Ephesians

Lesson 9: Relationships (cont'd)Ephesians 6:1-9

This week we continue our family emphasis by looking at the relationship parents are to have with their children, and masters with their servants (workplace responsibilities).

Bible

Consider as you study this that while it teaches us how to be better parents, it also shows us our relationship to Christ, and to God our Father, as we are His little children. God’s Word tells us that children are a gift from God. We are to love and cherish this great gift he has given us. He tells us what he expects from parents throughout the Bible, so as we study Ephesians 6:1-9 this week, we will use other verses in the Bible as well.

All of us struggle at times with how we should act in given situations. Quite often, we try to copy the behavior or thinking of those around us whom we respect. Paul, however, wants us to see that there is another way of living, as the new creation in Christ that we are.

Read Ephesians 6:1-9 then answer the following:

  1. In Eph. 6:1-3 Paul, has some instruction for children. What does he tell them?
  2. List some ways that you honor, or have honored, your mother and father? (What does "honor" mean, and how have you done this with your parents?)
  3. In verse 4, Paul gives specific instructions to fathers. He tells them one thing NOT TO do, and one thing TO do. What are they?
  4. What does "exasperate" mean? Did your father exasperate you? Or do you know of someone whose father exasperated them? What effect did it have on you or the person that you know?
  5. In verse 4, regarding children, Paul also tells us to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord". Let’s look at of some the instruction and training the Lord gives us about raising children. What do the following verses tell us to do?
    1. Deuteronomy 4:8-10
    2. Deuteronomy 6:6-8
    3. Deuteronomy 11:18-20
  6. In addition to the instructions provided in Deuteronomy, parents have other responsibilities. Can you spot what they are, in the following verses?
    1. 1 Samuel 26-28
    2. Job 1:4-5
    3. Proverbs 14:26
  7. And finally, God tells us about another area of responsibility: that of raising our children. It is perhaps the most difficult of all. What is God telling us in the following verses?
    1. Proverbs 22:6
    2. Proverbs 23:13
    3. Proverbs 29:15

I hope you enjoy your studies this week, and I pray that that God adds to your walk with Him through your daily look into the mirror of His Holy Word. It’s not easy being a parent, nor is it easy being a child of God; but praise and thank God that he is there with us every step of the way!

Have a great week everyone!

Yours in Christ,

Wes