Topical Bible: Children Obeying Their Parents

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Introduction

The concept of children obeying their parents is a fundamental principle found throughout the Bible. It is rooted in the divine order established by God for family structure and is seen as essential for the well-being and harmony of the household. This principle is not only a matter of familial duty but also a spiritual mandate that reflects one's relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation

The command for children to obey their parents is explicitly stated in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Fifth Commandment serves as a cornerstone for this principle: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of respect and obedience within the family unit.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this command in his letters to the early Christian churches. In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul emphasizes that obedience to parents is not only a moral obligation but also a commandment with a promise of blessing.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:20, Paul instructs, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This verse highlights that obedience is not selective but comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of life, as long as it aligns with God's will.

Theological Significance

The obedience of children to their parents is deeply theological, reflecting the order and authority established by God. It is a microcosm of the broader relationship between humanity and God, where obedience to divine authority is paramount. By obeying their parents, children learn to submit to God's authority, fostering a spirit of humility and reverence.

Furthermore, the family is seen as a foundational institution ordained by God, and the obedience of children is crucial for maintaining its integrity and function. It is through this obedience that children learn discipline, respect, and the value of authority, which are essential virtues in their spiritual and moral development.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the obedience of children to their parents contributes to a stable and harmonious family environment. It fosters mutual respect and understanding, allowing for effective communication and the nurturing of healthy relationships. Parents, in turn, are called to provide guidance, instruction, and discipline in a manner that reflects God's love and righteousness.

The Bible also provides guidance for parents in their role, as seen in Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This balance ensures that the authority exercised by parents is not oppressive but nurturing, aimed at the holistic development of the child.

Challenges and Considerations

While the biblical mandate for children to obey their parents is clear, it is not without challenges. In a fallen world, familial relationships can be strained by sin, leading to situations where obedience may be difficult or even harmful. In such cases, the broader biblical principles of love, justice, and righteousness must guide the actions of both children and parents.

Moreover, the cultural context in which these biblical commands were given differs from contemporary society, necessitating discernment in their application. However, the underlying principles of respect, authority, and obedience remain timeless and relevant.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on children obeying their parents is a vital aspect of Christian doctrine, reflecting God's design for family and society. It is a command that carries both spiritual significance and practical benefits, contributing to the flourishing of individuals and communities.

Topical Bible Verses

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
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Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
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Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
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Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother:
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Proverbs 13:24
He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.
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Deuteronomy 21:18-21
If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not listen to them:
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Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
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Ephesians 6:2
Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
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Library

Home-Government.
... The principle of home-government is love,"love ruling and obeying according to law. ...
Children are bound to obey their parents in all things, that is, in ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xviii home-government.htm

Whether Subjects are Bound to Obey their Superiors in all Things?
... to obey their masters, nor children their parents, in the ... of which they are subject
to their superiors: wherefore ... salvation, and consisting in obeying when one ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether subjects are bound to.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... lays us under the same obligation of obeying both the ... Are children to obey only till
they run alone, till ... or till they are as tall as their parents, or, attain ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

For I Ask, if what is not Known must not be Believed...
... of the wise, than to live by their own judgment ... wife, in undertaking and bringing
[1746] up children, lastly, in ... life, but to seek wise men, by obeying whom we ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 26 for i ask.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... Besides obeying them, you must also help and ... of pretended culture ignorantly slighting
their plain-mannered ... is it not sinful for the children, especially of ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

Sponsorship
... the right, good, blessed order, by obeying which we ... It is God's will that these children
should be ... hearts of your godchildren, and of their parents also; and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon v sponsorship.htm

On Family Religion
... is generally owing to the fault or neglect of their parents. ... And toward all the children
of God we put on ... in "serving the Lord," namely, the obeying him; the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 94 on family religion.htm

Trials to be Met.
... are quite ready to consecrate their children before they ... The parents cling, dissuade,
and throw every ... to Christ must be manifested by obeying his commandments. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... In honouring and obeying your parents, you please God as well as when ... All these are
powerful arguments to make children honour and obey their parents. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Words to Rest On
... They are but grown-up children, if they are persons of no ... in doing so; for he was
a man worthy of their trust ... You will do no wrong in obeying to the full every ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/words to rest on.htm