Verse
Context
Sermons
Paul Washer
Art Katz
Willie Mullan
Ann Brubaker
Zac Poonen
Joshua DanielSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Children, obey your parents - This is a duty with which God will never dispense; he commands it, and one might think that gratitude, from a sense of the highest obligations, would most strongly enforce the command. In the Lord - This clause is wanting in several reputable MSS., and in same versions. In the Lord may mean, on account of the commandment of the Lord; or, as far as the parents commands are according to the will and word of God. For surely no child is called to obey any parent if he give unreasonable or unscriptural commands.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Children, obey your parents in the Lord,.... The persons whose duty this is, "children", are such of every sex, male and female, and of every age, and of every state and condition; and though the true, legitimate, and immediate offspring of men may be chiefly respected, yet not exclusive of spurious children, and adopted ones, and of children-in-law; and the persons to whom obedience from them is due, are not only real and immediate parents, both father and mother, but such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers, step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and all who are in the ascending line, as grandfathers, grandmothers, &c. to these, children should be subject and obedient in all things lawful, just, and good; in everything that is not sinful and unlawful, by the word of God; and in things indifferent, as much as in them lies, and even in things which are difficult to perform: and this obedience should be hearty and sincere, and not merely verbal, and in show and appearance, nor mercenary; and should be joined with gratitude and thankfulness for past favours: and it should be "in the Lord"; which may be considered either as a limitation of the obedience, that it should be in things that are agreeable to the mind and will of the Lord; or as an argument to it, because it is the command of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight, and makes for his glory, and therefore should be done for his sake: for this is right; it appears to be right by the light of nature, by which the very Heathens have taught it; and it is equitable from reason that so it should be; and it is just by the law of God, which commands nothing but what is holy, just, and good.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have further directions concerning relative duties, in which the apostle is very particular. I. The duty of children to their parents. Come, you children, hearken to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The great duty of children is to obey their parents (Eph 6:1), parents being the instruments of their being, God and nature having given them an authority to command, in subserviency to God; and, if children will be obedient to their pious parents, they will be in a fair way to be pious as they are. That obedience which God demands from their children, in their behalf, includes an inward reverence, as well as the outward expressions and acts. Obey in the Lord. Some take this as a limitation, and understand it thus: "as far as is consistent with your duty to God." We must not disobey our heavenly Father in obedience to earthly parents; for our obligation to God is prior and superior to all others. I take it rather as a reason: "Children, obey your parents; for the Lord has commanded it: obey them therefore for the Lord's sake, and with an eye to him." Or it may be a particular specification of the general duty: "Obey your parents, especially in those things which relate to the Lord. Your parents teach you good manners, and therein you must obey them. They teach you what is for your health, and in this you must obey them: but the chief things in which you are to do it are the things pertaining to the Lord." Religious parents charge their children to keep the ways of the Lord, Gen 18:19. They command them to be found in the way of their duty towards God, and to take heed of those sins most incident to their age; in these things especially they must see that they be obedient. There is a general reason given: For this is right, there is a natural equity in it, God has enjoined it, and it highly becomes Christians. It is the order of nature that parents command and children obey. Though this may seem a hard saying, yet it is duty, and it must be done by such as would please God and approve themselves to him. For the proof of this the apostle quotes the law of the fifth commandment, which Christ was so far from designing to abrogate and repeal that he came to confirm it, as appears by his vindicating it, Mat 15:4, etc. Honour thy father and mother (Eph 6:2), which honour implies reverence, obedience, and relief and maintenance, if these be needed. The apostle adds, which is the first commandment with promise. Some little difficulty arises from this, which we should not overlook, because some who plead for the lawfulness of images bring this as a proof that we are not bound by the second commandment. But there is no manner of force in the argument. The second commandment has not a particular promise; but only a general declaration or assertion, which relates to the whole law of God's keeping mercy for thousands. And then by this is not meant the first commandment of the decalogue that has a promise, for there is no other after it that has, and therefore it would be improper to say it is the first; but the meaning may be this: "This is a prime or chief commandment, and it has a promise; it is the first commandment in the second table, and it has a promise." The promise is, That it may be well with thee, etc., Eph 6:3. Observe, Whereas the promise in the commandment has reference to the land of Canaan, the apostle hereby shows that this and other promises which we have