This study on Ephesians 6:1–4 examines the mutual responsibilities of children and parents. It commands children to obey their parents “in the Lord,” clarifying that this obedience is a response to Christ and is limited by His will. The study distinguishes between obedience, which is for minor children, and honour, which is a lifelong duty. For parents, the command is to not “provoke your children to anger” but to raise them with “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This counter-cultural instruction places a limit on parental authority and emphasizes a nurturing, Christ-centered approach to raising children.
Ephesians 6:1–4
Children must obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, and parents are commanded not to provoke their children to anger, but to raise them with discipline and instruction from the Lord.