"Honor your father and mother" -- which is the first commandment with a promise -- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Ephesians 6:2-3

I. Children are to honor their parents as our parents are given to us by God to provide for all of our __________ and __________ needs.

II. When we honor our parents as we ought, the Lord __________ to bless us.

III. Parents, recognize that your children are blessings from God who you are to love and serve in a way that is ________ of __________.

IV. Your sins as both children and parents have been washed away in the ________ of the ________. Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28, Ephesians 6:1-4, Matthew 7:15-29

Take It With You!

During this series please consider reading through the book of Ephesians daily with your family or on your own. After each sermon, questions will be provided to guide your reading and prayer time. God's blessings in your study!

1. Our culture operates with the assumption that newer is better. Youth trumps experience in the world of business because youth sells. Read Ephesians 6:1-4 and Proverbs 23:22. Why do you think the Bible emphasizes giving honor to those who are older than we are? How can we teach our youth to "respect their elders"?

2. Remember that the heading to this section of Ephesians called for Christians to "submit to one another our of reverence for Christ." (5:21) How can children submit to parents? How about parents to their children? (Remember a good definition of "submit" is found in Philippians 2:3-4).

3. Have there been ways that you have not honored your father and mother? Have there been ways you have failed to bring Jesus to your children? Know that Jesus forgives you. Pray that God can lead you to repentance and forgiveness with your family members.