in the Old Testament relating to the land of Canaan are to be understood more generally. That you may not think that the Jews only, to whom God gave the land of Canaan, were bound by the fifth commandment, he here gives it a further sense, That it may be well with thee, etc. Outward prosperity and long life are blessings promised to those who keep this commandment. This is the way to have it well with us, and obedient children are often rewarded with outward prosperity. Not indeed that it is always so; there are instances of such children who meet with much affliction in this life: but ordinarily obedience is thus rewarded, and, where it is not, it is made up with something better. Observe, 1. The gospel has its temporal promises, as well as spiritual ones. 2. Although the authority of God be sufficient to engage us in our duty, yet we are allowed to have respect to the promised reward: and, 3. Though it contains some temporal advantage, even this may be considered as a motive and encouragement to our obedience. II. The duty of parents: And you fathers, Eph 6:4. Or, you parents, 1. "Do not provoke your children to wrath. Though God has given you power, you must not abuse that power, remembering that your children are, in a particular manner, pieces of yourselves, and therefore ought to be governed with great tenderness and love. Be not impatient with them, use no unreasonable severities and lay no rigid injunctions upon them. When you caution them, when you counsel them, when you reprove them, do it in such a manner as not to provoke them to wrath. In all such cases deal prudently and wisely with them, endeavouring to convince their judgments and to work upon their reason." 2. "Bring them up well, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in the discipline of proper and of compassionate correction, and in the knowledge of that duty which God requires of them and by which they may become better acquainted with him. Give them a good education." It is the great duty of parents to be careful in the education of their children: "Not only bring them up, as the brutes do, taking care to provide for them; but bring them up in nurture and admonition, in such a manner as is suitable to their reasonable natures. Nay, not only bring them up as men, in nurture and admonition, but as Christians, in the admonition of the Lord. Let them have a religious education. Instruct them to fear sinning; and inform them of, and excite them to, the whole of their duty towards God." III. The duty of servants. This also is summed up in one word, which is, obedience. He is largest on this article, as knowing there was the greatest need of it. These servants were generally slaves. Civil servitude is not inconsistent with Christian liberty. Those may be the Lord's freemen who are slaves to men. "Your masters according to the flesh (Eph 6:5), that is, who have the command of your bodies, but not of your souls and consciences: God alone has dominion over these." Now, with respect to servants, he exhorts, 1. That they obey with fear and trembling. They are to reverence those who are over them, fearing to displease them, and trembling lest they should justly incur their anger and indignation. 2. That they be sincere in their obedience: In singleness of heart; not pretending obedience when they design disobedience, but serving them with faithfulness. 3. They should have an eye to Jesus Christ in all the service that they perform to their masters (Eph 6:5-7), doing service as to the Lord, and not to men; that is, not to men only or principally. When servants, in the discharge of the duty of their places, have an eye to Christ, this puts an honour upon their obedience, and an acceptableness into it. Service done to their earthly masters, with an eye to him, becomes acceptable service to him also. To have an eye to Christ is to remember that he sees them and is ever present with them, and that his authority obliges them to a faithful and conscientious discharge of the duties of their station. 4. They must not serve their masters with eye-service (Eph 6:6) - that is, only when their master's eye is upon them; but they must be as conscientious in the discharge of their duty, when they are absent and out of the way, because then their Master in heaven beholds them: and therefore they must not act as men-pleasers - as though they had no regard to the pleasing of God, and approving themselves to him, if they can impose upon their masters. Observe, A steady regard to the Lord Jesus Christ will make men faithful and sincere in every station of life. 5. What they do they must do cheerfully: Doing the will of God from the heart, serving their masters as God wills they should, not grudgingly, nor by constraint, but from a principle of love to them and their concerns. This is doing it with good-will (Eph 6:7), which will make their service easy to themselves, pleasing to their masters, and acceptable to the Lord Christ. There should be good-will to their masters, good-will to the families they are in; and especially a readiness to do their duty to God. Observe, Service, performed with conscience, and from a regard to God, though it be to unrighteous masters, will be accounted by Christ as service done to himself. 