Topical Bible: Children Being Obedient

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Introduction

The concept of children being obedient is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of familial harmony and the spiritual development of young believers. Obedience is seen as a virtue that not only benefits the family unit but also aligns with God's divine order. The Bible provides guidance and instruction on the role of children within the family, highlighting obedience as a key aspect of their relationship with their parents and, ultimately, with God.

Biblical Foundation

1. Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" This passage underscores the importance of obedience as a righteous act and connects it with the promise of well-being and longevity. The apostle Paul reiterates the commandment given in the Old Testament, emphasizing its continued relevance in the New Covenant.

2. Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." Here, Paul instructs children to obey their parents in all things, highlighting that such obedience is not merely a social expectation but a spiritual act that pleases God. This verse reinforces the idea that obedience is an integral part of a child's faith journey.

3. Proverbs 1:8-9: "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." The wisdom literature of the Old Testament often emphasizes the value of parental guidance. Obedience to parents is portrayed as a source of wisdom and honor, likened to adornments that enhance one's life.

Theological Significance

Obedience to parents is not merely a matter of discipline but is deeply rooted in the theological framework of the Bible. It reflects the order established by God within the family and society. By obeying their parents, children learn to submit to authority, a principle that extends to their relationship with God. This obedience is seen as a training ground for spiritual maturity and a reflection of one's commitment to living according to God's will.

Practical Implications

1. Family Dynamics: Obedience fosters a harmonious family environment, where respect and love are cultivated. It allows parents to fulfill their God-given role of guiding and nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord.

2. Spiritual Growth: For children, learning to obey their parents is an exercise in humility and self-discipline. It prepares them for a life of obedience to God, teaching them to prioritize His commandments and seek His approval above all else.

3. Societal Impact: A society where children are taught to obey their parents is likely to experience greater stability and moral integrity. The family is the foundational unit of society, and when it functions according to biblical principles, it contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Bible clearly advocates for children to obey their parents, it also acknowledges the responsibility of parents to lead with love and righteousness. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This balance ensures that obedience is not enforced through harshness or authoritarianism but through nurturing and godly leadership.

In conclusion, the biblical call for children to be obedient is a multifaceted principle that encompasses spiritual, familial, and societal dimensions. It is a reflection of God's order and a means through which children can grow in faith and character.

Topical Bible Verses

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
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Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
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Ephesians 6:2-3
Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
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1 John 2:1-29
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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Library

God's Love to Fallen Man
... alone this grand and important event has been discovered to the children of men. ...
as a man; and then, to humble himself still further, "being obedient unto death ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 59 gods love to.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... alone this grand and important event has been discovered to the children of men. ...
There would have been no occasion for His "being obedient unto death, even the ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

Interruption of the visions of the Passion by the Appearance of St ...
... came to herself, and, like an obedient child awakening ... of his feast, or from his
relics being brought to ... called for) by apparitions under the form of children. ...
/.../chapter xxiv interruption of the.htm

Concerning Widows.
... poverty or some disease, or the maintenance of a great number of children? ... and let
them do according to the appointment of the bishop, being obedient to him as ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ...
... live without giving offense, to serve others and to be obedient, patient, pure ... may
comfort yourselves with it and boast of it as being your own. CHILDREN OF GOD ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighth sunday after trinity living.htm

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
... In obedience: As obedient children' (1 Peter 1:14). ... Let us carry ourselves as the
children of God in ... speech of Jonadab to Amnon, Why art thou, being the king's ...
/.../20 exhortations to christians as.htm

The Oration. To-Day is the Festival of Our Great Emperor: and we ...
... is the festival of our great emperor: and we his children rejoice therein ... [3498]
His being none can ... the lapse of ages, owns him Lord alone, and obedient to his ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter i the oration to-day is.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... when a Child, we should also learn to bring up our Children in the ... endeavoured to
shew wherein especially we ought to follow Christ, in being obedient to our ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm

There is Surely Reason, in Such a Case, to Say it is Well ...
... Man to Destruction, and sayest, Return ye Children of Men ... his Creatures from one
State of Being to another ... in general; or where would be his obedient Homage from ...
/.../i there is surely reason.htm

The Trial of Saul.
... of Saul's trial: he fell; he was not obedient; and in ... We were born in sin, and the
children of wrath; and ... and Holy Ghost; and as Saul, by being anointed with ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm