Keach's Catechism notes 70-

Question 70

QUESTION: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

ANSWER: The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing anything against the honor and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations. (Prov. 30:17; Rom. 13:7,8)

Prov 30 was written by Agur, son of Jakeh. He was probably a student of wisdom during the time of Solomon. This chapter reflects statements of wisdom.

Prov 30:17

“The eye that mocks a father

and scorns to obey a mother

will be picked out by the ravens of the valley

and eaten by the vultures. “

Here, the author is talking about even a disrespectful look of a child deserves a devastating curse.

Disrespect of parents is a horrible thing. Kids are innocent? Kids deserve heaven? I don’t think so.

The author is also saying that these children don’t even deserve the dignity of having a proper burial. They deserve to be left out and picked on by wildlife. Eesh!

Rom 13:7

“ 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

Honor those to whom honor is due at their respective levels

Authorities

Politicians

Bosses

Teachers, etc.

God

Rom 13:8-10

We are not to owe anyone anything except to love one another

Don’t be in continuous financial debt

Instead, be indebted to each other in love for loving is fulfilling the law

Paul lists out some of the “relationship to people” commandments and refers those to Jesus’ statement in Matt 22:39

Loving is what fulfills the laws, not just simply following rules

But, how can we love like that? It’s so hard!

Rom 8:1-4

English Standard Version Chapter 8

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

When we were in bondage to sin, there was no way we could truly do any of the law

Once we were saved, our sins died in Christ so now we were made righteous. Now we could faithfully do as the law says because we no longer walk in the flesh but in the Spirit

So now we can truly love God and love neighbor since we are guided by the Holy Spirit

Question 71

QUESTION: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

ANSWER: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve God's glory and their own good), to all such as keep this commandment. (Eph. 6:2,3; Prov. 4:3-6; 6:20-22)

Eph 6:1-3

Verse 1 is an action, the act of obeying

Verse 2 goes deeper and makes it a heart issue

The word for honor in Greek is τιμάω meaning “to show high regard”

This word is used 21 times in the NT

Of those 21, it’s used 17 times in context with that definition

Of those 17 times, it’s used 13 times in reference to honor a parent or parents

So, the idea of honoring someone with high regards is commonly referring to children honoring their parents

Verse 3 states the benefits

Things will go well with the one who honor their parents

This was given to Israel but it is still true today

A child who is disciplined will tend to live a long and fruitful life

Prov 4:3-6

Solomon was passing on insight from his parents, David and Bathsheba

Actually Prov 4:4b-9 are quoted from his father, David.

The her/she in verse 6 is wisdom

We should love wisdom

Give love for candy example

Prov 6:20-22

Solomon is speaking to his son, here

He’s telling him that he and his wife have great wisdom for the son

The son is to hold it, embrace it, and never let go of it (i.e. tie around neck)

Why do you think Solomon had to tell his son to love wisdom if it should be a given?

Because kids need to be taught what is good

Imagine if no one ever taught you to love wisdom? Where would you be right now?

What about the Gospel? What if no one ever told you the Gospel?