The Spirit-filled Home
January 5, 2025 Preacher: Gareth Franks Series: Ephesians - Gospel Truths Lead to Gospel Living
Topic: Christian Living Scripture: Ephesians 6:1–3
Verses 1 through 3 offer a brief set of instructions for children. Verse 1 offers a summary clearly written to children still living under the authority of their parents. The emphasis here is on godly obedience. This is not blind or mindless cooperation (Acts 5:39). Rather, this is submission grounded in a love for God. Our study will follow the outline below:
- The Command (v.1)
- The Rationale (v.1b)
- The Motive (v.2-3)
For children to obey their parents is specifically referred to as "right." God often presents clear moral instructions in Scripture. Children obeying parents is one of these non-negotiable mandates. It should not be unusual to expect children to follow the instruction of their parents. Not only are the parents responsible for bringing the child into the world, they have a much better view of what is best for the child. Even when a parent's instructions are hard to understand, children do well to trust and obey. In this way, the parent-child dynamic is meant to be a powerful allegory for the relationship between each of us and God.
Here, Paul's command is given under the expectation that parents love and protect their children, and that children obey them until they are old enough to live independently.
Paul accompanies this command with a gracious promise. The idea is that honoring parents is something God both commands and rewards. This blessing was originally given to Israel, yet the application of blessing upon those who honor their parents clearly extends to believers today, according to Paul's teaching in verses 1 through 3.
Getting Started
- What is your all-time favourite memory of your parents while you were still growing up in their home?
- Read Ephesians 6:1-3
- What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?
Digging Deeper
- What does it mean to obey your parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1)?
- In Ephesians 6:2-3, Paul provides a compelling reason for why such obedience is “right” or “just.” What is this reason?
- What does it mean to honour my father and mother? Read Jeremiah 35:18-19, Romans 1;30 and 2 Timothy 3:2 and discuss.
The Heart of the Matter
- Honouring parents can be easy for some and difficult for others. Either way it is very important. Read Hebrews 12:5-11 and discuss why God places such a high regard on how we treat our parents.
- There are many hurt and damaged people who find Ephesians 6v1 nearly impossible to obey. Should we honour and obey an abusive parent? Where do we draw the line?
Read this article to help with your discussion: https://www.gotquestions.org/honor-abusive-parent.html
- Why is it harmful and erroneous to assume that teenagers will rebel against their parents? What can parents do to minimize the potential for teen rebellion?
More in Ephesians - Gospel Truths Lead to Gospel Living
February 16, 2025
Stand for Truth & RighteousnessFebruary 9, 2025
Prepare to Stand FirmFebruary 2, 2025
The Spiritual Warfare