6. Let faithful servants trust God for their wages, while they do their duty in his fear: Knowing that whatsoever good thing (Eph 6:8), how poor and mean soever it may be, considered in itself, - the same shall he receive of the Lord, that is, by a metonymy, the reward of the same. Though his master on earth should neglect or abuse him, instead of rewarding him, he shall certainly be rewarded by the Lord Christ, whether he be bond or free, whether he be a poor bond-servant or a freeman or master. Christ regards not these differences of men at present; nor will he in the great and final judgment. You think, "A prince, or a magistrate, or a minister, that does his duty here, will be sure to receive his reward in heaven: but what capacity am I, a poor servant, in, of recommending myself to the favour of God." Why, God will as certainly reward thee for the meanest drudgery that is done from a sense of duty and with an eye to himself. And what can be said more proper either to engage or to encourage servants to their duty? IV. The duty of masters: "And you masters, do the same things unto them (Eph 6:9); that is, act after the same manner. Be just to them, as you expect they should be to you: show the like good-will and concern for them, and be careful herein to approve yourselves to God." Observe, Masters are under as strict obligations to discharge their duty to their servants as servants are to be obedient and dutiful to them. "Forbearing threatening; anientes - moderating threatening, and remitting the evils with which you threaten them. Remember that your servants are made of the same mould with yourselves, and therefore be not tyrannical and imperious over them, knowing that your Master also is in heaven:" some copies read, both your and their Master. "You have a Master to obey who makes this your duty; and you and they are but fellow-servants in respect of Christ. You will be as punishable by him, for the neglect of your duty, or for acting contrary to it, as any others of meaner condition in the world. You are therefore to show favour to others, as ever you expect to find favour with him; and you will never be a match for him, though you may be too hard for your servants." Neither is there respect of persons with him; a rich, a wealthy, and a dignified master, if he be unjust, imperious, and abusive, is not a jot the nearer being accepted of God for his riches, wealth, and honour. He will call masters and servants to an impartial account for their conduct one to another, and will neither spare the former because they are more advanced nor be severe towards the latter because they are inferior and mean in the world. If both masters and servants would consider their relation and obligation to God and the account they must shortly give to him, they would be more careful of their duty to each other. Thus the apostle concludes his exhortation to relative duties.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:1-4 The relationship between parents and children is to be a reflection of their devotion to the Lord. Christian children are to obey their parents, and Christian parents are to discipline their children gently (see Col 3:20-21).
Children and Parents
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),
- Scripture
- Sermons
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教子有方（上）- Training Children
By Paul Washer7.3K1:00:07Training ChildrenEPH 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is different from the world by following Jesus Christ. He shares personal anecdotes about his family, highlighting the wildness and joy in their home. The preacher challenges the notion of trying to be relevant to the world and instead encourages believers to manifest Christ through love, humility, and service. He also emphasizes the significance of strong relationships within families and the need to prioritize obedience and love between parents and children. The preacher concludes by urging believers to live out their faith authentically, both in public and in private.
Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience)
By Paul Washer5.1K52:39AdolescenceACT 5:29ROM 13:1EPH 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters over their relationship with God. The preacher urges listeners to take the principles of the Bible seriously for the benefit of their homes, children, and wives, ultimately bringing glory to God. He also addresses the need for humility and recognition that we are not born knowing how to fulfill our roles as men, husbands, and fathers. The sermon concludes with a warning about the dangers of rebellion in the home and the importance of purging it from society.
Costly Submission
By Art Katz4.1K1:29:43SubmissionEXO 20:12MAT 6:33ROM 14:11EPH 6:1PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature often resists submission due to a desire for self-exaltation. The speaker also highlights the significance of using the English language effectively and encourages the audience to value and employ words with meaningful impact. Additionally, he references the commandment to honor one's mother and father, emphasizing its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its importance in God's wisdom and understanding.
(Depressed Disciples) Satan and the Insecure
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:00:22SatanPSA 144:15EPH 6:11TI 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges and struggles that believers may face in their faith journey. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subtle ways in which the enemy can overwhelm and discourage believers. The preacher uses the analogy of being like a bottle in the smoke, representing the feeling of being surrounded by weariness, wickedness, or pressing troubles. He encourages believers to hold onto the Word of God and remember that God is always for them, regardless of the challenges they face. The preacher also mentions the importance of not forgetting God's statutes and finding comfort in knowing that God is with them.
Keeping the Hearts of Your Children
By Ann Brubaker1.2K1:22:18Godly HomePSA 23:1PRO 22:6PRO 29:15PRO 29:17MAT 6:33EPH 6:1COL 3:20In this sermon, the speaker explores the importance of building relationships and communicating love to children. The speaker uses the example of a child named Johnny to illustrate different scenarios. The speaker emphasizes the need for quality time and one-on-one interactions with children, as this is how they feel loved. The sermon also highlights the significance of creating a controlled and orderly atmosphere where children feel confident and secure.
