Introduction

Welcome, dear friends. We gather today in the warm embrace of our shared faith, united in our love for God and our hunger for His holy word. We are here today to navigate the waters of spiritual wisdom, to understand more deeply the divine directives that shape our lives and our relationships. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the profound message of obedience and righteousness found in Ephesians 6:1-4.

The remarkable Charles Spurgeon, a man deeply steeped in the wisdom of God's word, once said, "Obedience is the true test of discipleship." It is a simple yet profound truth that encapsulates the essence of our gathering today. Obedience, as the Bible teaches us, is not merely about following rules, but about shaping our character, about aligning our will with that of our Heavenly Father, and about living in a way that reflects His love and righteousness.

Biblical Basis for Obeying Parents

In the heart of Ephesians 6:1-4, we find a clear call to children to obey their parents. This is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but a commandment from God Himself. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is reminding us of a fundamental truth that has been woven into the fabric of God's creation from the very beginning.

The idea of obeying parents is not a new or novel idea introduced in the New Testament. In fact, it is a principle that is deeply ingrained in the Old Testament as well. The fifth commandment of the Decalogue, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, expressly states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment, reiterated by Paul in Ephesians, forms the bedrock of our understanding of obedience to parents.

The commandment to honor and obey parents is unique in several ways. Firstly, it is the only commandment that comes with a promise - a promise of long life and well-being. This promise underscores the importance that God places on the relationship between children and their parents. It is not just about maintaining harmony in the family, but about ensuring the well-being of individuals and societies.

Secondly, the commandment to honor and obey parents is not conditional. It does not say, "Obey your parents if they are good to you," or "Honor your parents if they are worthy." The commandment is absolute and unequivocal. This teaches us that obedience is not dependent on the worthiness of the authority figure, but on the authority of God who commands us to obey.

Thirdly, the commandment to obey parents is not limited to childhood. While the commandment is specifically addressed to children, it does not cease to apply when we become adults. The word "children" in Ephesians 6:1 can also be translated as "offspring" or "descendants," implying that the commandment applies to all of us, regardless of our age. This means that even as adults, we are called to respect and honor our parents, to listen to their wisdom, and to value their input in our lives.

Finally, the commandment to obey parents is not just about obedience, but about honor. The word "honor" in the original Hebrew and Greek languages carries the idea of giving weight or value to someone. To honor our parents means to give them a place of importance in our lives, to value their wisdom and experience, and to treat them with respect and dignity. This goes beyond mere obedience to include attitudes of love, respect, and gratitude.

Behaving Righteously as Children

As we continue to reflect on the message of Ephesians 6:1-4, we find ourselves drawn to the implications of this divine directive for our personal conduct ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO