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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Christian Children (Ephesians 6:1)

Bryan Schneider · October 24, 2020

Ephesians 6:1

sharonrpc.org/sermons/christian-children

Summary

  • Paul addresses children directly, showing that they belong in the gathered church and are not forgotten by God or excluded from hearing his Word.
  • Jesus welcomes children, and the gospel promise is proclaimed to believers and their children within the covenant community.
  • Children are commanded to listen closely to and obey their parents in the Lord, responding not merely from fear of consequences but from love for Christ and trust toward their parents.
  • The phrase ‘in the Lord’ limits parental commands: children are never required to obey an instruction that would make them sin.
  • Honoring father and mother includes love, respect, and appropriate obedience, reflecting the ordered relationships God gives for the good of family and society.
  • The fifth commandment carries a general promise of well-being, while the following verse protects children by holding parents accountable not to provoke them.

Reflection and discussion

  • What does Paul's direct address to children reveal about their place in the gathered church?
  • How does Jesus' welcome of children shape the church's attitude toward them?
  • What does it mean for a child to listen to and obey a parent ‘in the Lord’?
  • Why does love provide a deeper motive for obedience than fear of punishment alone?
  • What attitudes and actions are included in honoring father and mother?
  • Why must a child not obey a command to sin?
  • How should the general promise attached to the fifth commandment be understood?
  • How does Ephesians 6:4 guard against using this passage to excuse parental harshness or suppression?

Key terms

In the Lord
The sphere and limit of Christian obedience: children obey as followers of Christ and may not be commanded to sin.
Obey
To listen attentively and respond to a parent's lawful direction.
Honor
To regard parents with due love, respect, gratitude, and appropriate obedience.
Covenant community
The gathered people among whom God addresses adults and children with his Word and promises.
Promise
The fifth commandment's general assurance that honoring God-given family order tends toward well-being and long life.
Authority
A real but accountable responsibility established by God for the good of those under its care.

Notes and prayer