Exodus 20:12; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
June 20, 2021

Scripture Reading

2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV) – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

1. You must realize you are commanded to HONOR your PARENTS.

Exodus 20:12 (ESV) – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Honor –

A. To honor means to RESPECT YOUR PARENTS.

Leviticus 19:3 (NLT) – “Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest. I am the LORD your God.”

Mark 7:10 (NLT) – For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’

B. To honor means to LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTIONS AND TEACHINGS OF YOUR PARENTS.

Proverbs 6:20-23 (ETRV) – My son, remember your father’s command, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching. 21 Remember their words always. Tie them around your neck and keep them over your heart. 22 Let this teaching lead you wherever you go. It will watch over you while you sleep. And when you wake up, it will give you good advice. 23 Your parents give you commands and teachings that are like lights to show you the right way. This teaching corrects you and trains you to follow the path to life.

C. To honor means to SHOW RESPECT TO YOUR PARENTS WHEN THEY ARE OLD.

Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) – Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Leviticus 19:32 (ESV) – “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”

D. To honor means to LIVE IN A WAY THAT BRINGS HAPPINESS TO YOUR PARENTS.

Proverbs 10:1 (ESV) – The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

2. You must HONOR your father and mother irrespective of their ACTIONS or ATTITUDES.

Exodus 20:12 (ESV) – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

A. Honoring your parents is an expression of your LOVE for The LORD.

B. When you fail to honor your parents you bring hatred to your home and family.

Micah 7:6 (NRSV) – for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; your enemies are members of your own household.

C. When you fail to honor your parents you bring the full judgment of God upon yourself.

Exodus 21:15 (ESV) – Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.

Leviticus 20:9 (ESV) – For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.

L.I.F.E. Group Questions

1. How do you feel when you tell someone to do something and that person completely ignores you?
2. Why does God give a blanket command for everyone to honor their parents, knowing the shortcomings of people?
3. How do you honor God when you honor your parents?
4. What are some of the actions and attitudes of a parent that makes it challenging to honor them?
5. What are some of the benefits to the children who honor their parents? (Exodus 20:12)
6. How do parents benefit when honored by their children?
7. How does society benefit when children learn to honor their parents?
8. How important is it for you to set an example of honoring your own parents in front of your children? Explain
9. What are some things you need to do make sure your children have an easier time honoring you?
10. Why is forgiveness an important aspect of you being able to honor your parents?
11. What are some specific things you need to forgive your father or mother for?
12. What is one practical step you can take to honor your parents this week?