Introduction

A. Jesus said that His generation neglected their responsibilities toward their parents and used their contributions to the temple to justify it (Matthew 15:1-6).

B. What are our responsibilities to our parents?

Discussion

I. God has always expected children to honor their parents.

A. Children have always been commanded to obey their parents in their youth (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20).

B. Children must obey as long as demands do not contradict God’s Word (cf. Colossians 3:23; 1 Peter 2:18; 1 Kings 15:12-13).

C. The Bible offers many examples of parental respect (Genesis 22:8-9; 1 Kings 2:19) and disrespect (1 Samuel 2:25).

D. Under the Old Testament law, disobedience to parents was punished by stoning (Deuteronomy 21:18-21; cf. Romans 1:28-32).

II. We need to honor our parents even when they are grown.

A. It is one’s duty to care for his parents when they become unable to do so for themselves (1 Timothy 5:3-16).

B. Godly men of the past have made provisions for their parents (1 Samuel 22:3-4; John 19:25-27).

C. If for no other reason, the law of sowing and reaping should prompt us to do this (cf. Galatians 6:7).

Conclusion

A. We can honor our parents with the manner in which we live our lives (3 John 2-4).

B. If we wish to honor our Father in heaven (Malachi 1:6-14), we must learn to give the honor due to our parents on Earth (Romans 13:8).