Definition and Importance
Obeying parents is a fundamental principle in Christian teaching, rooted in the biblical commandment to honor one's father and mother. This concept is not only a matter of familial respect but is also seen as a reflection of one's obedience to God. The act of obeying parents is considered a vital aspect of a godly life and is emphasized throughout Scripture as a means of fostering harmony within the family and society.

Biblical Foundation
The command to obey parents is first introduced in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated, "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 is unique in that it comes with a promise of longevity and prosperity, highlighting its significance in the eyes of God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment, emphasizing its continued relevance for Christians. 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.'" This passage underscores the moral and spiritual duty of children to respect and obey their parents as part of their Christian walk.

The Role of Parents
While children are instructed to obey, parents are also given responsibilities. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This balance ensures that parental authority is exercised with love, care, and a focus on spiritual growth, rather than authoritarianism or harshness.

Obedience and Wisdom
The Book of Proverbs frequently associates obedience to parents with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:8-9 states, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This imagery suggests that obedience to parental guidance is both honorable and beneficial, leading to a life adorned with wisdom and grace.

Challenges and Considerations
While the Bible clearly advocates for obedience to parents, it also acknowledges the complexities of familial relationships. In situations where parental guidance may conflict with God's commands, believers are encouraged to prioritize their obedience to God. Acts 5:29 provides a guiding principle: "We must obey God rather than men." This underscores the ultimate authority of God in the life of a believer.

Cultural and Historical Context
In biblical times, the family was the primary social unit, and obedience to parents was crucial for maintaining order and stability. The patriarchal structure of ancient societies placed significant emphasis on the authority of the father, and children were expected to adhere to the family's values and traditions. This cultural context highlights the importance of the biblical commandment within its historical setting.

Application for Today
In contemporary society, the principle of obeying parents remains relevant as a means of fostering respect, discipline, and moral development within the family. Christian teachings encourage children to view obedience as an expression of love and gratitude towards their parents, as well as a reflection of their commitment to living a life that honors God.Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

On Obedience to Parents
... 2. You will easily observe, that by parents the Apostle means both fathers and ... makes
no difference; but lays us under the same obligation of obeying both the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... From his younger years he made much conscience of obeying his parents, whose order
(if they had spoken of putting him to any trade) he would no way decline ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... Children! is it not your duty to please God? In honouring and obeying your parents,
you please God as well as when you repent and believe. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

On the Fall
... Adam was not content to be in the likeness of God; to copy God by obeying God. ... did;
so that we wished for it much more than we should if our parents had given ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxvi on the fall.htm

For I Ask, if what is not Known must not be Believed...
... banishment, who failed to love those who were perhaps his true parents, through
fear ... an excellent and religious 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
... reward your obedience. Besides obeying them, you must also help and support
your parents if they need your assistance. You must not ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

Matt. xv. 1
... God, next in doing so on men's account; as though He had said, "Why this, this hath
ruined you, your obeying the elders in ... "If one of their parents said to his ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily li matt xv 1.htm

Home-Government.
... Home is a little commonwealth jointly governed by the parents. ... The principle of
home-government is love,"love ruling and obeying according to law. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xviii home-government.htm

On the Fifth Command in the Decalogue
... consists in the mutual performance of the duties of commanding and obeying that
are ... in this word: (1.) That reverence be shown to the persons of our parents. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxxviii on the fifth.htm

A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse.
... law had said, Thou shalt not covet." [2904] For when (our first parents) heard,
"Of ... was given to me, this was for life and incorruption, so that obeying it I ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/ii a synopsis of some.htm

What does the Bible say about obeying parents? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler he could be saved by obeying the commandments? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about obedience? | GotQuestions.org

Obeying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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