Today’s passage: Ephesians 6:1-4
Helpful thoughts:
- Obedience is an action. Honoring is an attitude.
- The time of obedience comes to an end (e.g. Ephesians 5:31), but honoring lasts a lifetime (Matthew 15:1-6).
- The promised blessing that “It may go well with you and that you may live long in the land” was originally given to the Israelites (Exodus 20:12).
- The Greek word for “Fathers” in verse 4 could refer to both parents collectively. Fathers and mothers can apply this verse.
- Both discipline and instruction are to be used for correction for the growth of the child.
- Selfishly motivated discipline and instruction provokes.
Questions to consider:
- How does obedience “in the Lord” and the discipline and instruction “of the Lord” keep everyone in the family focused on the right goal? For whom should a child obey and honor? For whom should a parent discipline and instruct?
- What are some selfishly motivated reasons for parents to discipline and instruct their children? What is it that parents would want so much they are willing to provoke in order to get it?
- Since children in the U.S.A. are most likely not going to grow up and inherit land in Israel, how could we best understand the promise that is given to those who obey and honor their father and mother? How might things go well with them?