Exodus 20:12 – The Law of Moses required children to honor their father and mother.

• Ephesians 6:2-3 – The same law applied to Christians.

• I Timothy 5:8

Malachi 1:6; Genesis 45:8; Job 29:16; Psalms 68:5; Proverbs 1:8; Psalms 103:13 – Father is used in the scripture with a more wider meaning than just the biological relationship.

What does it mean to honor father and mother?

• Respect

  • Exodus 21:15, 17 – Striking or cursing a parent was punishable by death under the Law of Moses!

  • Leviticus 19:32

  • Proverbs 30:17

  • I Timothy 5:1-2

  • Hebrews 12:9-10 – Honor parents even if they aren’t always right. It’s not based on being right. It’s based on the underlying relationship of parent to child.

  • Genesis 9:20-27

  • Honor is not based on the quality of character of the parents.

• Obedience

  • Ephesians 6:1-2 – Obedience is not based on parents being right. Again, it is based on the relationship.

  • Esther 2:20; 4:8, 14 – Esther obeyed Mordecai even though she was a grown woman and no longer under his care.

  • Proverbs 13:24; 23:13-14 – As the child grows older, the relationship with the father changes.

  • Deuteronomy 21:18-21

  • Ephesians 5:22f – Other relationships may supersede the parent-child relationship over time.

  • Ephesians 6:4

  • I Timothy 5:14 – Women get new duties over time as their relationships change.

  • Ephesians 6:5f

• Provision

  • Mark 7:9-12 – Children are not to shirk the duty of providing for their parents.

  • I Timothy 5:8 – Failure to provide makes you worse than an infidel!

  • Although children are obligated to provide for their parents, they are not obligated to forsake their own spouse and children to spend time with parents or cater to their every whim.

II Chronicles 34:1-3 (II Chronicles 33:1-2, 21-22) – King Josiah had a terrible family, but he obeyed God! Despite his family, he started seeking God at age 16.

Matthew 22:37-38 – The greatest command: Love God with all your heart. This is our duty because we are God’s creation.

I Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.