The Duties Of Children

Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2011

Ephesians 6:1-3

Introduction:

A. As we finish chapter 5 and its relationship to the home, it is fitting that chapter 6 complete the family unit. We looked at the duties of both the wife and the husband and, in this chapter, the Word of God speaks of the responsibility of the children to the parents.

B. One of the signs of the last days, found in 2 Timothy 3, is that of “disobedient to parents.” We certainly live in that day! I have never seen so many children who throw “fits,” openly disobey their parents, etc.

1. It is a parental problem! I did not have the option of disobedying my parents while growing up. As a matter of fact, it did not occur to me because of my upbringing. Not that I was a perfect little angel, but I was raised “old school” by parents who loved me and wanted only the best for me. Spare the rod and spoil the child was the rule of the day and it helped me to grow into a responsible adult.

2. It is a prevalent problem! It is on every hand and overflows into society: public schools, work places, etc. If children will not obey their parents, they will not bow to authority in general.

3. It is a prophetic problem! God “called it” and it is so.

C. Disobedience in youth will cause dishonor in adulthood. When children to not respect and obey their parents while at home, they will dishonor their parents when they come “of age.” Mark it down, the disobedient child will be a dishonoring adult. The will bring shame and reproach to the family as well as the church.

D. Young people, if you have good parents and a stable home life, you need to thank the Lord for it. So many children in our day are raised by family other than parents; day care centers; complete strangers in the person of nannies, etc.; or raised on the streets. Many children do not have their parents living under the same roof and become expendable pawns in a game of Family Court Chess. Their parents could not get along and then took their hatred and frustration out on their mates through the children.

E. Young people, you are blessed if you have a mom and dad sitting together in church tonight. You are blessed if you have a safe, dry bed to sleep in tonight when you get home. You are blessed if you are loved, protected, trained, and provided for! Let me give you a verse tonight. “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

F. Here, we find the first commandment with promise! The promise is both a long life and a full life.

G. As the parents give their lives for their children, so should the children give their lives to their parents. One day you will leave the “nest” and take your place in the world as responsible adults but, until such a day, the closest relationship that you have is with your parents. Having said that, what is the duty of children in the home?

1. Children are to Love their parents. If you love your parents, you will do nothing to hurt them. Making your own decisions as you get older will not hurt your mom and dad if you make right decisions.

Genesis 26:34-35 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: (35) Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

2. Children are to Obey their parents. The verse says “This is right!” If it is not right then it is wrong. Obedience is to be a right response to commands. Obedience is to be done completely and quietly: without murmuring or complaining. Reluctant obedience dishonors parents; forced obedience dishonors parents; loving obedience honors parents.

Proverbs 6:20-22 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

3. Children are to Honor their parents. The word honour means to fix or place value upon something; to respect or to revere someone. To place in a place of high esteem. Let me ask you a question, young person: “What do your dad and mom mean to you?” Honor them with respect; honor them with gratitude.

Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

4. Children are to Listen to their parents. Young people, your parents have learned much over the years of their lives. They learned from their parents; they learned from life experiences; and they learned by listening to the advice of others. You would do well to listen to dad and mom. It will keep you from making the same mistakes that your parents may have made. God has given parents a special insight into what is best for their children. I often say, “When children are born, the instructions come with them.” Not only hearing the advice that they offer but also asking counsel in times of important decisions. They love you too much to steer you wrong.

Proverbs 1:7-9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Conclusion: Now comes the promise. Remember? This is the first command with promise.

a. That it may be well with thee! This means to have a happy life; to have a safe life; and to have a full life. To be blessed!

b. Thou mayest live long on the earth! Not only will God give you a happy life and a full life—He will also give you a long life.