How Our Joy Can Be Full - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K07:05PRO 3:11MAT 7:21EPH 6:1COL 3:20JAS 1:221JN 1:91JN 2:11JN 2:31JN 2:15
This sermon emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins honestly before God, acknowledging our faults and seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the righteous advocate who paid the price for our sins. It highlights the need to keep God's commandments out of love for Him, as disobedience stems from not truly knowing and trusting God's wisdom and protection. The message also warns against loving the world, which can lead to a diminishing love for God and hinder spiritual growth.
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.1K08:44DEU 6:6PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 29:15MAT 21:28EPH 6:1COL 3:20HEB 12:11
This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience, both in the family and in our relationship with God. It highlights the consequences of deferred obedience, irresponsible parenting, and the need for correction and discipline. The story of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32 is used to illustrate the significance of repentance and obedience in doing the will of the Father.
Parents and Children
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K1:01:50PRO 10:13PRO 22:6EPH 5:21EPH 6:1COL 3:20HEB 12:5
This sermon focuses on the biblical principles of parenting and raising children according to God's design. It emphasizes the importance of mutual servanthood in family relationships, highlighting the roles of parents and children in submitting to one another in the fear of God. The sermon delves into the significance of obedience for children, the role of fathers in not provoking their children to wrath, and the balance between discipline (law) and grace in child-rearing. It also explores the promise of training children in the way of the Lord and the impact of being filled with the Spirit in parenting.
Jesus Is Precious as the Foundation of the Family
By John Piper1.0K32:13Preciousness Of JesusEPH 5:15EPH 5:25EPH 6:1EPH 6:4EPH 6:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living wisely and understanding the will of the Lord. He emphasizes the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit rather than indulging in worldly pleasures like getting drunk. The speaker then highlights the effects of being filled with the Spirit, which include addressing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord, and always giving thanks in the name of Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes by discussing the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, comparing the wife to the church and the husband to Christ. The speaker emphasizes that God is not indifferent to our family relationships and that Christ should be the Lord of everything in our lives.
Understanding Marriage - What Submission Is
By David Guzik99550:191CO 5:11CO 5:5EPH 5:21EPH 6:1EPH 6:5In this sermon, Pastor David Guzik discusses the concept of submission as it relates to the Christian life. He emphasizes the idea that believers should regard themselves as being underranked in the attitude of the military and apply it to their everyday interactions with one another. Paul's teaching on submission in Ephesians 5:21 serves as a link to a larger discussion on submission in various spheres of life. This includes marriage, parenting, and work relationships. The sermon highlights the practicality of living a Spirit-filled life and submitting to others in the fear of God.
3) How Jesus Grew in Wisdom (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen80059:58PRO 22:6LUK 2:40LUK 2:52ROM 6:14EPH 6:1COL 3:201TI 4:12HEB 4:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance of Jesus' example in spending the majority of his life at home and in his place of work before starting his ministry, highlighting the significance of faithfulness in everyday life. It encourages individuals to prioritize overcoming sin and submitting to authority as key aspects of growing in wisdom, drawing parallels between Jesus' experiences and the challenges faced by young people today.
How to Raise a Rebel
By Jim Van Gelderen7981:04:47PRO 28:13MAT 6:33ROM 13:1EPH 6:12TI 2:22HEB 12:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of vigilance and sobriety in protecting children from the negative influences of the world. He shares a powerful testimony of a teenage boy who turned his life around after his father prayed fervently for him. The preacher warns parents about the dangers of video games and the internet, stating that they can expose children to filth and warp their minds. He encourages parents to be vigilant and careful in monitoring their children's media consumption, and highlights the need to adhere to biblical principles and teachings.
Obey Your Leaders
By Tim Conway69252:26PRO 5:11ROM 13:1EPH 5:22EPH 6:1COL 2:8HEB 12:1HEB 13:171PE 5:52PE 2:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of obeying and submitting to church leaders, highlighting the responsibility and accountability leaders have in watching over souls. It addresses the challenges of anti-authoritarianism, pride, democratic mindsets, internet influences, church hopping, and defiance against authority. The sermon stresses the need to be persuaded by the teaching of leaders focused on Christ to prevent drifting away from the faith and to ultimately make it to the end.
