Young People's Group

Obey Your Parents in the Lord

by Mitchell Tan
November 12, 2020

THE CONTEXT OF A GOOD CHRISTIAN FAMILY

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians was not just limited to understanding the Church family. As he wrote about what it meant to practise their spiritual walk, he also saw the importance of the entity of a good Christian family. Wives were to submit to their husbands as to the Lord and husbands were to love their wives as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32). Children were to obey their parents in the Lord and fathers were not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Bondservants were to be obedient to their masters as to the Lord and masters were not to threaten their slaves, knowing that they have a Master who is in heaven (Ephesians 6:5-8). The focus of the Christian home ultimately must be on the Lord.

THE COMMAND TO OBEY OUR PARENTS

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord …”
Ephesians 6:1

The Greek word for “obey” has the idea of “to hear” and “submit to”. As an apostle, Paul had the authority to give such commands. Children were to listen to their parents and to obey them. Of course, they were not to obey them blindly. The prescribed way of practising obedience to parents is to focus on the Lord This was not the first time that Paul was emphasising this. Wives were to submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). Children were to obey their parents as to the Lord. They were to obey with reference to all that He represents; His love, light, wisdom and will. Discernment and good judgment must still be utilised when there is unwise advice given.

REASONS TO OBEY OUR 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. BECAUSE IT IS DOING THAT WHICH IS ONLY RIGHT

There were those who did not see the need to obey their parents. This was most definitely a wrong practice. Paul gave this command to help Christian children to see the need to relate well with their parents by submitting to them. This was the righteous and correct thing to do in the sight of God. Since parents brought us into this world, we should respect them by obeying them. Obeying our parents is something that is well pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:20).

2. BECAUSE IT IS AN APPLICATION OF THE 5TH COMMANDMENT OF THE DECALOGUE

Honouring one’s parents is part of the Lord’s 10 commandments (Deuteronomy 5:16). It is meant to give that kind of respect due to one’s father and mother. Despite whatever challenges one may encounter with them, they are to still be honoured. Based on this commandment, Paul instructed that Christian children are to obey their parents in the Lord. Honouring and obeying go together.

3. BECAUSE OF THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD IN LIFE

Honouring our parents is the first commandment with the promise of blessing attached. There is the possible blessing of a good and long life. The adding of a blessing shows how vital this commandment is to the Lord. Young people, we have already been blessed spiritually in the Lord. Let’s respond with faith by obeying His commands that His blessings may be fully realised in our life. Let’s seek His goodness to be upon us as we live for Him and show love and submission to our parents.

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