Topical Bible: Children: Good: Obey Parents

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The concept of children obeying their parents is a foundational principle in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of family structure and the transmission of faith and values from one generation to the next. This principle is rooted in the belief that obedience to parents is not only beneficial for the family unit but also pleasing to God.

Biblical Foundation

The command for children to obey their parents is explicitly stated in several passages of Scripture. One of the most direct commands is found in the Ten Commandments, where honoring one's father and mother is enjoined: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is unique in that it comes with a promise of longevity and well-being.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this command in his letters. In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth'" . Here, Paul emphasizes that obedience is "right" and aligns with God's design for family relationships.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:20, Paul instructs, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord" . This verse highlights that obedience is not merely a social expectation but a spiritual act that pleases God.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the obedience of children to their parents is seen as a reflection of the broader principle of submission to authority, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. Just as children are called to obey their parents, believers are called to submit to God's authority and the authorities He has established.

Obedience to parents is also viewed as a means of cultivating discipline and character in children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This training often involves teaching children to respect and obey their parents, which lays the groundwork for a life of wisdom and righteousness.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the call for children to obey their parents is seen as essential for maintaining order and harmony within the family. It fosters an environment where children can learn and grow under the guidance and protection of their parents. This obedience is not meant to be blind or unthinking but is to be exercised "in the Lord," indicating that it should align with God's will and righteousness.

Parents, in turn, are encouraged to nurture their children in a way that is loving and just. Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers, "Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . This balance ensures that the authority exercised by parents is not oppressive but is aimed at the holistic development of the child.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the family was the primary unit of society, and the obedience of children was crucial for the survival and prosperity of the family. The biblical mandate for children to obey their parents was countercultural in societies where children were often undervalued. By elevating the role of children and emphasizing their obedience, the Bible underscores the dignity and importance of every family member.

Overall, the biblical teaching on children obeying their parents is a timeless principle that continues to hold relevance in contemporary Christian life, guiding families in their pursuit of godliness and harmony.

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Genesis 28:7
And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;
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Genesis 47:30
But I will lie with my fathers, and you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burial plot. And he said, I will do as you have said.
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Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... to the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... shall be for thy present and
eternal good, love this Book, believe the truth it teaches and obey it, "for ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Home-Example.
... They will rather follow your ungodly example than obey your godly precepts. "To
give children," says Archbishop Tillotson, "good instruction and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... own arms or head), yet you did not inure them to obey you from ... not mealy-mouthed;
say not, like foolish Eli, "Nay, my children, it is no good report which I ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

Whether one Ought to be Withdrawn from Entering Religion through ...
... as to stand in great need of their children's assistance, the ... says the Apostle
(Heb.12:9), than obey our parents ... of God; which is most conducive to man's good. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one ought to be 2.htm

Whether one Can be Compelled by One's Father's Command to Marry?
... Further, if he were bound to obey, a betrothal contracted by the parents would hold
good without their children's consent. But this is against the law (cap. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether one can be compelled.htm

Christ's Boyhood
... Obey your parents, and be ... sake; your childish good conduct shall be accepted for
Jesus Christ's sake; and if you be trying to be good children, doing your ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xix christs boyhood.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of ... earnest, and really wish
them to obey you, so ... when he said, "To give children good instruction, and ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Obedience to Parents.
... were planted there by the hands of good and pious ... lead you to suspect that there
are children unnatural enough ... if you can make no sacrifice to obey or please ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xix obedience to parents.htm

A Good Conscience
... Him utterly, and submit to Him utterly, and obey Him utterly ... And I can have good
hope that God will grant it. ... have hope that God will teach our children and our ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon iii a good conscience.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... the sinfulness of the act, then you must obey; because you ... Again, is it not sinful
for the children, especially of such ... as ready as he was to do good to another ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm