Paul says children should obey their parents in the Lord. He bases this on the fifth commandment which is the only commandment given with a promise that all may go well with you. How we view our parents is the same lens that we view God. We must honor and respect our parents in the Lord, which is different from blind obedience. In a healthy family, children want to learn from their parents and trust that they are protecting them and helping them to grow as godly people. Sadly, today many children grow up without fathers and are angry and sad feeling they have no one to help and protect them.

Also, Paul cautions fathers against exasperating and oppressing their children and driving them to rebellion. Parents need to discipline themselves before they can discipline their children.

Lastly, Paul encourages slaves to serve their masters as before the Lord, and for masters to treat their slaves right. We all must remember that God sees how we treat others and do everything before the Lord looking for his reward. We must deny the sinful nature to rebel against authority or to abuse positions of power.


Application: Father, thank you for blessing us when our relationships are respectful and healthy in Christ.
One Word: Children, obey your parents in the Lord