Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3

This is the final part in the series on Training Children.  We’re covering three duties of children and how we as parents enforce these duties.  Children are told to Hear their parents, Obey their parents, and Honor their parents.  Training is more than teaching.  Training is practice.  It is more than a lecture.

John 19:25-27 – Jesus is honoring his mother even during his death.

Objections to Honoring Parents

• My Mom and Dad make mistakes.  Did you notice that when God puts authority in your life they’re never perfect and God seems to ignore that fact?  Luke 2:51-52
• Kids need to learn independence.  True, but if your child never learns honor, they will never have the opportunity to be independent.  Proverbs 29:15.  Home is the training ground.  Your not doing little stuff now and big stuff later, you’re doing big stuff now.
• My Mom and Dad are not saved.  Exodus 20:12 is one of the Ten Commandments.  All the more reason for you to honor your parents.

Obstacles to Honoring Parents

• Mothers idolizing their children.  Feelings about your child can get in the way of doing what needs to be done.  Don’t let the needs of your child be confused with the feelings of your child.
• Fathers who will not rule their homes well: lacking gravity and avoiding responsibility.
• Drunkenness is dishonourable, Proverbs 31:4-5, 23:29-35

Practice Honoring Parents

• Honor is the attitude that brings obedience, Numbers 27:20
• Honorable speech: Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, Mom, Dad, Yes sir, Yes ma’am
• Respect authority – parents, you are not your child’s friend, you are their parent.

Benefits of Honoring Parents

• First commandment with promise.  What’s the promise?  A long happy life.  As a parent isn’t this what we want for our kids?
• Honor is an understanding of God’s structure and order.