Exodus 20:14 reads, "You shall not commit adultery." (NKJV).
He was probably the most powerful man in the nation when she caught his eye. His position was enough for her to open her mind to perhaps any idea he may have had. As a result of their acts together she became pregnant. Fear of public disgrace fueled many attempts to cover their affair up at the highest levels. The woman's husband was ignorant of what was happening; he had been away at the war front. They tried to manipulate things so it would look as if he was the proud father of the child she was carrying, but his blind loyalty to his commander and chief and his fellow shouldiers still on the battle lines kept him from falling into their plot. That left only one alternative, the husband's life would need to be sacrificed to cover their tracks. After the husband's tragic and heroic death, the powerful man took the woman to be his bride. Howver, their secret did not remain as such. The fallout from their affair farther reaching consequences than anyone imagined. No - this isn't the plot of the latest romance novel, or the front page story of a supermarket tabloid. You won't find the story on General Hospital or Days of Our Lives. It is a brief synopsis of II Samuel 11, the story of King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah the Hittite.
Adultery in the Bible is a sin (of course). It is a sin against the spouce. Malachi calls it, "Breaking Faith", the breaking of the pledge of absolute faithfullness that is made by both parties in the marriage ceremony. It is a sin against God. Afterwards David would confess, "I have sinned against the Lord". Matthew 19:4 to 6 read, " And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning `made them male and female,' and said, `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'(NKJV). It is a sin against all mankind. This may be hard to see,but consider Jeremiah 23:10, "For the land is full of adulterers; for because of a curse the land mourns. The pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up. Their course of life is evil, and their might is not right." (NKJV). He also says in verse 14, " Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they also strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom to Me, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah." (NKJV). Adultery plays into the hands of the adversary and makes holes in the foundation of society.
Adultery has also served as an illustration of God's relationship to His people. The book of Hosea begins with these words in versses 1 and 2, "The word of the Lord that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord." (NKJV). God is portrayed as the loving and forgiving husband to the the harlot Israel. Hosea 3:1 reads, " Then the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans." (NKJV). Irsrael was unfaithful, just as many of us are, but God will forgive and will then restore the relationship. However, left unrepented of, God has no choice but to punsih it. Revelation 22:12 to 15 read, ""And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.'' Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." (NKJV).
How prevalent is this sin? Secular polling reports 2/3 of men, and 1/2 of women have committed thisact. Howver, another poll results in %70 of men, and %72 of women involved. Christians are not immune; Christianity Today polled its readers and found %23 reported extra-marital affairs. It has seemingly become so commom place it is no longer seen as a deviant behavior. This desensitization has led to falacies like the idea it will bring back the "spark" into a dull marriage. In truth %65 of marriages where it is reported end. Adultery has been glamorized. Movies such as "The English Patient", "Bridges of Madison County", and"ThePrince of Tides" all feature it and were all award winners.
How to prevent it. I Corinthians 7:3 to 5 read, "Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (NKJV). The bottom line is that the husband and wife have to respond, in many different ways, to oneanother. They need toset a priority of meeting one another's needs,andno one elses.
Dr. O.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
YOU SHALL NOT KILL or MURDER?
Exodus 20:13 says, "Thou shalt not kill." (KJV). Or does it say, "You shall not murder." (NKJV).
This particular commandment has fueled many long and heated debates. Does the sixth commandment condemn all killing or only a particular type of killing? At the heart of the debate is the proper translation of this verse. Is it KILL or is it MURDER. Kill, in our thinking is a general term covering the taking of a life in general. Murder on the other hand is a premeditated, intentional act. The Hebrew word generally means to dash to pieces, kill murder, destroy, or crush. Specifically in Exodus 20:13 it means the unlawful killing of a human being with deliberate malice, either expressed or implied. there are three major areas where this debate is seen and heard. These are warfare - can a godly person go to war and fight for his cause? Abortion is included - can a godly person be pro-choice or pro abortion? The other is capital punishment - should a human government have the power to take some one's life?
Let's consider the question of war - Can a godly person go to war? To answer NO! makes God out to be a liar. Exodus 17:8 to 16 reads, "Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.'' So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.'' And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; for he said, "Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.''(NKJV). Goid blesses Moses and Israelites and promises future victories. The keys to this are that first the cause had to be righteous, the cause had to be God sanctioned. Generally this was the defense of His chosen people. The people involved had to be righteous (IIKings 17:16 to 20; 20:10 to 15). Some would ask about the New Testament because God's "cosen" changes. In the OT His chosen are a single nation , a given country. In the NT His chosen make up a kingdom not of this world, it is spiritual rather than physical.
