–26NASB95
Judges 4NASB95
Luke 1:46–55NASB95
Luke 2:36–38NASB95
2 Timothy 1:5NASB95
2 Kings 22:14–20NASB95
Romans 16NASB95
Romans 16:1–12NASB95
Philippians 4:2–3NASB95
- Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean
Bethel Baptist Church of Tillamook, OR
(503) 842-5598
20 members • 1 follower