Title: The Blessing of Honoring Parents
Contents
God has established two institutions on this earth to deliver God's blessings to us. One is the family and the other is the church. The family and the church are the barrels of God's blessings on this earth.
I. Children should obey and honor their parents. (verses 1-3)
1. He said to obey in the Lord. - This is the word to obey ‘because of the Lord’ and ‘because of the Lord’. It's not about obeying your parents because they are respectable or qualified, but looking at the God behind them, looking at the providence of God who allowed them, and obeying them because of God. “This is right” means that obedience to parents in the Lord is holy and righteous before God.
2. How should we honor our parents? - (1) You must acknowledge the authority and position of your parents. (2) You must take care of your parents. Our parents raised us, fed and clothed us. Therefore, when parents become old and financially incapable, children have to provide their parents with the things they need.
3. Why is honoring our parents a blessing to us? - Because that is God's will. God has promised to bless those who obey and honor their parents. Therefore, this commandment is a commandment with promise. Even if the parents are weak and weak, they cannot bless their children, but God promises to bless those who obey the word of God and honor their parents.
II. Parents should nurture their children, not anger them. (Verse 4)
1. The command not to provoke children is the most important message given to fathers. “Fathers” - why? At that time, the father had absolute authority in the home. The children could not stand before their father. But even in such an age, he is telling us not to provoke our children.
2. When will the hearts of children become angry? - (1) It is said that he becomes angry because of his father's 'anger'. For example, when a father gets a little bad outside, he comes into the house to take his anger out and yell at his children. (2) It is time for parents to drive their children for their own purposes. It refers to a case in which parents drive their children to achieve their unfulfilled dreams through their children, regardless of their children's gifts, aptitudes, or talents. (3) Restricting the child's freedom. It is a case of being too strict with children and treating them badly. (4) Neglecting or leaving children alone. He thinks that he has fulfilled his fatherly role because he has made money for his children. And the wife has to take care of all the education, and if there is something wrong with the child, she scolds her.
3. The positive command given to fathers is “nurture.” - “Nurture them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.” Culture is teaching and educating children. Discipline is training. “He who is not ready for his brilliance hates his child, but he who loves him is diligent in discipline” (Proverbs 13:24).
It is not always easy to obey and honor your parents in the Lord. Nevertheless, we must hold on to the Word of God and keep praying and striving. I bless you to become a blessed family that honors your parents and serves Heavenly Father well and builds such a wonderful family. Amen.