The Family & the Home Lesson 8: The Role of the Child

Marriage & Family Roles  Children are a blessing from God (Psa. 127:3)  We direct our children – like an arrow – one way or the other (Psa. 127:4)  Children can and should be taught the right way of the Lord (Isa. 54:13)  The relationship between parent and child is a part of the 10 Commandments (Ex. 20:12)

Marriage & Family Roles  Marriages and families are failing all around the world because men, women, and children are not fulfilling their God-given roles and responsibilities  If we want the blessings of marriage and family (Psa. 128), we have to fulfill the divine roles & relationships given to us by God; not follow society’s worldly wisdom

Marriage & Family Roles  The responsibilities have to be sorted out ahead of time like on a ball team or in business  There are important roles and relationships that must be identified and maintained in every marriage and family  Children have responsibilities toward their parents and toward God

Marriage & Family Roles Marriage and family roles can be identified in three ways…  One’s position  One’s responsibility  One’s attitude

The Children: Their Position  Their position: “submission” (Gr. hupotagee from hupotasso = “to place or arrange (tasso) under (hupo); be subject to; to submit; to obey”  Scripture references: Lk. 2:51 (was subject); Eph. 6:4 (obey); 1 Tim. 3:4 (in subjection, under control)

The Children: Their Responsibility  Their responsibility to the parents: Listen to their instruction (Prov. 1:8-9; 4:1-4; 6:20-25; 7:1; 10:1; 23:22-24; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15) Obey them (Mt. 21:28-30; Lk. 2:51-52; Rom. 1:30-31; Eph. 6:1 [Ex. 20:12]; Col. 3:20; 2 Tim. 3:2-3) – the one exception: if a parent tells a child to do something contrary to God’s word (Acts 5:29)

The Children: Their Responsibility  Their responsibility to the parents: Learn from the discipline and change (Prov. 3:11-12; 13:1, 24; 15:5; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15,17,19; Heb. 12:7-9) Honor (value, respect) them (Eph. 6:2; Ex. 20:12; 21:15, 17; Lev. 19:3; 20:9; Deut. 5:16; 21:18-21; 27:16; Prov. 15:20; 17:25; 19:13, 26; 20:20; 23:22-25; 28:24; 30:11, 17; 31:28; Ezek. 22:17; Mic. 7:6; Mt. 15:4; Mk. 7:10)

The Children: Their Responsibility Some ways of showing parents honor…  Speak respectfully, say “thank you”, say “I love you”, show appreciation  Cooperation, obedience, defending parents  Good communication, manners, and courtesy  Good temper, honesty, patience, thoughtfulness, give of your time

The Children: Their Responsibility Why show your parents honor?  That it may be well with you  That you may live long on the earth  Honoring parents leads to a long and useful life of service to God (Gen. 37:13ff; 1 Sam. 17:17ff; Lk. 2:51; Acts 16:3)

The Children: Their Responsibility  Their responsibility to the parents: Show them piety (1 Tim. 5:4) Requite (repay, take care of) them (1 Tim. 5:4, 8, 16; see also Mt. 15:4-6; Mk. 7:10; Jn. 19:27)

The Children: Their Attitude  Their attitude toward the parents: Obey “in the Lord” … “for this is right” … “that it may be well” … “that you may live long” (Eph. 6:1-3) Obey “in all things” … “for this is well- pleasing unto the Lord” (Col. 3:20) Respect (Heb. 12:9)

Review Questions 1. What position does the child have in the family? 2. What are the responsibilities of the child to parents and to God? 3. What attitudes must the child have toward his parents and toward God?