Godly Families
Here’s a condensed 8-paragraph blog post based on your sermon, shaped for an online audience while preserving the heart of your message:
The Tug-of-War Between Parents and Kids
Have you ever watched a child pull against their parent’s hand, eager to run ahead before they’re ready? That image captures a core tension in family life—kids crave freedom, while parents are trying to guide and protect. The Apostle Paul addresses this very dynamic in Ephesians 6, where he teaches how families thrive when both children and parents live in step with the Spirit.
Obedience: Not Just About Rules, But Relationship
Paul opens with a simple command: “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord.” Obedience isn’t just about keeping rules—it’s about identity. When kids know they are loved by God, obedience becomes a reflection of their trust in Him. Even Jesus, in His strength and perfection, obeyed His Father, showing us that true obedience flows from love, not fear.
Obedience is Right, Even When It’s Hard
Paul adds, “this is the right thing to do.” It’s not just a cultural norm—it’s a moral foundation. In a world where right and wrong often feel blurry, Scripture gives clarity. Obeying parents teaches children how to walk in wisdom and truth, even when it’s difficult. As a dad, I’ve learned that discipline isn’t about control—it’s about shaping character with love and consistency.
Honor Goes Deeper Than Obedience
While obedience deals with actions, honor touches the heart. Paul reminds us to “honor your father and mother,” which means valuing them, speaking well of them, and staying connected—even as we grow older. Honor lasts a lifetime. It means forgiving freely, inviting parents into your life, and even caring for them in their later years. Obedience may fade with age, but honor remains.
There’s a Promise Attached to the Command
Paul references a powerful Old Testament promise: honoring parents leads to blessing. But this isn’t a guarantee of a long, pain-free life. Instead, it points to a life that aligns with God’s design—a life filled with purpose and direction. When families live this way, the ripple effects bless the whole community. God honors those who walk in His ways.
Parents: Don’t Provoke, But Build Up
Verse 4 shifts the spotlight to parents: “Do not provoke your children to anger… bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Kids don’t need perfect parents—they need present, grace-filled ones. Discipline must flow from relationship. We are called to raise our children to reflect Jesus—not just succeed in school or sports, but to love God and others deeply.
When Obedience Doesn’t “Pay Off” Right Away
What if obedient kids suffer? Or what if your parents aren’t godly? God’s promises aren’t always fulfilled in the short term—they are ultimately eternal. Obedience, even when it's hard or unreciprocated, still matters. And if we must disobey parents for the sake of Christ, we do so with humility and honor. Our posture should still reflect love, not defiance.
Let’s Be a Church That Builds Strong Families
God calls us to raise a generation that sees obedience not as pressure but as worship. A generation that honors their parents with their lives, not just their lips. With so many teens open to Jesus and hungry for truth, we have an incredible opportunity. Let’s support parents, walk with kids, and make our homes places filled with grace and truth. That kind of family reflects the heart of God.