Bible Text: Ephesians 6:1-4 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Ephesians, The Christian Home

1.  “By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact, but I am prouder to be a father.” (Gen. Douglas MacArthur)

2.  In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul expresses the duty of children in the home.  Children submit by obeying their parents, that is, listening to their advice, understanding that their parents by virtue of age and experience have more knowledge and wisdom.  This is both pleasing to the Lord and the right course of action in God’s order of things.

3.  Obedience carries with it the general promise of a long and fruitful life.  One writer says it this way:  “This states a general principle that obedience fosters self-discipline, which in turn brings stability and longevity in one’s life.  (Stated conversely it is improbable that an undisciplined person will live a long life …”) Warren Wiersbe explains it this way:  “…when children obey their parents in the Lord, they will escape a good deal of sin and danger and thus avoid the things that could threaten or shorten their lives.”

4.  In the Bible study book, Growing in the Family: Eight Vital Relationships for the Growing Christian, the following principles are enumerated to pre-adults: Parents are priceless, they deserve your honor; parents are chosen by God; parent are human, they are not perfect, they make mistakes; and parents are to be obeyed.