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HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER

Text: Exodus 20; Ephesians 6
10 May 2009

(I) HONOURING OF PARENTS

“Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

1. This is the 5 th commandment in the Decalogue

a) It is important enough to be listed as one of the 10 Commandments of God

b) It is right that we practise this Commandment to honour our parents

2. It is the first commandment with reference to Man

a) The first four commandments relate to our relationship with God

b) It is significant that the honouring of parents should be placed on such high priority

(II) IMPORTANT APOSTOLIC COMMENTARY

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.‘Honour your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise.‘That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ ” Ephesians 6:1-3

1. An exhortation to all Children

2. An exhortation to obey parents in the Lord

a) This is described as “right”

b) This is also described as the first commandment with promise

i) A special blessing will be given by the Lord

ii) This blessing will include a good and long life on earth

(III) FURTHER APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTION

“But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God” 1 Timothy 5:4

1. Care of aged widows entrusted to children and grandchildren

2. Piety enjoined as good and acceptable before God

(IV) A STRONG WORD OF WARNING AGAINST IMPIETY

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

1. He who does not provide for his own household (In context)

a) Mothers

b) Grandmothers

2. He has failed miserably

a) He has denied the faith

b) He is worse than an unbeliever

(V) A CHALLENGE TO HONOUR ALL MOTHERS

1. On Mother’s Day… Every Day

2. In consciousness of the Lord’s Commandment

3. With a genuine sense of commitment