“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:1-4
Our family relationships should echo God’s relationship with us.
Obedience leads to
Ephesians 6:1-3, Genesis 1:31, Exodus 20:12
“The LORD frustrates the counsel of the nations; he thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart from generation to generation.” —Psalm 33:10-11
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” —Colossians 3:20
Faithful parenting is
Ephesians 6:4, Ephesians 4:26-27, Deuteronomy 6:4-7
“Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.” —Proverbs 13:10
“Parental responsibility should be shaped mainly by the gospel of a gracious heavenly Father…human fathering should be shaped by the activity of God.” —Mark Roberts
“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who
ask him?” —Luke 11:11-13
For Further Study:
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13
Resources: “Ephesians: An Introduction And Commentary” by Darrell L. Bock
Discussion Questions:
Is the idea that obedience to God is always better hard for you to believe? Why?
Have you ever experience God’s blessing because of your obedience?
How does your pride affect your parenting (or your expectations of how others should respond to you)?
Have you experienced the difference between expectations of good behavior versus a focus on heart change? How was that experience?
Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God is a good father who loves you?
To Prepare for Next Week: Slaves and Masters, Ephesians 6:4-9