MESSAGE TEXT
Ephesians 6:1-4
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INTRODUCTION
There are no perfect parents or children. But God wants to pursue your kids and grandkids through you. Parenting is how God does that. Unconditional love. Scheduled time (individual time). Focused attention (100% there). Ongoing communication (dinner and bedtimes and shared experiences). Meaningful touch. Spiritual life. Ongoing maintenance.
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The Spirit-filled home? Love is the atmosphere. Correction happens in love, not anger — the goal is growth, not shame. Discipline is consistent and fair. God is the center. “Honor God with your life.” The Bible isn’t just read; it’s lived. There is music and gratitude. God’s goodness is celebrated in small ways – birthday parties, “you are special today” plates, and daily conversation. Family meals. Identity in Christ is established and who God made us to be is affirmed. A worldview is shaped. Spouses love and respect each other. Parents are intentional - talking about what’s important. Kids are free to be candid and honest and even make mistakes. Life is realistic and failure happens, but the joy can come through because it all gets addressed and we live and learn.
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MAIN POINTS
Three key words:
Key Word for Spirit-filled residential children: Obey (6:1)
Key Word for Spirit-filled non-residential adult children: Honor (6:2)
Key Word for Spirit-filled parents/stepparents: Encourage (6:4)
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APPLICATION
Be a great son or daughter. The Bible talks about some teenagers that God used to do great things. Samuel lived for God in a time of apostasy; God spoke to him. Daniel wanted God to live in him, since his temple had been destroyed, and he did live for God in Babylon and laid out the entire plan of human history. Miriam took care of Moses as his nanny. David killed Goliath. Joash became king at 7. Queen Esther saved her people from annihilation. Jesus amazed the religious Ph.D’s when he was 12. Mary birthed Jesus at about 15 or 16. All the disciples were teens, with the exception of maybe Peter (bear in mind the first century mortality rate; 40 or 50 was older age). And all of their journey’s began by being submissive to authority. Be a great teen! Love God first. That means allow God to shape your values and your worldview. Honor your parents.
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Be a great parent! Model what you want to see. Speak worth and value into your family. Hug often. Talk about the spiritual life. Explain boundaries and why they’re about love. Capitalize on teaching moments. Eat together often. Invite honest feedback. The Bible also records the sad results of parents neglecting their children, either by being bad examples to them or failing to discipline them properly. David pampered Absalom and set him a bad example, and the results were tragic. Eli failed to discipline his sons and they brought disgrace to his name and defeat to the nation of Israel. In his latter years, even Isaac pampered Esau, while his wife showed favoritism to Jacob; and the result was a divided home. Jacob was showing favoritism to Joseph when God providentially rescued the lad and made a man out of him in Egypt. Love your family.
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CONCLUSION
The command of the Lord is, “Seek the real Father, or you will not really be able to honor your parents. You’ll either hate them or you’ll idolize them. You have to be free from your need to please them so you can truly honor them. Go to the Father.” Jesus Christ, we’re told, gives you the power to become the sons of God. Those who believe on him, those who receive him and believe on his name, he gives power to become children of God.