Honor Thy Father and Mother
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 9/28/2014 AM |
Text: | Ephesians 6; Lord's Day 39 |
Psalters: | 275, 322, 223, 393 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The Authority.
- Authority is the God-given right to rule.
- All authority is God's because he created, upholds, and governs all things (Rom. 11:36).
- The home/family (where godly parents combine authority with love) is the school in which God teaches obedience.
- God delegates the exercise of this authority to certain positions, called "offices."
- Among men God gives His authority in four areas of life - all called "father" (which combines the authority with love).
- Natural fathers beget or adopt us into their family (Heb. 12:9), with mothers.
- Domestic fathers are masters (II Kings 5:13) over servants/employees.
- Political fathers (Isa. 49:23) are vested with God's authority (Rom. 13; Prov. 8:15; I Peter 2:13-17).
- Spiritual fathers are office-bearers (I Cor. 4:15) responsible for the care of God's flock.
- How must we respond to God’s authority in our “fathers”?
- God calls us to “honor,” render respect, soul submission (Heb. 12:9; Lev. 19:3).
- Honor is first because it is given to God and to His office.
- Fidelity is faithfulness shown also when parents are old; there is no age limit to the honor commanded.
- Honor is the only good root for obedience and submission.
- God calls us to “honor,” render respect, soul submission (Heb. 12:9; Lev. 19:3).
- Why are we to honor God’s authority?
- First, this is well-pleasing to God (Col. 3:20).
- Second, God adds a promise to this commandment as encouragement.
- Love God and show your love for Him by obeying Him and His will.