INTRODUCTION:
A. Today, children are excused for their conduct
& parents are being blamed. It is true some parents are not
worthy of the name, but it is also true there are many splendid
parents.
1.Too often fingers are pointed at the parents, as though children
have no responsibility whatever but children, regardless of their
age, do have duties.
a. Eph.6:l begins with "children". Paul is not speaking
about children; he speaks to the children, thus, they are Christians.
I. THE MANNER OF OBEDIENCE
A. THE PROPER RESPONSE (6:1)
1. Obey (hupakouo -to place the ear under)- a word of action -
it means not just to hear but to do what you hear.
a. Disobey (parakouo - to hear aside, refusal to hear) - it goes
in one ear & out the other, therefore, disobedience. (Cf.
Rom.5:19)
(1) In the OT, if a child blatantly disobeyed his parents, he
was to be stoned to death (Deut.21:18-21)
b. That was not just ,an OT regulation (Rom. l:28-32; 2 Tim.3:l-5)
B. THE PROPER RESPECT (6:2a)
1. "Honor" = to attach weight to something, thus, to
be heavy & suggests valuing as very precious & valuable.
2. There are three stages of honoring parents:
a. In the days of your childhood; in your parents' home.
(1) Show courtesy, kindness, respect (Jn.8:49)
(2)Young people honor or dishonor by their looks, tone of voice,
how they walk away.
(a) "But my parents are not worthy of respect" -- only
perfect children can demand perfect parents.
b. After we leave home.
1.The way we honor them now changes - seeking their counsel since
they have experience (Ps.37:25)
c.When they are elderly & need care.
1. The roles are reversed & children have to make decisions
for their parents. Some neglect this role (Matt. 15:l-6; I Tim.5:4,
8)
C. THE PROPER ROLE
1. Some parents serve their children but children need to be trained
to have a
servant's heart - in serving their parents, they are serving Jesus
(Cf. Eph.6:7)
II. THE MEASURE OF OBEDIENCE
A. PERPETUALLY
1.Obey & honor are present imperatives. Not just to obey when
things are going well or agreeable to your parents wishes. It
is to be continual & habitual.
B. PROPORTIONATELY
1. It doesn't say, ,parent" but parents & 6:2 makes it
more specific: "father & mother." There should be
no manipulation. Both parents are worthy of respect.
C. PERFORMANCE
1. "In all things" (Col.3:20). Even when you disagree
with them, when it goes against your wishes, when it upsets your
schedule.
III. THE MOTIVATIONS FOR OBEDIENCE
A. PRECEPT
1. Since God has said so, children need to obey but God has thrown
in the motivation to help children obey: "it is fitting"
or the righteous thing to do.
B. PLEASING TO GOD
1.Col.3:20 - is there any greater motivation for doing something
than this: it greatly delights God?
C. PROSPEROUS LIFE
1.Eph.6:3b - generally speaking, there is a direct relationship
with teenagers who lose their lives & their disobedience in
relationship to their parents.
a.Young people are saved from the vices, crimes & serf-destructive
habits which shorten life.
1. Examine the contrast with Eli's wicked sons & Isaac's obedience.
b. If going to show respect to your parents, do it as quickly
as you can. When they are dead, you can't make up for lost love
at the funeral.