THE 5TH COMMANDMENT:

A COMMANDMENT WITH A PROMISE.

(Exodus 20:12)

...Our rebellious culture today tends to be bent on teaching us to _dishonor__ and hold our parents in contempt.

   TV and movies are full of examples of the kids being __smarter___ than the parents.  The 5th commandment

   tells us something wholly different: “Honor your parents, or else.”

...When we obey the first 4 commandments, we will have a deep _love__ for God, loving Him with our heart,

   soul and strength.  Loving God is the _key__ to loving others.

...The 5th commandment is where the Lord tells us, if you will honor the father and mother that I gave you, things

   will be well with you. I will honor, _bless__, and even extend your life.

THREE CONSIDERATIONS HELPING US TO KEEP THE 5TH BY HONORING OUR PARENTS.

I.    THE COMMAND TO HONOR MUST BE FIRST UNDERSTOOD.

            A. The Hebrew word for “honor” is KAVOD.

                        1. This word, which also means reverence, comes from the word KAVAD which means to

                            be _heavy_. It is to give weight to someone.

                        2. “Honor” demands a profound __respect__ that governs all relations with the honored.

                            ...It is to hold the honored person in high esteem, elevating them to a place of

                               __importance__ and reverence.

            B. We are to honor our parents all of our days.

                        1. Honoring them during our growing years is largely seen through _obedience_.

                            ...Why should children obey them?

                                    a. Parents stand in the place of __God___ to their children. (Loving, providing,

                                        and law-giving)

                                    b. Parents have their children’s __best___ interests at heart.

                                    c. Because the growing-up years are __short___.

                                    d. Because it opens them up to God’s grace.

                        2. Honoring our parents _changes__ in our adult years, and reverence rises to become the

                            dominant way the mature child honors his father and mother.

            C. This commandment also includes a double promise.

                        1. _NATIONAL__  GRACE:  “Obedient children are a national treasure, for they become

                            tomorrow’s politicians, pastors, teachers, doctors, scientists, etc. So longevity of life in

                            the land.

                        2. PERSONAL GRACE:  Long life!  An obedient child will be _spared__ the bad habits and

                            bad friends which tend to shorten life. (Proverbs 4:10; 10:27)

II.    JESUS SET A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE FOR US AS HE SUBMITTED HIMSELF

        IN  _OBEDIENCE___  TO HIS PARENTS.  He honored them:

            A. As our Lord passed through ___all___ the stages of childhood, from total dependence to responsible

                manhood, He __always___ chose to obey His parents.

                (Luke 2:51-52)... Remember He was the Creator!

            B. Jesus, even in His painful dying hours, took care of his __mother___ making sure that her

                needs were met. (John 19:26-27)

III.   SOME PRACTICAL WAYS THAT WE, AS ADULTS, CAN HONOR OUR PARENTS.

            A. We can show deep _respect__ for them.

                        1. It always involves speaking _kindly_ to your parents. Such speech is affectionate,

                            intimate and properly toned.

                        2. This also involves speaking kindly __of___ one’s parents.

            B. We need to make _provision___ for their material needs, Jesus spoke on this, Matt. 15:3-5.

                 Neglect your needy parents and you will have the disapproval of God.

            C. We need to be _considerate__ of them by taking time to be with them, including them,

                 and doing acts of kindness for them.

                 ... “Love, someone said, is best spelled T-I-M-E!!

            D. You may need to honor your parents by _forgiving__ them.

LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:

1. Without exception, we are to honor our parents.

2. If you failed at this, confess, repent and find forgiveness.

3. Parents, you must teach and require this from your children.

4. Maybe you need to come to Christ and be saved today.