Happy Home Part 3

Introduction

The Parent Test

“In the end on style will emerge victorious and win the honor of being deemed ‘the best’ way to raise a child. There’s no cash prize, but the feeling of smugness is priceless.”

Paul gives direction here to guide how a Christian family looks when it comes to children and their parents.

Have a right relationship...

With Your Earthly Parents

v. 1

Children… Not just those still in the home. Those with parents. Even as adults.

“Obey.” There is a shift in the dynamics from just submitting to obeying.

“In the Lord” fits the common theme of Ephesians. What does it look like to be “In Christ.” In that relationship.

Obey…because it is right. The base word of righteous.

Jesus uses this dynamic to tell a parable in Matthew 21:28-32. Point of parable...

But, parables are based on everyday life. Two sons who respond this way.

But, is there a third way that would be right?

God desires immediate obedience.

Not just about children in the home, but continues to be important as we age and our parents age.

Obedience is a way that we honor our parents, as Paul is going to state as he quotes the fifth of the Ten Commandments.

Have a right relationship...

With Your Heavenly Father

vv. 2-3

Paul provides the Scriptural basis for v. 1.

Honor. When it comes to submission, lifting the other party up.

What can I do to serve and to encourage my parents?

Being available. Serving them whether medical challenges or technology challenges.

But, Paul reminds them that this commandment comes with a promise.

Just a correction...

The word for “life” never shows up in this verse.

Ephesians 6:3 KJV 1900

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:3 NIV

3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:3 M:BCL

3 “so you will live well and have a long life.”

This has caused a dangerous interpretation.

If I am a good kid, I’ll have a long life. But, then someone dies young and we wonder what they did.

Exodus 20:12 ESV

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

“That it may go well for you and you may have a long time in the land.” Macro-Chronos.

Land = Covenant = Relationship

Your relationship with God is related to your relationship with your parents.

Just for a second…sometimes we project our earthly father onto our heavenly father.

Trying to win approval, trying to gain attention, trying to feel loved.

You already have God’s love.

You don’t need to earn God’s love.

And God blesses us when we honor our earthly parents.

Have a right relationship...

With Your Children

v. 4

Now we find the other side of the relationship.

Colossians 3:21 ESV

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

This is where parenting takes work. Trying to figure out what works best for your children so that it isn’t just discouraging to them, but effective.

How do we do that?

Make faith the priority of parenting.

How do we do that?

Discipline. What to do.

Instruction. What not to do (warning).

The most powerful tool in your toolbox is your own example.

Teach them by showing them.

Conclusion

What is the role of the church in helping to provide discipleship?

The youth ministry and children’s ministry is to provide complimentary discipleship to what is being received in the home.

Deuteronomy 6 contains the Shema.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 ESV

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Parents hold the primary role of discipling their children.