February 15, 2026

UNIT 2: Parents and Children

LESSON: 11

Study Text: Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3. Proverbs 1:8-9; 1-6; 23:22, 24-26; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20

Central Truth: God's Word instructs children to honor and obey their parents.

KEY Verse--Ephesians 6:2-3 Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (KJV).

"Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth" (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Honor is a word that seems to be losing value. Disrespect has become a hallmark of our culture.

DISCUSSION STARTER--Giving Honor

What are some ways to honor a respected person? ___________________________________.

The Ten Commandments can be divided into guidance for relating to God (commandments 1-4) and relating to others (commandments 5-10). The fifth commandment deals with the parent-child relationship. God commands His people to honor their parents and specifies a reward for doing so.

PART 1-Children Must Honor Their Parents

Showing Honor                Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3

Exodus 20:12 gives a clear command from God to "honor your father and your mother." In instituting the fifth commandment, God put a principle in place that could influence society at large. if children learn to show honor at home, they will also know how to show honor in the world. Honoring someone means regarding them with admiration and respect. Children show honor to their parents by respectfully listening and obeying the first time--rather than repeated requested. It's important to know the difference between how the Law applied to the children of Israel and how it applies to Christians today. Because of Jesus, we're not directly under the Law as a legal system that includes governmental punishments (Romans 6:14). But God's values have not changed, and this means the principles behind the commandments are still active and relevant. Christians may not be subject to the death penalty for failing to honor their parents, but breaking this command still represents a complete failure to honor the values God revealed through Scripture. But in most cases, honoring our parents is our duty as children. In doing so, we are honoring God and modeling the respect and care we may one day need ourselves.

? Why do you think God so highly values the principle of honoring one's parents?

Commandment or Tradition?           Matthew 15:1-6

In Matthew 15, the Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus why the disciples did not wash their hands before they ate? Handwashing before meals was a tradition handed down among the Pharisees, not a commandment from the law of Moses. Jesus had a ready answer for them--in the form of  another question: "Why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?" (verse 3). Jesus then quoted from Exodus 20 and 21before declaring, "You say they don't need to honor their parents. He was calling out the Pharisees for using the excuse that they committed money to God that would have otherwise been used to help their parents. In those days, the elderly did not have social programs to rely on, and family support was vital. Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees were manipulating a tradition so they would appear faithful to God despite disobeying His command.

? What excuses do people today sometimes make for not helping their parents?

PART 2-Children Must Obey Their Parents

Give Your Parents Joy!           Proverbs 23:22; 24:26

The Book of Proverbs has many nuggets of wisdom and guidance for teaching our children. Proverbs 23:22 gives this advice that we all need to hear; "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old." While this verse certainly applies to children, it is also relevant for adult sons and daughters. raising children who listen ti their parents' wisdom is not just a stroke of luck; it most often results from a great deal of effort in teaching the child to listen. When children understand the principles of discipline and understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave in ways that honor God and bring joy to the family. then parents can fully appreciate Proverbs 23:24--26, which describes the joy found in raising children who are godly, wise, and obedient.

? What are some methods parents can use to instill obedience in their children?

Obedience Pleases the Lord            Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20

The Greek work translated "obey" in Ephesians 6:1 includes the idea of carefully listening to instruction. Listening is the first step in obedience. We are all born with the tendency to disobey. A parent's job is to teach their children what is right and how to do right so they can discern between right and wrong for themselves. Not only is obeying parents the right thing to do, but it also pleases God. Parents who want to train their children in obedience could ask themselves the following questions: (1). Have I set clear boundaries in our home? (2). Have I distinguished the difference between defiance and childishness? (3). Do I use appropriate correction for each situation? (4). Do I reassure my child they are unconditionally loved apart from their behavior? (5). Do I keep my cool while carrying out punishment?

? What should be the goal of teaching obedience?

PART 3-Benefits of Honoring Parents

To Crown You with Grace           Proverbs 1:8-9; 2:1-6

Because of Solomon's God-given wisdom, he must have understood the importance of obeying parents. This is the first of many times in proverbs that Solomon commanded his "child" or "son" to listen to his advice. He intentionally included both parents in the discipline process and explained that following their instruction can lead to an honorable life. Solomon knew that wisdom would be of no benefit to the child if it was not gratefully received (2:1-2). Pastors are charged by God with helping us to grow, but we must make His Word ours, so as to keep it 'with' us." Likewise, parents are charged with helping children grow into adults who please God and are crowned with grace. This happens most often when parents both instruct their children and model a lifestyle that reverence God.

? How often do you remember to ask for understanding when you need direction?

To Give You Long Life             Ephesians 6:2-3

The best way to discover how to live a long and happy life is to look to Scripture. The apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:2-3: "Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and will have a long life on the earth.' "Paul was quoting from Deuteronomy 5:16 (see also Exodus 20:12), where God attached blessing to the fifth commandment. Rather than establishing a concrete formula for living a long earthly life, Paul was explaining a spiritual principle--one which many of us have probably observed. When children are respectful and well-behaved, it is obvious that their parents have actively instructed them in obedience. When obeying God is part of a family's set of values, they can know that he will reward them for honoring Him. 

? How can you put this principle into practice in your unique family situation?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

We have so many reasons to teach obedience to the children in our lives and to be obedient to those in authority over us. as we teach children to show honor, and as we show honor to our own parents, we not only benefit our children now, but in their future as well. In fact, society as a whole is strengthened when we teach children the principles of honoring others.

LIVING IT OUT

(1). Consider ways you can teach obedience to the children in your life. Prayerfully put those ideas into practice this week. (2). If your parents are living, put forth the effort to honor them this week.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

                            Monday: Joseph Provides for His Father.  Genesis 47:5-12

                      Tuesday: Rebellious Children Judged. Deu. 21:18-21

                              Wednesday: Wisdom of Honoring Parents. Proverbs 1:7-9

                   Thursday: Jesus Blesses Children. Matthew 19:13-15

                           Friday: Rebuked for Dishonoring Parents. Mark 7:8-13

                      Saturday: Jesus Submits to His Parents. Luke 2:43-52

RADIANT LIFE

Volume 107 Number 2 Dec. Jan. Feb 2025-26

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