The Fifth Commandment

Read: Deuteronomy 5:16 and Exodus 20:12. In our study today, we want to look at our attitude towards our own parents, and to ask the following four questions:

1. How Important is the Fifth Commandment?

God takes this commandment very seriously! See Exodus 21:17 and Proverbs 20:20. Paul describes this as the first commandment “with a promise” (Ephesians 6:2). He taught that how we treat our parents has an affect upon the well being and longevity of our lives! It is vital, then, that we esteem highly and, where necessary, forgive our parents.

2. What does it mean to “Honour” my Parents?

 What does the Bible mean when it speaks of honouring someone? 

To “prize highly” (Proverbs 4:8); 
To “care for” (Psalm 91:15); 
To “show respect” (Leviticus 19:3); 
To “obey” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

“This was a plain command of God, written with his own hand, and delivered by Moses to them. It was of a moral nature, and of eternal obligation. And to be understood, not merely of that high esteem parents are to be had in by their children, and of the respectful language and gesture to be used towards them, and of the cheerful obedience to be yielded to them; but also of honouring them with their substance, feeding, clothing, and supplying them with the necessaries of life, when they stand in need thereof. This is but their reasonable service, for all the care, expense, and trouble they have been at, in bringing them up in the world.” Dr. John Gill

3. Do I always have to Obey my Parents?

 Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right” Ephesians 6:1. Applying this commandment today, we face two questions: When (if ever) does a person cease to be a “child” of their parent? and What does it mean to obey them “in the Lord”?

There may be times when Christians need to be disobedient to their parents, or any earthly authority, when they are given advice or instructions that contradict God’s laws: Acts 5:29.

4. What Internal Affect have my Parents lifestyles had upon me?

We live our lives mimicking others and this is going to be very true about our parents! “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” 3 John 11.

Thought:  Make a list of the good and bad points of your parents character/marriage, etc. How much of these traits have been passed on to us today? Do we behave more like our parents than we look like them? We should endeavour to be like Jesus and not recreate any error patterns of our parents.