Respect your parents (and all authority)

(Audio: English)

SUMMARY: In this sermon, the speaker discusses the relationships between children and parents, and slaves and masters as addressed in the book of Ephesians. He emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and recognizing their humanity, regardless of their position in society. He also stresses the importance of honoring authority and one's elders, and warns against abusing one's power in positions of authority. The speaker encourages parents to avoid exasperating their children in order to prevent resentment and rebellion. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and love, as Christ would.

The Apostle Paul warns parents not to mistreat their children and lead them to resentment and rebellion. However, this does not mean that parents should not discipline and instruct their children. It is important to treat children with consistency and care, teaching them to obey and respect authority. If a child has been hurt or mistreated by a parent, it is important for them to forgive and seek reconciliation, as holding resentment can be harmful to their emotional well-being. In a culture where critical attitudes towards authority are prevalent, it is important to counteract this with innocence and a positive outlook towards parents. The story of Noah and his son illustrates the importance of honoring and protecting the dignity of parents.

The story of Noah and his son's response to his drunkenness reveals the importance of honoring authority and elders. When we actively show respect and dignity towards those in authority, we experience the blessing and prosperity of God in our lives. However, when we rebel or show irreverence, we fall under the judgment of God. The principle of authority is a powerful governing principle of the universe, and we should always relate to people according to it, giving everyone what we owe them, whether it's money, respect, or honor. Ultimately, we submit to the Lord and use authority appropriately in the spirit of Christ.

The book of Ephesians. Let’s actually go to chapter 6. We spent a little time, two Saturdays ago on the end of chapter 5 talking about wives and husbands and how they should relate to each other in marriage. Now, let’s enter into two other groups that the Bible addresses as to how they should relate to each other, one is children and parents, and the others, of course, in the light of the Greek and Roman world that the Apostle Paul was writing to, in light of slaves and masters, but there’s a lot of things that we can adjust to make it applicable also to the time that we’re living in today.

So, chapter 6, verse 1 says: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right….”