Lecture on the Fifth Commandment and Its Application

Introduction

• Baptisms are taking place next week; sign up is still available.
• Current sermon series on the Ten Commandments.
• Main Goals:
  • Bask in God's love as seen in the Ten Commandments.
  • Grow in love for God and others.
  • Understand the commandments as pathways to properly love God and others.

Overview of the Ten Commandments with Mnemonics

1. There is only one God.
2. No graven images.
3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
4. Observe the Sabbath.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear false witness.
10. Do not covet.

Focus on the Fifth Commandment

• Scriptural Basis: Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
• Key Concept of Honor:
  • Hebrew word "honor" means to give weight, respect, or glory.
  • Honoring involves respecting and treating parents well.

Honoring Parents as Adults

1. With Words:
   • Avoid gossiping or belittling parents.
   • Acknowledge past hurts but refrain from sharing negative aspects needlessly.
   • Offer thanks and edifying, respectful words.
2. Through Care:
   • Provide for parents, especially when they need extra care.
   • Examples from the congregation: commuting for care, helping in transitions, inviting parents into homes.
3. By Treating Siblings Well:
   • Unity and care among siblings honor parents.
4. By Listening:
   • Listening to parents’ stories shows them honor.

Challenges with Dysfunctional Parents

• Honoring doesn't mean granting all relationship demands.
• Set boundaries if necessary; seek their best and address sin issues frankly.

Honoring Parents as Children

• Obey Parents:
  • Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3 link the fifth commandment to children’s obedience.
  • Obedience involves respectful compliance with parental guidance.

Discussion on Parenting

• Role of Parents:
  • Train children in submission and obedience.
  • Parents are commandment educators (Deuteronomy 6).
• Significance of Obedience to Parents:
  • Forms a child’s heart towards humility and away from self-centeredness.
  • Submissive obedience to parents relates to future obedience to God.

Practical Parenting Tips

1. Have a Few Principles Rather Than Many Rules:
   • Focus on biblical principles applicable in various life situations.
2. Point to Jesus with the Why:
   • Explain the rationale grounded in biblical teaching and the gospel.
3. Reward Obedience:
   • Follow God’s example of rewarding faithful obedience.
4. Discipline Disobedience:
   • Modeled after God’s loving discipline.
   • Ensure discipline is motivated by love, is painful to correct, and targets sin.

Conclusion

• The role of an obedient child mirrors Jesus as the ultimate obedient Son.
• Jesus’ obedience is foundational; He was obedient even to death.
• Celebrating this through worship and the Lord’s table.