DUTIES OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS Studies in Ephesians (35) DUTIES OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS Ephesians 6:1-4

Children – they broad term for any child. Here, teachable Obey your parents – a call to do what you are told, to submit with proper respect cf. Romans 1:30, 2Timothy 3:2 The Old Law – Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Leviticus 20:9 Is this a concern today?

Children Your parents – not just the father! Includes the mother Colossians 3:20, Proverbs 1:8-9, 6:20 In the Lord - as one would submit to the Lord. As is pleasing to Him cf. Col 3:20 Nothing indicates only Christian parents. The only exception – Acts 5:29 What a tragedy when a parent compels a child to sin!

Children For this is right – this is the right thing to do! An orderly society is one where children respect and obey their parents (and others in authority) Cf. Psalm 119:128

Honor your father and mother – Again, both! Children Honor your father and mother – Again, both! Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16 There is tragedy in a rebellious child who refuses to honor his/her parents. Yet it seems far too common today! More tragic is a society that things such is acceptable – cf. Matthew 15:3-6

How do we honor our parents? Children How do we honor our parents? By obeying them - cf. Luke 2:51 Show them respect Listen to them – Proverbs 3:1, 23:33 Be willing to provide later – 1 Timothy 5:4, 8 By obeying God!

Children The first commandment with promise – A fundamental commandment. That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth – Deuteronomy 5:16 Not a promise without exception, but the rule. Respect and obedience typically lead to longer and better lives (less risk, foolishness, etc.) Proverbs 6:20-24, cf. Exodus 21:15-17 Furthermore, this will sustain a society

Fathers Fathers – Why fathers, and not mothers? Mothers do have responsibilities – Proverbs 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:5, Titus 2:4-5, 1 Timothy 2:15, 5:14 The father has the primary responsibility. He is to provide for the house (cf. Matt. 7:9-11, 1 Timothy 5:8) – more than mere physical sustenance Church Leaders need this – 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 12 How tragic the failure in our homes with both fathers and mothers failing in their duties! Children need stable homes!

Fathers Do not provoke your children to wrath – Why fathers, and not mothers? Provoke – to urge or stir up, to exasperate, frustrate To anger This does not say a father cannot make his child angry or upset – when he punishes his child, he might get upset. Oh well! Cf. Hebrews 12:9-11 The point is do not be overbearing, unjust, inconsistent or uncaring in raising children. Colossians 3:21

Fathers Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord – Training – to rear up tenderly and carefully. To wholly care for a child. Includes “chastening” (Heb. 12:5-11). Proverbs 3:11-12, 13:24, 29:15 Admonition – instruction – teaching that will avoid improper conduct! Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:11, Titus 3:10 Proverbs 22:6

Fathers Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord – Of the Lord – our goal in this is to follow that which is pleasing to Him and the Father. Follow HIS wisdom over those of worldly philosophers! Such often contribute to our society’s moral failures! May our goal be to bring up children so that they will love the Lord an submit to His will.

Within our families, are we submitting to His will?