Deuteronomy 5:16; 6:6-7 The First Commandment with a Promised Blessing

Deuteronomy 5:16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Honor = 1.A general submission to the authority of one’s parents. 2.To respect through tangible ways (as such, respectful actions are expected, whilst disrespectful acts such as insulting or hitting one’s parents are prohibited). 3.Caring for one’s parents in need.

1.You shall have no other gods before me. 2.You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; … 3.You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, … 4.Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. … 5.Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 6.You shall not murder. 7.You shall not commit adultery. 8.You shall not steal. 9.You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 10.You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

The Blessings of Long Life and Prosperity in the Land the people of God resides in were Standard Promises to Those who kept Covenant faith in the Lord (Deuteronomy 7:12-15, Deuteronomy 28:1-14), Leviticus 26:3-13.

These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. Deuteronomy 6:1-3 The Blessings of Long Life and Prosperity in the Land the people of God resides in were Standard Promises to Those who kept Covenant faith in the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:1-3; 7:12-15, 28:1-14), Leviticus 26:3-13.

The Blessings of Long Life and Prosperity in the Land the people of God resides in were Standard Promises to Those who kept Covenant faith in the Lord (Deuteronomy 7:12- 15, Deuteronomy 28:1-14), Leviticus 26:3-13. The act of honoring one’s parents is somewhat similar to the act of being faithful to God, loving Him and obeying His will.

1. Parents love and bless their children. God loves us and blesses us His children (even to the point of the sacrifice of Jesus). 2. Parents teach their children about good (as much as they can), hence guiding them towards a blessed life. God teaches His people about His will (which is good, in fact, perfect), hence guiding us towards an abundant life.

Question 1 : I have a good relationship with my parents. Percentage % 17 youths

Question 10 : I know my parents love me. Percentage % 17 youths

Question 10 : I know my parents love me. Percentage % 24 participants, including some students

Percentage % Question 2 : My parents actively show their love for me in many ways.

Words that some youths want to say to their parents Dad, thank you so much for loving me. I know it is tough to take care of me. I really admire you. Mum, besides God, you are the best person I know in the world. Thank you so much for your care and concern. I love you. I am sorry for the hardships you have been through, and I thank you for being so loving. Thanks for providing for the family.

Question 10 : I know my parents love me. Percentage % 24 participants, including some students

Question 12 : My parents positively influence/ encourage me in my Christian walk. Percentage %

Words that some youths want to say to their parents Spend more time on God and family, less on your hobby. Don’t be too emotional and impulsive. Be more open to others’ opinions and be less stubborn. Please accept me as who I am. Don’t disturb my personal relationships with others. I appreciate you but you are not around a lot.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

1. Actions speak louder than words

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” - James Baldwin

1. Actions speak louder than words 2. 2 different worlds – cultures, mindsets, etc

1. Actions speak louder than words 2. 2 different worlds – cultures, mindsets, etc EPIC – E xperiential, P articipatory, I mage Driven and C onnected

Gen X

Generation X Gen Y (Millennial Generation) – 12 to 32 years old

67 – 83 years old Silent Generation 48 – 66 years old Baby Boomers 31 – 47 years old Gen X 13 – 30 years old Millennial Value System Conservative Self- based MediaShop around Attitude to Authority Respect them Replace them Ignore them Choose them Role of Careers Means of Living Central Focus IrritantPlace to serve Technology Hope to outlive it Master itEnjoy itEmploy it Market GoodsServices Experiences Transform- ations

Generation X Generation Y Gen Z – “Facebook Generation”

Gen Z Digital natives rather than digital immigrants. Need to be given reasons for doing and choosing things. Tend to have the expectation that everything should come easily. Need to be taught to persevere. Used to the world being a much smaller place. Growing up with a real concern for the environment.

Question 5 : My parents know me well (my favourite activities, my friends, my favourite TV program, my goals and dreams) Percentage % 24 participants, including some students

Question 11 : I can comfortably share many things with my parents, including my joys, my disappointments and my failures. Percentage %

Question 6 : I would love for my parents to take time to know me, to find out things in my life, to know how I feel. Percentage %

Question 7 : I would love for my parents to teach and guide me. Percentage %

1. Actions speak louder than words 2. 2 different worlds – cultures, mindsets, etc 3. “I am not trained enough – we will leave that to the professionals”.

SECURE S – Spend time together E – Express positive thoughts C – Consistently discipline U – Unite during a crisis R – Recognize each person’s value E – Encourage them daily

Proverbs 3:1-4 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

If we, as parents, do our part, in doing the perfect will of God in teaching our children the ways of God, He will guide us, He will bless the works of our hands.

If we, as children, whether youths or adults, obey God’s word in honoring our parents, surely we will gain favor in the sight of God and of man.

I would like us to act in faith some time during the coming week) – to bless those closest to us. This should be in ADDITION to what we are already doing (for example, if you send your spouse to work every morning, please do not consider it as the additional act I am asking you to do). We will share about what we did in next week’s Pastoral Care Group time. Do something to love/bless your spouse. Do something to honor your parents. Do something to bless your children.