First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day March 23, 2003 Anno Domini

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children and Parents

  I.  Who are children?
      A.  Christians and the Father in heaven.
        

Ephesians 2:3, 5:1, 5:8. Ephesians 1:5.

      B.  Relationship, not age.
      C.  Subordinates and superiors in society.
        

Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. 124.

  II.  What are the children instructed to do?
      A.   The commandment is to “obey” and to “honor.” Proverbs 31:28; Lev
19:32; Heb 12:9.
      B.  Governed by “in the Lord.” Eph 5:21, 22; Eph 4:2-3; Eph 5:1-2;
Luke 2:51.
         1.  Disobedience to parents is a sign of godlessness.  Romans
1:28-30; 2Tim 3:2.
      C.  This is right because it is God’s design for us. Proverbs 1:8-9;
10:1; 15:20.
      D. Covered by God’s promise of blessing.
     

   III. Why are fathers instructed too?
     A.  Parents bear a measure of responsibility for the
behavior of their children.
     B.  God warns against harshness and frustration. Psalm
103:13-14
     C.    Mothers can often help fathers to understand better the
needs of the child.
     D.  The pattern of Eph 4:22-24 applied again.
     E.  God’s admonition to godly training.
    

“ Bring them up” is the same verb used in Eph 5:29, “nourishes.”

        1. Training of the Lord. Psalm 119:66; 2Tim 3:16.
        2. Admonition of the Lord. 1Cor 10:11; Titus 3:10; 1Cor
4:14; Rom 15:14..
       

   IV. Time tested means to attain to these godly ends.
     A.  Children, know that God has taught us all how we can
live so that we please him and receive his blessing. There is no
better way to live.
     B.  Children, obedience to your parents it is good for your
soul.
     C.  Fathers and mothers, work together to train up your
children in the Lord.
     D.  Family worship and catechetical instruction is a
time-tested means of bringing children up in the training and
admonition of the Lord.
     E.  Raising children up in the church is part of God’s
design for their training and admonition.
     F.  Christians should prayerfully consider serving as
teachers, child care workers, and in social positions where they
can help youngsters.
     G.  We here have taken vows before God concerning our
children, and we have said that we will pray for our baptized
children and also help and encourage the parents as they bring
them up in the Christian life. Let us do so!
       

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

pastor@reformedprescambridge.com phone: 617.864.3185