INTRODUCTION
As we look around the room each Lord’s Day, we can see that many of us are in the thick of it when it comes to raising children. This is not simply an optical illusion; back in January, we ran a report and discovered that 37% of our congregation is under the age of 11, and nearly half are under the age of 18. Therefore, it is good to keep returning to the important topic of childrearing from time to time, for as the Apostle Paul wrote, it is no trouble for him to repeat himself, and it is good for you (Phil. 3:1).
THE TEXT
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1–4 NKJV).
CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN THE LORD (V. 1)
Note that the Apostle Paul writes directly to the children—he expects their active participation in hearing his words read aloud in the congregation. He also writes that their obedience is done “in the Lord.” Children of believing parents are members of God’s covenant community, united to Christ.
THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU (VV. 2–3)
God’s commandments are for our good. They are not arbitrary but rather are set in place so that we may thrive in the world He has created. Children should know that God has promised great blessings to those who obey their parents. And parents should never forget the purpose or end of all our discipline and training—that our children would genuinely love and have great joy in the Lord all the days of their lives.
FATHERS, DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN (V. 4)
Just as children have a duty to obey their parents, parents—especially fathers—have a duty to help them obey and keep them from resentment or bitterness. As the Apostle Paul writes to the Colossians, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (3:21).
This means that fathers should not be overly strict, harsh, stern, or overbearing. You must remember their frames. But this is not the only way to provoke your children. Passive fathers, who exercise very little discipline (or inconsistent discipline) frustrate children as well. This approach likewise creates homes that are filled with anxiety and unhappiness.
CONCLUSION
We want our congregation to be filled with families with children who are both obedient and full of genuine joy. But the only way to accomplish this great goal is for children and parents to do their part.
Children, you are to obey your parents in all things, and as you do so, know that you are pleasing God, and He promises it is for your good.
Parents, you must do the hard work of cultivating your children’s lives and faith. You must endeavor to know them individually and prune them with great tenderness. You should see to it that they are planted in healthy soil, full of happiness and joy. And all of this must be done in faith, trusting the Lord. It is only then that we can expect to reap a great harvest, from generation to generation.