Building the Body of Christ - 8 a Challenge for Young People
By Zac Poonen65856:38ISA 40:31MAT 5:16JHN 6:37JHN 20:291CO 15:58EPH 6:1HEB 12:11PE 2:2
This sermon emphasizes the importance of young people being active in serving the Lord, drawing parallels to the disciples of Jesus who were younger than Him and ready to lead the church. It addresses the need for young believers to have a personal assurance of salvation, the significance of reacting to sin with repentance, and the importance of growing spiritually by desiring God's Word. The sermon also touches on the challenges young people face in a worldly culture, the need to honor parents, and the encouragement to stand firm in faith despite worldly influences and the anticipation of Christ's second coming.
Setting Standards in the Home
By Rick Leibee6511:04:33MAT 22:37JHN 3:16ROM 4:15ROM 5:13EPH 6:1EPH 6:4COL 3:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of setting and maintaining standards in our homes. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and understanding between parents and children. The speaker highlights four key aspects of obedience: doing what is asked immediately, doing it completely, doing it with a cheerful attitude, and doing it in accordance with the child's level of understanding. He also encourages parents to consider the delivery and reception of their instructions, taking into account the individual abilities and maturity of each child.
Question Answer Session (River of Life 2016)
By Zac Poonen6281:16:45DEU 1:3PRO 27:19ISA 50:4LUK 4:23ROM 8:6EPH 6:1HEB 5:11
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance through prayer, maintaining a clear conscience, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for parents to create a heavenly atmosphere in their homes, balancing love and discipline in raising children. The role of obedience, humility, and seeking God's will in daily life is emphasized to live a godly and purposeful life.
(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) the Courtship Relationship
By Rick Leibee6051:15:11PRO 22:6DAN 11:32MAT 6:33EPH 6:11TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting emotions lead in the process of courting or seeking a romantic relationship. He explains that while emotions are not the basis for salvation, they are still an integral part of our lives and should not be ignored. The preacher also addresses the issue of when a courtship is not going well and advises that it is okay to gracefully and kindly end the relationship if it is not working out. Overall, the message encourages listeners to have a single-minded focus on Jesus and to trust in God's will in their relationships.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 507
By Don Courville33321:38Radio ShowPSA 119:30PSA 119:105PRO 22:6ISA 7:13MAT 6:33EPH 6:1COL 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering our will. He quotes missionary Hudson Taylor, who said that God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him. However, leaving the choice to God is not always easy. The speaker highlights the power of our will and how it can either devastate or bless our lives. He also discusses the three virtues that parents should impart to their children: obedience, discipline, and self-control. The sermon emphasizes the consequences of not yielding our will and the importance of teaching children to be obedient and under control.
On Obedience to Parents
By John Wesley1ObedienceParental AuthorityEXO 20:12DEU 5:16PRO 1:8PRO 22:6PRO 30:17MAT 15:4EPH 6:1COL 3:201TI 5:4HEB 12:9John Wesley emphasizes the biblical command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that this principle is universally recognized and rooted in both natural law and divine revelation. He explains that obedience is not only a duty but also brings blessings, as it is pleasing to God and is the first commandment with a promise. Wesley urges parents to instill this obedience from a young age, warning against the dangers of indulgence and the consequences of allowing children to act on their own will. He calls for a serious commitment from both parents and children to uphold this commandment, framing it as essential for spiritual well-being and familial harmony.
The Principle of Authority
By J. Hampton Keathley III1EPH 6:1J. Hampton Keathley III preaches on the importance of parental authority as a delegated responsibility from God, emphasizing the need for parents to raise their children according to God's guidelines and authority. Parents are called to declare and promote what God's Word says is right and wrong, acting in accordance with His standards to fulfill their stewardship. The sermon also delves into the meaning of authority as the delegated right to rule or lead, highlighting God's absolute and complete authority based on His perfect righteousness and goodness for the good and blessing of His people.
The Principle of Control
By J. Hampton Keathley III11SA 15:23PRO 29:15ROM 13:1EPH 6:11TI 3:4HEB 13:17J. Hampton Keathley III delves into 'The Problem of Rebellion,' emphasizing the necessity of controls due to the inherent rebellion in all individuals as a result of the fall and sinful nature. The sermon explores various forms of rebellion, the importance of godly authority in different spheres of life, and the role of institutions like government, family, and church in maintaining order and protection against rebellion. Keathley highlights the need for parents to exercise control to foster obedience and prevent rebellion in children, both actively and passively.
