5th Commandment
 
 Ex 20:12 - Respect/Honor Parents
 
 1. This rule is a fundamental responsibility in human 
    relations.
 1. Common sense tells us we need some rules for
    preserving and strengthening family life.
   a.  Statistics show family life is crumbling
   b.  Yet to God, the family is a primary source for
       blessing and guidance for human lives.
 2. Respect for parents: a forgotten virtue.
   a. Old Testament places great emphasis on aged and
      parents particularly.
  Lev 19:32 - Honor an older man
  Ex 21:15,17 - Children who hit parents under Old Test.
                were put to death.
  Deut 21:18-21 - Stubborn and rebellious child under Old
                  Test were put to death.
      
 Prov 22:6 - Some parents haven't given proper training

    b. Jesus taught we are to keep this command
 Mk 7:9-13 - Children who cursed parents under Old Test-
             ament were put to death.
 Matt 19:19

    c.  Paul taught it, too.
  Eph 6:2-3 - Honor your father and mother.

    d. Failure to keep it will cause one to miss heaven.
       Rom 1:30 - Disobedient to parents will not have 
       eternal life.
       2 Tim 3:2 - Disobedient to parents in end times.
       Eph 6:4 - Some parents have failed to lead their 
       children to the Lord.
     e. We will reap what we sow (respect or disrespect)
     f. This also involves more than respect/support.
 3. Respect is a two-way street.
     a. Some don't get honor because they haven't done what
        God wanted.
     (1) They have abused their children.
        a. beating, burning with cigarettes, tying to bed, 
           lock in attic is immoral violence, verbal abuse;
           harsh, unreasonable restrictions.
        b. National Institute of Mental Health indicates 
           6 1/2 million children are harmed by parents each
           year...5,000 die.
        c. Bible teaches discipline, Prov 13:24
        d. but not violent abuse,  Eph 6:4 (need patience
           and love)
        e. Parents: respect your children.
     (2) Some parents don't give proper training in what's
         right.
        a. Prov 22:6 -- obedience must be learned, and it is
           the job of parents to do so (children neglected,
           both parents working, play, TV.)  Not against
           working mothers; against neglected children.
        b. Neglect will cause eventual lack of respect and
           honor.
      (3) Some haven't led their children to be Christians.
        a. Some provide everything but proper spiritual
           training.
        b. This is a qualification of elders.
           Tit 1:6
           I Tim 3:4-5
        c. God desires no less of everyone else.
           Eph 6:4
 4.  Parents should be honored because...
      (1) it is right, Eph 6:1
      (2) of what they have provided materiallly.
      (3) of their wise counsel.
      (4) we love them deeply.
 5.  This command is pivital
      (1) the 1st four deal with our relationship to God.
      (2) the last six with our relationship to other
          humans.
      (3) a good home trains the child to deal with both
          effectively.
 CONCLUSION:
  1.  The two lessons for today:
      a. Use your time wisely, especially spiritual time.
      b. Respect your parents.
  2.  Both are required of God..it's His Will.
  3.  No one can expect to please God without giving proper
      action to these and all other teachings of the Lord.
      Matt 7:21-23
  4.  Hope these rules for right living will enrich your
      life.

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