The Positive Side Of The Ten Commandments: The Fifth Commandment

A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS LEFT OUT?

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Ex. 20:12).

1. Love is natural. Why is there no command for parents to love children or respect them?

2. Love is reflected in giving. Why is there no command to care or provide for your children?

3. No diverse family styles in the Bible. Why are only mother and father included?

4. The family is accepting. Why is there no warning about disobeying parents?

B. WHY OBEDIENCE BRINGS LONG LIFE?

Suppose you get a 10% longer life, would that be reason enough to keep this commandment?

1. You will have good children. When you honor your parents, it’s an example to your children who will honor you. Your children won’t give you ulcers.

2. Stress will shorten your life. When you rebel against your parents, your rebellious lifestyle will shorten your life.

3. Caress and secure cage. American experimental rats live 700 days, but Japanese experimental rats live 900 days. Why?

4. Talking guides a relationship. Babies whose mothers talked to them have a larger vocabulary, higher IQ, go farther in education.

5. Social protection. Those who get along with parents, get along with others, i.e., not hurt or killed.

6. Spiritual reasons. God will keep His promises, so if obedient children don’t live longer; then the Bible is not true.

C. WHAT DOES HONOR MEAN?

1. Recognize. What does the original word “honor” mean? “To sit heavy.” It means to know something is there, i.e., “to feel it.”

2. Authority. What should we recognize about our parents? They represent God’s authority in this world.

YOUTH’S RESPONSE TO AUTHORITY

Don’t trust anyone over thirty.

I want to do it my way.

You don’t know what being young is like.

3. Obey. What does Paul add to the concept of honor?

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3).

4. It is right. Are we to honor/obey parents just to live a long life? The child will both be right and do right.

5. Obedience to God. Are we only to obey parents if they are “in the Lord”?

6. Obey parents as representatives of God. Does this commandment apply only to saved children, i.e., “children in the Lord”?

7. What are the two promises for obedience?

a. Well with you now.

b. Live long in future.

8. Honor-worthy. What is the challenge of this command to parents?

9. What have parents given that deserve our honor?

a. Physical life.

b. Shelter, clothing, food (three basic necessities).

c. Education.

d. Protection.

e. Direction.

f. Correction.

g. Love and support.

D. HOW TO HONOR MOM

1. Thanks: Write down one specific thing your mother did for you.

2. Special: Write why your mother is special to you.

3. Memory: I like it when Mom:

4. Honor: My Mom can do many things, but she’s best at:

5. Appreciation: I commit myself to do for Mom:

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.