Honor Thy Father and Mother

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