Young People's Group

RESPECTING OUR FATHERS

by Pastor Mitch
June 15, 2008

Giving Respect That Is Due

This coming Sunday is Father’s day. It is a good thing for us as a Church to come together to celebrate this special day for fathers. Sometimes, fathers are not as appreciated as mothers are. Of course, in this world, there are both good fathers and bad fathers. And yet, no matter what kind of father we may have, every one of us is still required to respect him.

“Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father” 
Leviticus 19:3

The word “revere” means “to properly respect”. It is to give the kind of regard that is due to parents. Children are to respect and obey their parents in the Lord. It is to even “fear” them when we need to. This is what God desires of every one of us.

Motivating Factors To Respect Our Fathers

What are some motivating reasons for us to do this?

1. Seeking To Be Holy In Practical Ways

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” 
Leviticus 19:2

The possession of true faith in God is always demonstrated in practical ways. The Lord God is characterized by holiness. We should always seek to be holy like Him. We are meant to reflect His glory. Part of the practical aspect of holiness is seen in how we regard our fathers and mothers. Holiness is never just seen with reference to our personal purity. It is seen in the practical outworking, for example, how we treat our parents.

2. Practising The Lordship Of God

“I am the Lord your God.” 
Leviticus 19:3

Another factor is the concept of the Lordship of God. Our almighty God is Lord over all things. His authority is also applied with reference to our regard for our parents. Our challenge is to practise the lordship of God. We must learn to submit to His authority and to seek to honour our fathers.

The Challenge To Always Honor Our Parents

“‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise” 
Ephesians 6:2

In the New Testament book of Ephesians, Paul explained of the need for us to honor our parents too. If we do this, there is a special blessing that would be given to us. The Lord will bless us with goodness and joy. Young people, let’s seek to specially honor our fathers this Sunday. God has determined that we seek to practise our faith in practical ways. Let’s give our fathers the respect that is due to them always.

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