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The Honor Due to Parents
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughChildren are called to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. As Paul instructs in Ephesians 6:1-3, obedience to parents must align with God's Word, meaning a child should follow parental commands only when they comply with divine principles. If a child must disobey a sinful directive, such as to lie or break the Sabbath, he must accept the consequences of refusal while prioritizing his primary duty to love and obey God. This conditional obedience, framed by the phrase "in the Lord," ensures that loyalty to God supersedes all other allegiances, placing parents as secondary in comparison.
The Fifth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChildren are instructed to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right, as stated in Ephesians 6:1-3. Honoring father and mother is the first commandment with a promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. This obedience is not a blind following of parental orders that contradict God's will; rather, children should obey commands that align with the will of God. As they grow, children must recognize that their submission to parents is an act of faith in Christ, understanding that both they and their parents are under the authority of the Living Christ. The responsibility for keeping this commandment ultimately rests with the child, though parents play a crucial role in guiding them. The promise of blessing for honoring parents includes building knowledge, character, and habits that avoid recklessness and rebellion, which often lead to untimely death. Ultimately, honoring our spiritual Father, God, brings spiritual blessings far beyond physical life, leading to eternal life as a gift to a son who pleases Him.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Children are called to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right, as stated in Ephesians 6:1. This obedience is not merely a duty but an act of righteousness, aligning with the natural law recognized across cultures and history that honoring parents is fundamentally correct. The phrase "in the Lord" qualifies this command, emphasizing that obedience to parents is to be given with a conscious regard for God's will, as if it is being offered directly to Jesus Christ Himself. This elevates the act to a form of worship, reflecting the intimate relationship with God and the weighty responsibility to submit as Christ did, even when He, as a 12-year-old, subjected Himself to His earthly parents in Luke 2:49-51, always striving to please His Father. This commandment to honor father and mother, as noted in Ephesians 6:2, is the first with a promise, indicating its significant rank among the commandments concerning human relationships. It suggests that the obedience of children to parents is crucial to the stability and quality of a culture, and by extension, to one's preparation for the Kingdom of God. The responsibility to obey parents carries a deep sense of respect and privilege, beyond mere compliance, and remains a lifelong duty regardless of age or circumstance. God expects this honor, as seen in Malachi 1:6, where He demands reverence as Father and Master, underscoring that such submission is inherently right and expected.
The Fifth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment stands at the head of the second tablet of the Decalogue, which governs our human relationships. It is critical for family and society.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.