Ephesians 6:10 to 13 read, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (NKJV). Our battle is not against an enemy of flesh and blood, but it is a spiritual conflict against a spiritual enemy. Our weapons are a helmet of salvation, a sword of the word of God, body armor called truth and righteousness, combat boots of the gospel, and a shield called faith. Does this mean that Christians should be pacifists or conscientious objectors? Perhaps, but when called to serve we need to consider Romans13:1 to 5. These verses read, " Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake." (NKJV).
Lets consider abortion - can a godly person be pro-choice? In this case to answer YES! makes God out to a liar. Two questions need to be answered to prove this. When does life begin? Jeremiah 1:5 says, " Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;..." (NKJV). Psalm 139:13 to 16 adds, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them." (NKJV). Life does not begin after nine months of gestation. Life does not begin in the second or third trimester. Life does not begin in the first trimester. Life begins when a sperm cell meets an egg cell and fertilization takes place. The second question is what constitutes murder? Numbers35:16 to 31 reads, "But if he strikes him with an iron implement, so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. And if he strikes him with a stone in the hand, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. The avenger of blood himself shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If he pushes him out of hatred or, while lying in wait, hurls something at him so that he dies, or in enmity he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, for he is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him." (NLKV). With this description, can abortion be anything but murder! What is a Christian to do? Do we become the avenger of blood and hand out justice as we see fit. Do we bomb abortion clinics or kill abortion providers? No - that is God's job to meet out their justice. Remember - according to Romans 3:23 we are no better or worse than they are. However, we can become loud vocal advocates for the unborn. We MUST offer abortion alternatives. We should campaign for Christian pro-life political candidates
Finally let's consider capital punishment. Can a godly person be pro capital punishment. God's law prescribes capital punishment for a variety of offences and crimes. These include: murder,attacking one's parents, cursing one's parents, owning a bull that kills out of habit, adultery, incest, homosexuality, bigamy, bestiality, blasphemy, promiscuity, and rape. The purpose is seen in Leviticus 20 where we read, "...so that no wickedness will be among you." It was for a cleansing and a deterrent to other crime. The ones executed had, "...their blood on their own heads" as God gave out justice. in the New Testament there seems to be two prevalent opinions. The pro position is based on Romans 13:4 which reads, "For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (NKJV). The sword is seen as just punishment. The anti position is based on John 8:7, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." (NKJV). Where do I stand? I trust in God's justice and mercy. If we miss punishment here, God will certainly punish us in eternity. Likewise, if we are unjustly punished, even to death, God will certainly be merciful.
Where then does a murderer stand with God? It is simple, the same place we all do. Romans 3:23 and 6:23 tell us of God's just judgment. But Ephesians 2:8 remind us of his grace and mercy. Some may feel guilty for taking the lives of enemy combatants on a field of battle - God forgives. Some may be weighed down by the guilt for being a party to an abortion - God forgives. Some may feel uneasy about capital punishment - God understands.
Dr. O.
This particular commandment has fueled many long and heated debates. Does the sixth commandment condemn all killing or only a particular type of killing? At the heart of the debate is the proper translation of this verse. Is it KILL or is it MURDER. Kill, in our thinking is a general term covering the taking of a life in general. Murder on the other hand is a premeditated, intentional act. The Hebrew word generally means to dash to pieces, kill murder, destroy, or crush. Specifically in Exodus 20:13 it means the unlawful killing of a human being with deliberate malice, either expressed or implied. there are three major areas where this debate is seen and heard. These are warfare - can a godly person go to war and fight for his cause? Abortion is included - can a godly person be pro-choice or pro abortion? The other is capital punishment - should a human government have the power to take some one's life?
Let's consider the question of war - Can a godly person go to war? To answer NO! makes God out to be a liar. Exodus 17:8 to 16 reads, "Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.'' So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.'' And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; for he said, "Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.''(NKJV). Goid blesses Moses and Israelites and promises future victories. The keys to this are that first the cause had to be righteous, the cause had to be God sanctioned. Generally this was the defense of His chosen people. The people involved had to be righteous (IIKings 17:16 to 20; 20:10 to 15). Some would ask about the New Testament because God's "cosen" changes. In the OT His chosen are a single nation , a given country. In the NT His chosen make up a kingdom not of this world, it is spiritual rather than physical.