Human Authorities—god’s Servants
By Denny Kenaston0EPH 6:1COL 3:18COL 3:22HEB 13:71PE 2:13Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of recognizing and submitting to human authorities as God's servants, emphasizing the role of authority in building character, providing protection, giving direction, offering encouragement, and bringing discipline in our lives. He delves into the five types of human authority - parental, marital, governmental, ministerial, and occupational - highlighting the biblical principles and responsibilities associated with each type. Through various examples like the role of a small-town policeman and experiences working for UPS, he illustrates how God uses imperfect human authorities to work in our lives for our growth and development.
The Home-Life.
By J.R. Miller0Home LifeObedience and RespectEPH 6:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of home-life for young people, highlighting that while homes are not perfect, they serve as essential schools for life lessons. He discusses the challenges young people face in accepting parental authority and the need for obedience, respect, and love towards parents as a divine ordinance. Miller points out that even in less-than-ideal home situations, young individuals must remain faithful and responsible, as their actions can significantly impact family harmony. He encourages youth to cultivate thoughtfulness and a spirit of service, which are vital for fostering a loving home environment. Ultimately, he asserts that the responsibility for creating a happy home lies with both parents and children, and that selflessness leads to true happiness.
The Children's Part
By J.R. Miller0Honor Your ParentsThe Role of Children in the HomeEPH 6:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital role of children in the home, urging them to express love and gratitude to their parents while they are alive, rather than waiting until it's too late. He highlights that children should honor their parents through obedience, respect, and by contributing positively to the family environment, drawing on the example of Jesus who exemplified perfect obedience and duty in his own home. Miller argues that the true measure of a child's love is reflected in their actions and character, which should aim to fulfill the hopes and dreams of their parents. He encourages children to recognize the sacrifices made by their parents and to repay that love with a noble and virtuous life. Ultimately, he calls for a harmonious home life where love and respect reign, ensuring that children grow into responsible and caring adults.
Take Heed Beloved
By Clement of Rome0PSA 139:23PRO 16:9PRO 20:27PRO 22:4ECC 12:131CO 10:31EPH 6:1PHP 2:3HEB 4:131PE 5:5Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of God, reminding believers that the Spirit of the Lord searches the depths of our hearts. He encourages obedience to God's will, even if it means offending foolish and prideful individuals. Clement urges respect for Jesus Christ, leaders, elders, and the training of youth in the fear of God. He highlights the significance of purity, meekness, and genuine love among believers, as well as the value of humility and reverence towards God.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Children, obey your parents - This is a duty with which God will never dispense; he commands it, and one might think that gratitude, from a sense of the highest obligations, would most strongly enforce the command. In the Lord - This clause is wanting in several reputable MSS., and in same versions. In the Lord may mean, on account of the commandment of the Lord; or, as far as the parents commands are according to the will and word of God. For surely no child is called to obey any parent if he give unreasonable or unscriptural commands.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Children, obey your parents in the Lord,.... The persons whose duty this is, "children", are such of every sex, male and female, and of every age, and of every state and condition; and though the true, legitimate, and immediate offspring of men may be chiefly respected, yet not exclusive of spurious children, and adopted ones, and of children-in-law; and the persons to whom obedience from them is due, are not only real and immediate parents, both father and mother, but such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers, step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and all who are in the ascending line, as grandfathers, grandmothers, &c. to these, children should be subject and obedient in all things lawful, just, and good; in everything that is not sinful and unlawful, by the word of God; and in things indifferent, as much as in them lies, and even in things which are difficult to perform: and this obedience should be hearty and sincere, and not merely verbal, and in show and appearance, nor mercenary; and should be joined with gratitude and thankfulness for past favours: and it should be "in the Lord"; which may be considered either as a limitation of the obedience, that it should be in things that are agreeable to the mind and will of the Lord; or as an argument to it, because it is the command of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight, and makes for his glory, and therefore should be done for his sake: for this is right; it appears to be right by the light of nature, by which the very Heathens have taught it; and it is equitable from reason that so it should be; and it is just by the law of God, which commands nothing but what is holy, just, and good.