Topical Bible: Children: should Obey Parents

◄ Children: should Obey Parents ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of children obeying their parents is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and is considered a fundamental aspect of Christian family life. This principle is emphasized throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of familial harmony and the spiritual growth of children within the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The directive for children to obey their parents is explicitly stated in several passages of the Bible. One of the most direct commands is found in the New Testament:

· Ephesians 6:1-3 : "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 go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"

This passage not only commands obedience but also connects it to the promise of well-being and longevity, underscoring the blessings associated with following this divine instruction.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament also provides a strong foundation for this principle. The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, include a specific command regarding the relationship between children and parents:

· Exodus 20:12 : "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:16, emphasizing its enduring significance in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Role of Parents

While children are instructed to obey, the Bible also outlines the responsibilities of parents. Parents are called to raise their children in a manner that is pleasing to God, providing guidance, discipline, and instruction in the ways of the Lord:

· Proverbs 22:6 : "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

· Ephesians 6:4 : "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

These verses highlight the reciprocal nature of the parent-child relationship, where obedience is met with nurturing and godly instruction.

Spiritual Significance

Obedience to parents is not merely a social or cultural expectation but is deeply spiritual. It reflects a child's submission to God's ordained order and authority. By obeying their parents, children learn to respect authority, develop discipline, and cultivate a heart of humility and service.

Jesus as an Example

Jesus Christ Himself exemplified obedience to His earthly parents, setting a model for all children to follow. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded:

· Luke 2:51 : "Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart."

Jesus' submission to Mary and Joseph, despite His divine nature, underscores the importance of this principle.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for children to obey their parents is a timeless truth that fosters family unity and spiritual growth. It is a command that carries both earthly and eternal significance, rooted in the wisdom and love of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Obedience to Parents
... so the will of the parents may [should] guide that ... therefore, is the very first thing
which children have to learn, " that they are to obey their parents ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

The Choice of Pursuits.
... the enactment of a law that, if parents did not ... the selection of an occupation for
his children, the parent ... And thus in all respects he should obey the great ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm

Whether one Ought to be Withdrawn from Entering Religion through ...
... be not such as to stand in great need of their children's assistance, the ... in such
as belong to the service of God, and "we should more obey the Father of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one ought to be 2.htm

Obedience to Parents.
... age when the only danger to be feared should be an ... 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

Blessing the Children
... We should teach them to bring their sins to Jesus, asking His forgiveness, and
believing that He ... As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 56 blessing the children.htm

Another Foolish Erasure of Marcion's Exposed Certain Figurative ...
... "Children should obey their parents." [6040] Now, although Marcion has erased (the
next clause), "which is the first commandment with promise," [6041] still ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xviii another foolish erasure of.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... considered themselves bound to remember and obey the injunctions ... the Rechabites,
and the blessings promised them, should influence children to listen ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

On Matrimony
... Children should remember that their parents have received this special grace from
God to ... them of sin; and if they refuse to obey their parents or despise ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

Home-Government.
... the steward is as great as that to obey the Master ... Its exercise should not run into
despotism on the one hand ... of such sentimentalism are to permit children to do ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xviii home-government.htm

Preface.
... are inclined to renounce their authority; and children, brought up in a state of
domestic libertinism, neither respect nor obey their parents as they should. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/preface.htm