February 22, 2026

UNIT 2: Parents and Children

LESSON: 12

Study Text: Luke 6:27-36; 1 Corinthians 4:14-21; 1 John 2:28 through 3:9

Central Truth: We are called to live holy and loving lives.

KEY Verse--1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (KJV).

You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Who taught you what it means to love and be loved? Most people would point to their biological, adoptive, or foster parents or other family members. But even f you didn't grow up in a loving family, we all have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and continually teaches us how to love others.

DISCUSSION STARTER--Learning a Skill

What special skills do you have? ___________________________________.

By 2023, the number pf monthly active YouTube users had reached almost 2.5 billion and continues to grow. YouTube is a great source for learning new skills--from how to repair a refrigerator to how to slice a pineapple. many people learn best from watching others The same is true when it comes to loving others and living a holy life. We learn best when we learn from our Heavenly Father. This lesson points to teachings from Jesus, John, and Paul that help us discover how to imitate God in our attitudes and actions.

PART 1-Loving Like Our Heavenly Father

Give Generously                Luke 6:27-31

Jesus' first listeners struggled with His teachings about loving others--just as we often struggle with them today. But if we want to model the love of God, we must learn to put Jesus' words into practice. One result of Jesus coming to earth was that he revealed a great deal about our Heavenly Father (John 14:9). Jesus' actions and words conveyed the radical love the Father has for all humanity. In fact, His love is so extreme that He gave His Son to offer restoration to His enemies (Romans 5:10).

? 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: Noah's Righteousness. Genesis 6:6-9

                      Tuesday: Josiah's Heart for God. 2 Kings 23:21-25

                                   Wednesday: Daniel's Wisdom and Integrity. Daniel 1:8-16

                   Thursday: Simeon--Just and Devout. Luke 2:25-35

           Friday: Women Support Jesus. Luke 8:1-3

                                 Saturday: Paul's Spiritual Son Timothy. 1 Timothy 1:1-3. 

RADIANT LIFE

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

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