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have further directions concerning relative duties, in which the apostle is very particular. I. The duty of children to their parents. Come, you children, hearken to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The great duty of children is to obey their parents (Eph 6:1), parents being the instruments of their being, God and nature having given them an authority to command, in subserviency to God; and, if children will be obedient to their pious parents, they will be in a fair way to be pious as they are. That obedience which God demands from their children, in their behalf, includes an inward reverence, as well as the outward expressions and acts. Obey in the Lord. Some take this as a limitation, and understand it thus: "as far as is consistent with your duty to God." We must not disobey our heavenly Father in obedience to earthly parents; for our obligation to God is prior and superior to all others. I take it rather as a reason: "Children, obey your parents; for the Lord has commanded it: obey them therefore for the Lord's sake, and with an eye to him." Or it may be a particular specification of the general duty: "Obey your parents, especially in those things which relate to the Lord. Your parents teach you good manners, and therein you must obey them. They teach you what is for your health, and in this you must obey them: but the chief things in which you are to do it are the things pertaining to the Lord." Religious parents charge their children to keep the ways of the Lord, Gen 18:19. They command them to be found in the way of their duty towards God, and to take heed of those sins most incident to their age; in these things especially they must see that they be obedient. There is a general reason given: For this is right, there is a natural equity in it, God has enjoined it, and it highly becomes Christians. It is the order of nature that parents command and children obey. Though this may seem a hard saying, yet it is duty, and it must be done by such as would please God and approve themselves to him. For the proof of this the apostle quotes the law of the fifth commandment, which Christ was so far from designing to abrogate and repeal that he came to confirm it, as appears by his vindicating it, Mat 15:4, etc. Honour thy father and mother (Eph 6:2), which honour implies reverence, obedience, and relief and maintenance, if these be needed. The apostle adds, which is the first commandment with promise. Some little difficulty arises from this, which we should not overlook, because some who plead for the lawfulness of images bring this as a proof that we are not bound by the second commandment. But there is no manner of force in the argument. The second commandment has not a particular promise; but only a general declaration or assertion, which relates to the whole law of God's keeping mercy for thousands. And then by this is not meant the first commandment of the decalogue that has a promise, for there is no other after it that has, and therefore it would be improper to say it is the first; but the meaning may be this: "This is a prime or chief commandment, and it has a promise; it is the first commandment in the second table, and it has a promise." The promise is, That it may be well with thee, etc., Eph 6:3. Observe, Whereas the promise in the commandment has reference to the land of Canaan, the apostle hereby shows that this and other promises which we have in the Old Testament relating to the land of Canaan are to be understood more generally. That you may not think that the Jews only, to whom God gave the land of Canaan, were bound by the fifth commandment, he here gives it a further sense, That it may be well with thee, etc. Outward prosperity and long life are blessings promised to those who keep this commandment. This is the way to have it well with us, and obedient children are often rewarded with outward prosperity. Not indeed that it is always so; there are instances of such children who meet with much affliction in this life: but ordinarily obedience is thus rewarded, and, where it is not, it is made up with something better. Observe, 1. The gospel has its temporal promises, as well as spiritual ones. 2. Although the authority of God be sufficient to engage us in our duty, yet we are allowed to have respect to the promised reward: and, 3. Though it contains some temporal advantage, even this may be considered as a motive and encouragement to our obedience. II. The duty of parents: And you fathers, Eph 6:4. Or, you parents, 1. "Do not provoke your children to wrath. Though God has given you power, you must not abuse that power, remembering that your children are, in a particular manner, pieces of yourselves, and therefore ought to be governed with great tenderness and love. Be not impatient with them, use no unreasonable severities and lay no rigid injunctions upon them. When you caution them, when you counsel them, when you reprove them, do it in such a manner as not to provoke them to wrath. In all such cases deal prudently and wisely with them, endeavouring to convince their judgments and to work upon their reason." 2. "Bring them up well, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in the discipline of proper and of compassionate correction, and in the knowledge of that duty which God requires of them and by which they may become better acquainted with him. Give them a good education." It is the great duty of parents to be careful in the education of their children: "Not only bring them up, as the brutes do, taking care to provide for them; but bring them up in nurture and admonition, in such a manner as is suitable to their reasonable natures. Nay, not only bring them up as men, in nurture and admonition, but as Christians, in the admonition of the Lord. Let them have a religious education. Instruct them to fear sinning; and inform them of, and excite them to, the whole of their duty towards God." III. The duty of servants. This also is summed up in one word, which is, obedience. He is largest on this article, as knowing there was the greatest need of it. These servants were generally slaves. Civil servitude is not inconsistent with Christian liberty. Those may be the Lord's freemen who are slaves to men. "Your masters according to the flesh (Eph 6:5), that is, who have the command of your bodies, but not of your souls and consciences: God alone has dominion over these." Now, with respect to servants, he exhorts, 1. That they obey with fear and trembling. They are to reverence those who are over them, fearing to displease them, and trembling lest they should justly incur their anger and indignation. 