I. The Spirit-filled mission of children
A. Children are to show the right action toward parents by obedience!
- Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right (Eph. 6:1).
- Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:20).
B. Children are to show the right attitude toward parents in honor!
1. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth (Eph. 6:2, 3).
2. My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you (Proverbs 3:1, 2).
II. The Spirit-filled mission of parents
A. Parents are to refrain from exasperating their children to anger!
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (Ephesians 6:4a).
- Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3?5).
B. Parents are to raise their children with godly discipline and instruction!
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
- Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
- He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently (Proverbs 13:24; See also Proverbs 22:15; 27:23; 29:17; 30:17).
- For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives. . . All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:6, 11).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, January 25th, 2026.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Raising a Spirit-filled family
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Raising a Spirit-filled family applies to everyone as we seek to disciple others in our spiritual family. How can you inspire growth and wisdom in making disciples (both biological and spiritual) for the glory of God?
Getting Started:
- How do you honor your parents? What are some specific ways you show them honor, even if they're deceased?
- Since our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent, how does seeing some of His rebellious children encourage you not to give up on your children/disciples?
Discussing Truths:
- Where do you get biblical support to develop healthy boundaries with children? What is the difference between "burden" and "load" in Galatians 6:2, 5?
- Why is obedience to parents in the Lord supported with "for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1)?
- What if asking the common question, "What do I want for my children"? Is the wrong question to ask? Maybe a better question is, "How does God want to use me as a parent, grandparent, or mentor in the life of my child, grandchild, or disciple"?
- Recognize that Satan seeks to destroy families and that in the last days, being "disobedient to parents" will get worse (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
- How does the command to "Fear the Lord" relate to our own parent/child relationship?
- Why is being consistent with discipline so important to become effective? What kind of discipline was used in your upbringing, and how do you utilize discipline?
Now What? Application:
- How does being a Christian change your view of obeying and honoring your parents?
- Devote yourself to daily prayer for your children/disciples, pray for their character development, and pray with them as watchmen on the wall? for their spiritual protection.