“The 5th Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother” (Part 1)
Sunday, January 24th, 2010“The 5th Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother” (Part 1)
Deuteronomy 5:16 January 24, 2010
Pastor Marcus J. Serven
Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)
In the first table of the Law (Commandments 1-4) we learned about we should relate to our holy God. Now as we come to the second table of the Law (Commandments 5-10) we learn about how we should relate to one another. Specifically, how would the Lord have us treat our parents, and our superiors? The answer is clearly stated in the Bible (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:1-3). However, there are many other significant Bible passages as well—especially in the Psalms and the Proverbs. Moreover, the always wise and expansive Larger Catechism of the Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes our responsibility with these following citations:
Q. 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
A.: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, Church, or commonwealth.
Q. 127: What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors?
A.: The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their corrections; fidelity to, defense and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their government.
Q. 128: What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
A.: The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons, and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government.
Wow! It would be difficult to add anything more to this list. Therefore, I would commend this summary to your careful study and application.
The Main Point of this Sermon:
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you.” Deuteronomy 5:16a
What are the benefits in keeping the 5th Commandment?
1. Godly Growth in Children, (Proverbs 6:20-23)
2. Godly Growth in Parents, (Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21)
3. A Long Productive Life, (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 22:6)
4. A Strong Family, (Psalm 127:3-5)
5. A Strong Church, (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6)
6. A Strong Nation, (Psalm 128:5-6)