Wow! I have really enjoyed this series that has explored the closest relationships in our lives–marriage and family.
Today’s message dealt with the challenges of building a household culture full of discipline, submission and honor. To end the message today, we also addressed how to honor adult children and how adult children can honor their parents. Check it out! I wish we could continue the Stronger series more down the road, and maybe we will do just that!
Below you’ll see today’s outline, as well as the video from today’s services at First Assembly Community Ministries in Lafayette, Indiana. The message from the second service starts at the 3:00:00 mark.
STRONGER: Stronger Parents and Children
Ephesians 6:1-4 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
BIG IDEA: While there is no perfect way to raise children, parents cultivate a culture in the home for their children.
DISCIPLINE
A disobedientchild can affect the atmosphere of a home; everyone needs discipline.
Proverbs 23:13
“Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.” (NKJV)
“Don’t be afraid to correct your young ones;a spanking won’t kill them.A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death.” (The Message)
Proverbs 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
You’re a parent, not a friend.
You’re in charge, not your child.
You’re aiming for obedience, not punishment.
Love requires discipline.
SUBMISSION
Learning to submit to parents is a first step to learning how to submit to God.
Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
HONOR
An atmosphere of honor is set by parents who love one another, keep their dignity when confronting, and demand respect from their children.
RESPONSE:
How can the culture of your household more clearly reflect faith, hope and love?