Ephesians 6:10 to 13 read, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (NKJV). Our battle is not against an enemy of flesh and blood, but it is a spiritual conflict against a spiritual enemy. Our weapons are a helmet of salvation, a sword of the word of God, body armor called truth and righteousness, combat boots of the gospel, and a shield called faith. Does this mean that Christians should be pacifists or conscientious objectors? Perhaps, but when called to serve we need to consider Romans13:1 to 5. These verses read, " Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake." (NKJV).
Lets consider abortion - can a godly person be pro-choice? In this case to answer YES! makes God out to a liar. Two questions need to be answered to prove this. When does life begin? Jeremiah 1:5 says, " Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;..." (NKJV). Psalm 139:13 to 16 adds, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them." (NKJV). Life does not begin after nine months of gestation. Life does not begin in the second or third trimester. Life does not begin in the first trimester. Life begins when a sperm cell meets an egg cell and fertilization takes place. The second question is what constitutes murder? Numbers35:16 to 31 reads, "But if he strikes him with an iron implement, so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. And if he strikes him with a stone in the hand, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. The avenger of blood himself shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If he pushes him out of hatred or, while lying in wait, hurls something at him so that he dies, or in enmity he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, for he is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him." (NLKV). With this description, can abortion be anything but murder! What is a Christian to do? Do we become the avenger of blood and hand out justice as we see fit. Do we bomb abortion clinics or kill abortion providers? No - that is God's job to meet out their justice. Remember - according to Romans 3:23 we are no better or worse than they are. However, we can become loud vocal advocates for the unborn. We MUST offer abortion alternatives. We should campaign for Christian pro-life political candidates
Finally let's consider capital punishment. Can a godly person be pro capital punishment. God's law prescribes capital punishment for a variety of offences and crimes. These include: murder,attacking one's parents, cursing one's parents, owning a bull that kills out of habit, adultery, incest, homosexuality, bigamy, bestiality, blasphemy, promiscuity, and rape. The purpose is seen in Leviticus 20 where we read, "...so that no wickedness will be among you." It was for a cleansing and a deterrent to other crime. The ones executed had, "...their blood on their own heads" as God gave out justice. in the New Testament there seems to be two prevalent opinions. The pro position is based on Romans 13:4 which reads, "For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (NKJV). The sword is seen as just punishment. The anti position is based on John 8:7, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." (NKJV). Where do I stand? I trust in God's justice and mercy. If we miss punishment here, God will certainly punish us in eternity. Likewise, if we are unjustly punished, even to death, God will certainly be merciful.
Where then does a murderer stand with God? It is simple, the same place we all do. Romans 3:23 and 6:23 tell us of God's just judgment. But Ephesians 2:8 remind us of his grace and mercy. Some may feel guilty for taking the lives of enemy combatants on a field of battle - God forgives. Some may be weighed down by the guilt for being a party to an abortion - God forgives. Some may feel uneasy about capital punishment - God understands.
Dr. O.
Monday, March 2, 2009
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
Exodus 20:12 says, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." (NKJV)
I have heard the following story in various versions. A little boy, probably about 10 or 11 years of age, comes to his mom with the following note. It was an itemized list, a bill, for his services around the house each week. For cleaning his room each week he charged $.50, for setting the table $3.50, for taking out the trash $1.75, for feeding rover and fluffy $2.00, and for mowing the grass $5.00. the grand total was $12.75. After looking at the note the mom quietly remembers the last 11 years. She turns the piece of paper over and writes a list of her own. For 11 birthday cakes NO CHARGE, for 7000 loads of laundry NO CHARGE, for 20000 meals NO CHARGE, for countless sleepless nights at your bedside when you were sick NO CHARGE, for many hours praying, counseling, comforting, etc. NO CHARGE. You know the rest of the story - the boy hires a lawyer, sues the mom for child labor, sells the story to the tabloids, and makes a mint.
In this posting we are going to look at the family in general. not just what the children owe the parents, but the child's point of view,and the parent's point of view.
Children are described many ways in the Bible. Psalms 127:3 to 5 describes them like this, " Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate." (NKJV). Proverbs 17:6 adds, "Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father." (NKJV).
A child does have certain duties to his parents. The fifth commandment says to honor them. Honor means to respect greatly, to show high regard for. Ephesians 6:1 adds another element when it reads, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (NKJV). Paul includes a specific element "In the Lord". His assumption is that the Ephesians he was writing to were Christians and not pagans. With that unquestioned obedience was to the rightly shown from a child to his or her parents. However, what if the parents are pagans and the child a young Christian trying to do the right thing. Such a child needs to obey as well with the exception when the parental instructions compromise the child's obedience and honoring of God. There are several examples where believers, followers of the one true God, stood faithful in light of great pressure to compromise. Take for instance the case of Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedego. They could choose obeying the king and worship him, or remaining faithful to Jehovah. The penalty for disobeying the King was death. They chose death instead of compromise. Of course God honored their faithfulness with physical salvation.
