Overview
This sermon explores the biblical commandment to honor one's father, mother, and elders, emphasizing the importance, spiritual significance, and lost traditions of seeking and giving blessings within families and communities. Scriptural examples and practical advice are provided to restore respect, order, and charity in these relationships.
The Tradition and Importance of Blessings
- Blessings, such as "most high in Christ bless you," are rooted in biblical traditions and signify spiritual favor.
- Many customs, including seeking blessings from elders or parents, have deep biblical origins, even when practiced unconsciously.
- Scriptural greetings from Paul illustrate the continuity and significance of giving blessings.
- Proper order requires that juniors salute seniors first, reflecting respect and acknowledgment of spiritual hierarchy.
Scriptural Foundations for Blessings and Honor
- God’s first blessings were given to Adam, Eve, Noah, and their descendants, establishing a pattern of divine and paternal blessing.
- The blessing from a father had tangible, spiritual effects, as seen with Isaac, Jacob, Esau, and the twelve tribes.
- Loss or misdirection of a blessing had serious, lasting consequences, shaping historical and spiritual realities.
Honoring Parents and Elders
- The commandment "Honor thy father and mother" carries the first explicit promise of well-being and longevity.
- Biblical honor encompasses both respect (love) and fear (not wanting to disappoint or disobey).
- Disregarding parental or elder authority contradicts both scripture and divine order, leading to negative outcomes.
- Practices such as rising for elders, greeting properly, and teaching children respectful traditions maintain communal order.
Respect and Order in Spiritual Community
- There is an ordained structure from God, through fathers, to elders and leaders in the community.
- Ministers and those in positions of authority serve as extensions of this divine order, and should be honored accordingly.
- Proper behavior, greetings, and acknowledgment of rank solidify respect and harmony in the congregation.
Charity and Esteem in Relationships
- True honor must be joined with charity—genuine love, humility, patience, and kindness—beyond formal observance.
- Charity bridges gaps where knowledge or understanding may be incomplete, solidifying unity and perfection.
- Esteeming others means holding them in high regard and recognizing their contributions, especially those who labored before us.
Decisions
- Reaffirm the importance of juniors saluting and honoring seniors, parents, and elders.
- Commit to restoring the tradition and significance of blessings in the household and congregation.
Action Items
- TBD – Parents: Train children to greet parents and elders respectfully and consistently.
- TBD – Congregation Leaders: Ensure proper teaching and emphasis on order of salutation and respect within the congregation.
Recommendations / Advice
- Practice consistent, respectful greetings and seek blessings from those in authority.
- Parents and leaders must model and teach respect, honor, and proper order by example.
- Cultivate charity as the bond of perfection in all relationships, prioritizing both structure and genuine love.