Scripture: Ephesians 6: 1-4
1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” — which is the first commandment with a promise — 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Observation
In Ephesians 5, Paul spoke in detail about how the relationship should be between husband and wife. Then he starts out this chapter talking about the relationship between children and their parents. Children, obey your parents “in the Lord” which is a phrase meaning “in the unity with Christ the Lord”. Then he says “for this is right”, the will of the parent is a law to the child. Paul affirms that obedience is right both by the laws of humanity and by God’s commandments. It is a moral duty, not optional. Honor your father and mother, that is, love, reverence, obey, and assist in all things which is the first commandment with a promise.
The last verse commands fathers not to provoke their children to wrath. Paul’s instruction calls for a balance of authority and love, avoiding harshness that would lead to resentment. This reflects the need for both discipline and care – children must learn obedience, but it must be taught with wisdom and gentleness. (Enduring Word)
Application
Children: you are to obey your parents, not out of fear or obligation but because they trust in God’s goodness and the authority of Christ. You are to Honor your father and mother and God promises that things will go well for you and you will enjoy a long life on this earth. If God promises it…He means it.
Parents: Lead your children with love, set boundaries, be humble and model Christlike behavior. Avoid harshness that pushes them to rebellion, but instead guide with wisdom and patience.
When we live our lives “in the Lord” we live in Unity with Christ. These verses teach us that obedience in the family is a spiritual act rooted in Christ, and that parental authority must be exercised with both discipline and care.
Parents, you have the opportunity to help shape the next generation.
Proverbs 22:6 - Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the instructions of how to be a Godly Family. Help us to raise our children to be men and women of Faith. Help us parents to trust you in all things and stand on your promises for our children and our families. Thank you for loving us so much!
- Michelle Craig
