Family: A Divine Unit

Selfish Vs. Self-less Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Selfish Vs. Self-less Proverbs 15:20a A wise son makes a father glad Proverbs 29:3a A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad

Being Children God expects children to: 1. Be obedient 2. Honor their father and mother 3. Ensure the living standards of their parents

Importance of Obedience Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Importance of Obedience It is important that young children learn spiritual obedience in the home We need to be taught to obey from the heart -Deuteronomy 26:16 Not by mere “eye service” -Colossians 3:22

Importance of Obedience It is important that young children learn spiritual obedience in the home Children learn this from obedient parents “Cat’s in the Cradle” Are “children” children?

Importance of Obedience Most “children” passages speak to adults Consider the “obedience” passages Genesis 28:7 (Jacob) Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (death penalty case) Jeremiah 35:14 (Jonadab)

Matthew 21:28-30a "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, 'I will, sir'; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first."

Importance of Obedience Is disobedience really that serious? Romans 1:28-30,32 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents….. and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them 2 Timothy 3:1-4 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

Importance of Honor Honoring Parents – Intent of Obedience Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.

Importance of Honor Honoring Parents – Intent of Obedience God said Honoring a Father is about attitude Malachi 1:6-11 Honoring parents is respected by mankind 2 Corinthians 8:21

Importance of Caregiving Care-giving Parents – 2 nd Step Honor Seen by Ruth for Naomi Acknowledged by all Ruth 4:15b “ for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

Importance of Care-giving The particular admonition: do not neglect I Timothy 5:4-8 Matthew 15:3-6

Selfish Vs. Self-less The Selfish Child: Seeks only for their own life quality Has no regard for the lives of a parent Results? Grief Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Selfish Vs. Self-less The Self-less Child: Serves parents for God’s satisfaction Obeys them in the Lord Results? Joy Proverbs 15:20a A wise son makes a father glad Proverbs 29:3a A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad