Bible Passage: Deuteronomy 5:16 KJV; Ephesians 6:2
Preacher: Pastor (Mr). O Fadahunsi
Sunday, 18 July 2021
The What, How, Why & When
Honour thy father and thy mother (The What), as the Lord thy God hath commanded (The How) thee; that thy days may be prolonged (The Why), and that it may go well with thee, in the land (The Where/When) which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Who are the Parents?
1. Thy Father and mother are your parents -Those who give birth to you.
2. Guardian – Those who have responsibility for a child’s growth and development.
3. Pastors & Ministers of God – A person’s spiritual father and mother in the Lord. – Elisha called Elijah father in 2 Kings 2:12; Joash the King called Elisha father in 2 Kings 13:14, King of Israel called Elisha father in 2 Kings 6:21.
Parents are Under Responsibility and Accountability:
1. They are saddled with responsibility and accountability concerning you as a child
Father and Mother's responsibility and accountability are to God. But the benefits of such responsibilities and accountability are to the child who listens and obey.
2. Many things happen in life that are beyond what a child alone can understand and handle effectively at their growing stage as a child. That is why parents are there to provide guidance and nurturing.
3. Some encounters a child has can be lethal. If not with the support and wisdom of parents those lethal encounters can either alter, slow down or destroy the child’s destiny. Proverbs 17:6 KJV Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. - opposite of glory is shame.
4. No child should see their parents as a difficulty or stumbling blocks. Parent’s instructions are ornament of grace unto a child’s head, and neck - Prov 1:7-9
What God Expects from every child regarding their parents:
1. God expects a child to honour their parents. What does honour mean?
To listen to your parents. Know what they have to say. Without listening there can be no honour. Prov 1:8
To give consideration to what they are saying. Permit their words to influence you provided it's not against God's words. This is not saying you are not mature to take your own decision. Prov 4:1
To endure their chastisement. Do not reject it or attack back.
To do things that will show to those around you that you have parents you honour. You might have heard a good child saying, my parents must never see me with that kind of dress. Or my parents must never hear that I was in such a place.
To appreciate your parents. Do not allow your attitude to keep them thinking and regretting. Let your lifestyle give them joy.
To provide for your parents according to ability. Do not leave parents suffering when God has blessed you enough to take care of them – material things, visit and spend time with them, encourage them.
Benefits for Honouring Parents
1. Long life
2. Disciplined
3. Good reputation - Brings respect and dignity to you as a child.
4. Prevents you from social, mental, and psychological troubles.
5. You will surely be blessed. Prov 8:32
6. Prevents you from falling into deep error and mistake.
7. Your children will also honour you. Gal 6:7
There are too categories of children in the sight of God. A bad child; like Cain, Esau, Samson, Absalom, and a good child; like Abel, Samuel, David, Jacob, Joseph. Which category do you want to be? You are encouraged to be a good child. Indeed, you can be a good child if you surrender your life to Jesus and give heed to God’s words. Why not rise now and pray to God about it?