The Role of the Child
1. The submission of the child to the parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Children submit to parents by obeying, which has the idea of getting under their authority and listening (verse 1). Parents must instruct their children how to obey, it does not come naturally for them (Proverbs 1:7-9; Proverbs 2:1; Proverbs 3:1,2; Proverbs 4:1-4; Proverbs 10; Proverbs 5:1-2; Proverbs 7:1-2; Proverbs 8:32,33; Proverbs 12:1; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:5). Voluntary submission requires knowledge. Children are told to obey, because they don’t know enough to submit. Understanding will come through maturity, so the obligation is on the parents to train them “in the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6). In order to train them in the Word, parents must know the Word.
2. Jesus’ perfect humanity grew in four areas.
In instructing children it would be good to pay attention to these areas: Luke 2:52 So Jesus grew both tall and wise, and was loved by God and man.
a. “In wisdom” this refers to children’s mental needs. We can impart knowledge, instruction and discretion to our children. They need to know what’s right and what’s wrong.
b. “In stature” refers to their physical needs. Parents must feed them healthy foods, nourishing them, and ensure proper rest. Also, parents should protect them from physical harm.
c. “favour with man” refers to social needs. Parents should teach children not to be selfish, rather to be humble and to share.
d. “favour with God” refers to spiritual needs. See Proverbs 22:6.
3. The only case for disobeying parents:
This is when the parents tell them to do evil (Acts 5:29; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 10:37-39; Luke 14:25-27).
4. Children should honour their parents: (Ephesians 6:2,3).
a. Obedience is the action, whereas honouring is the attitude behind the action. “Honour” can mean reverence, to hold in a high value.
b. Honour also carries the idea of financial support (Matthew 15:1-6).
c. Obeying and honouring parents carries a promise for the quality and quantity of life that a child may enjoy.
d. Children may not agree with their parents, but they must respect, admire, and obey them.
e. Tell the children the promise that, God will give them prosperity and wellbeing for their obedience: (Ephesians 6:3).
5. Promises for your children:
Psalm 8:2. You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies!
Psalm 127:3-5. Children are a gift from God; they are his reward. 4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows to defend him.5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. That man shall have the help he needs when arguing with his enemies.
Psalm 91:11,12. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail
Proverbs 3:4,5. If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.
Proverbs 22:6. Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it.
Isaiah 44:3. For I will give you abundant water for your thirst and for your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children.
Isaiah 49:25. But the Lord says, “Even the captives of the most mighty and most terrible shall all be freed; for I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
Isaiah 54:13. And all your citizens shall be taught by me, and their prosperity shall be great.
Colossians 3:20. You children must always obey your fathers and mothers, for that pleases the Lord.
2 Timothy 3:15. You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God’s salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus.