I Timothy 5:3, 4,and 8 read, "Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God...But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (NKJV). Its pretty straight forward isn't it. The care for elderly parents falls to the children and grandparents. They should have no need for public assistance, but can take advantage of them if they wish.
Now let's switch views and look at what parents owe their children. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind with some people is a quote from Proverbs, "Spare the rod and spoil the child.". Hebrews 12 verse 7 to 11 expands on this idea of parental discipline. theses verse read, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live. For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (NKJV). However, this discipline is not to exasperate the children in the process. Ephesians 6: 4 reads, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (NKJV). I have witnessed this exasperation in practice. Early in my ministry I encountered a family where Ephesians 6:1 was quoted, really yelled, every time one of the children stepped the least out of line. Discipline is defined as training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc.
Parents owe their children training and education. Spiritual training is of course understood. Deuteronomy 6:6 and 7 read, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (NKJV). Vocational training was understood as well. Consider these examples. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen working in the family business. Joseph, a carpenter, trained his step-son, Jesus, his trade. Mothers were to train their daughters how to manage their homes like the Proverbs 31 woman.
I leave you with these questions. Child - have you done your duty?? And, parents have you done yours??
Dr. O
I have heard the following story in various versions. A little boy, probably about 10 or 11 years of age, comes to his mom with the following note. It was an itemized list, a bill, for his services around the house each week. For cleaning his room each week he charged $.50, for setting the table $3.50, for taking out the trash $1.75, for feeding rover and fluffy $2.00, and for mowing the grass $5.00. the grand total was $12.75. After looking at the note the mom quietly remembers the last 11 years. She turns the piece of paper over and writes a list of her own. For 11 birthday cakes NO CHARGE, for 7000 loads of laundry NO CHARGE, for 20000 meals NO CHARGE, for countless sleepless nights at your bedside when you were sick NO CHARGE, for many hours praying, counseling, comforting, etc. NO CHARGE. You know the rest of the story - the boy hires a lawyer, sues the mom for child labor, sells the story to the tabloids, and makes a mint.
In this posting we are going to look at the family in general. not just what the children owe the parents, but the child's point of view,and the parent's point of view.
Children are described many ways in the Bible. Psalms 127:3 to 5 describes them like this, " Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate." (NKJV). Proverbs 17:6 adds, "Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father." (NKJV).
A child does have certain duties to his parents. The fifth commandment says to honor them. Honor means to respect greatly, to show high regard for. Ephesians 6:1 adds another element when it reads, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (NKJV). Paul includes a specific element "In the Lord". His assumption is that the Ephesians he was writing to were Christians and not pagans. With that unquestioned obedience was to the rightly shown from a child to his or her parents. However, what if the parents are pagans and the child a young Christian trying to do the right thing. Such a child needs to obey as well with the exception when the parental instructions compromise the child's obedience and honoring of God. There are several examples where believers, followers of the one true God, stood faithful in light of great pressure to compromise. Take for instance the case of Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedego. They could choose obeying the king and worship him, or remaining faithful to Jehovah. The penalty for disobeying the King was death. They chose death instead of compromise. Of course God honored their faithfulness with physical salvation.
I Timothy 5:3, 4,and 8 read, "Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God...But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (NKJV). Its pretty straight forward isn't it. The care for elderly parents falls to the children and grandparents. They should have no need for public assistance, but can take advantage of them if they wish.
Now let's switch views and look at what parents owe their children. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind with some people is a quote from Proverbs, "Spare the rod and spoil the child.". Hebrews 12 verse 7 to 11 expands on this idea of parental discipline. theses verse read, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live. For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (NKJV). However, this discipline is not to exasperate the children in the process. Ephesians 6: 4 reads, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (NKJV). I have witnessed this exasperation in practice. Early in my ministry I encountered a family where Ephesians 6:1 was quoted, really yelled, every time one of the children stepped the least out of line. Discipline is defined as training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc.
Parents owe their children training and education. Spiritual training is of course understood. Deuteronomy 6:6 and 7 read, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (NKJV). Vocational training was understood as well. Consider these examples. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen working in the family business. Joseph, a carpenter, trained his step-son, Jesus, his trade. Mothers were to train their daughters how to manage their homes like the Proverbs 31 woman.
I leave you with these questions. Child - have you done your duty?? And, parents have you done yours??
Dr. O
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