Why is obedience to parents considered "right" in Ephesians 6:1? Ephesians 6:1 in Focus “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” What Makes Obedience “Right” • Objective moral goodness – “Right” describes what matches God’s perfect standard, not shifting cultural opinion. • Built into God’s design – Family authority was established in creation; honoring it aligns with His created order. • Verified by God’s character – He is just and orderly; obedience reflects His own attributes. • Endorsed by the Lordship of Christ – “In the Lord” ties obedience directly to submission to Christ’s rule. Rooted in God’s Commandments • Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” • Deuteronomy 5:16 repeats the command for a new generation. • Colossians 3:20: “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” God does not treat this as optional. From Sinai to the New Covenant, He consistently labels parental obedience as morally binding. Creation Order and Parental Stewardship • Parents are entrusted with the first sphere of human authority; defying them defies the structure God set. • Authority flows outward – family, church, civil government (Romans 13:1). Learning obedience at home equips children to honor every legitimate authority. • Genesis 18:19 shows God commending Abraham for commanding his children “to keep the way of the LORD.” Christ: The Perfect Model • Luke 2:51: “Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them.” • Though eternally divine, Jesus submitted to earthly parents, proving that obedience is never beneath true greatness. • His example removes every excuse; if the sinless Son obeyed, His followers can too. Blessings That Flow from Obedience • Personal safety and growth – Parental guidance shields from folly (Proverbs 1:8-9). • Relational harmony – Families flourish when God’s pattern is honored. • Temporal reward – The fifth commandment carries the promise of long life and well-being. • Societal stability – Households built on respect create cultures anchored in righteousness. Obedience as Gospel Witness • Shows the transforming power of salvation; children who obey out of love for Christ display a counter-cultural testimony. • Mirrors believers’ submission to the Father; earthly obedience paints a living picture of our heavenly obedience. In Ephesians 6:1, obedience is called “right” because it harmonizes with God’s unchanging moral order, reflects His own nature, upholds His commandment, follows Christ’s example, and yields blessings both personal and communal. |
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