2. That they be sincere in their obedience: In singleness of heart; not pretending obedience when they design disobedience, but serving them with faithfulness. 3. They should have an eye to Jesus Christ in all the service that they perform to their masters (Eph 6:5-7), doing service as to the Lord, and not to men; that is, not to men only or principally. When servants, in the discharge of the duty of their places, have an eye to Christ, this puts an honour upon their obedience, and an acceptableness into it. Service done to their earthly masters, with an eye to him, becomes acceptable service to him also. To have an eye to Christ is to remember that he sees them and is ever present with them, and that his authority obliges them to a faithful and conscientious discharge of the duties of their station. 4. They must not serve their masters with eye-service (Eph 6:6) - that is, only when their master's eye is upon them; but they must be as conscientious in the discharge of their duty, when they are absent and out of the way, because then their Master in heaven beholds them: and therefore they must not act as men-pleasers - as though they had no regard to the pleasing of God, and approving themselves to him, if they can impose upon their masters. Observe, A steady regard to the Lord Jesus Christ will make men faithful and sincere in every station of life. 5. What they do they must do cheerfully: Doing the will of God from the heart, serving their masters as God wills they should, not grudgingly, nor by constraint, but from a principle of love to them and their concerns. This is doing it with good-will (Eph 6:7), which will make their service easy to themselves, pleasing to their masters, and acceptable to the Lord Christ. There should be good-will to their masters, good-will to the families they are in; and especially a readiness to do their duty to God. Observe, Service, performed with conscience, and from a regard to God, though it be to unrighteous masters, will be accounted by Christ as service done to himself. 6. Let faithful servants trust God for their wages, while they do their duty in his fear: Knowing that whatsoever good thing (Eph 6:8), how poor and mean soever it may be, considered in itself, - the same shall he receive of the Lord, that is, by a metonymy, the reward of the same. Though his master on earth should neglect or abuse him, instead of rewarding him, he shall certainly be rewarded by the Lord Christ, whether he be bond or free, whether he be a poor bond-servant or a freeman or master. Christ regards not these differences of men at present; nor will he in the great and final judgment. You think, "A prince, or a magistrate, or a minister, that does his duty here, will be sure to receive his reward in heaven: but what capacity am I, a poor servant, in, of recommending myself to the favour of God." Why, God will as certainly reward thee for the meanest drudgery that is done from a sense of duty and with an eye to himself. And what can be said more proper either to engage or to encourage servants to their duty? IV. The duty of masters: "And you masters, do the same things unto them (Eph 6:9); that is, act after the same manner. Be just to them, as you expect they should be to you: show the like good-will and concern for them, and be careful herein to approve yourselves to God." Observe, Masters are under as strict obligations to discharge their duty to their servants as servants are to be obedient and dutiful to them. "Forbearing threatening; anientes - moderating threatening, and remitting the evils with which you threaten them. Remember that your servants are made of the same mould with yourselves, and therefore be not tyrannical and imperious over them, knowing that your Master also is in heaven:" some copies read, both your and their Master. "You have a Master to obey who makes this your duty; and you and they are but fellow-servants in respect of Christ. You will be as punishable by him, for the neglect of your duty, or for acting contrary to it, as any others of meaner condition in the world. You are therefore to show favour to others, as ever you expect to find favour with him; and you will never be a match for him, though you may be too hard for your servants." Neither is there respect of persons with him; a rich, a wealthy, and a dignified master, if he be unjust, imperious, and abusive, is not a jot the nearer being accepted of God for his riches, wealth, and honour. He will call masters and servants to an impartial account for their conduct one to another, and will neither spare the former because they are more advanced nor be severe towards the latter because they are inferior and mean in the world. If both masters and servants would consider their relation and obligation to God and the account they must shortly give to him, they would be more careful of their duty to each other. Thus the apostle concludes his exhortation to relative duties.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:1-4 The relationship between parents and children is to be a reflection of their devotion to the Lord. Christian children are to obey their parents, and Christian parents are to discipline their children gently (see Col 3:20-21).