Improving Relationships in the Home

 

2002059

Topic # 8053

 

Introduction:

A.    Series on the relationships we have w/others continues.

B.    Tonight…relationships in the home.

1.    too many unhappy homes these days.  In the world & in the church.

2.    Great source of unhappiness – relationships between parents and children.

3.    parenting one of the most important responsibilities God has placed on the human being.

a)    children in homes can bring true happiness/joy!

b)    This is the way God intended it.

C.   Psa. 127:5 – prospering with the Lord.

1.    They are a reward – to be counted as blessings.

2.    127:4 – arrows compared to children.

a)    arrows had to be carefully formed/shaped to fly right.

b)    Likewise, children must be molded and shaped in they are to fly right.

3.    Obvious that parenthood involves more than having children & providing for their physical needs.

D.   Not only parents have a responsibility to contribute to a happy home – but children must realize they have a role to play.

1.    Key:  young people…remember you are the child; they are the parent.  You have a place in the home.  God gave you to your parents.

E.    Relationships begin to break down when either parents/children/both fail to live up to their responsibilities or roles.

 

I.  How can children improve relationships in the home?

A.        Young folks…here’s how you can help everything run smoothly at home.

B.        Realize you are to honor your parents.

1.    Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-2

2.    This means,…what they say goes!  Honor them!

3.    Defined:  high respect as to someone’s worth or rank.  Official dignity, to hold someone in public esteem, to give credit, fame, glory, etc.

4.    Why do your parents deserve your honor?

a)    they brought you into this world.

b)    They provide for your basic needs.

c)    They protect you from danger.

d)    They love you & go out of their way to help you.

5.    Parents deserve your honor, because God has placed them over you.

C.       What if you don’t think they deserve your honor?

1.    Some parents ungodly.  Don’t fulfill their role.  Not an example.

2.    Scriptural principles suggest you still obligated to honor them.

3.    1 Sam. 26:11 – David’s treatment of Saul.  Honored someone who in no way deserved it.

D.       This is the right thing to do – Eph. 6:1-4.

1.    6:4 – comes from Deut. 5:16

2.    But…sometimes we forget such admonitions.

3.    Is honor demonstrated when:

a)    bad manners exhibited?

b)    Disrespect for those older than you exhibited?

c)    Talk back to parents?

4.    Remember…you don’t know as much as you think you do!

a)     you are a servant of the household.  You don’t run the show; you don’t call the shots.

E.        Back to Eph. 6:2.  HS says that honoring father/mother is first commandment w/promise.  How?

1.    God knew if children did not honor parents – they would not honor Him.  How can one honor God w/o honoring parents?

2.    Why did Israel lose possession of Canaan & their identity as a nation?

3.    B/c of children who did not honor God’s law – which starts by honoring one’s parents.

a)    Isa. 30:1, 8-9

 

II. How can parents improve relationships in the home?

A.      Believe children will respond w/honor IF the parents are doing their part.  Parents have a role here too.

B.      Parents…you are the parent, they are the child.

1.    this contrary to popular belief that parents should interact non-judgmentally w/their children.

a)    result?  Parents afraid to offend/upset children.

b)    They’ll be so unhappy.

2.    When you enforce discipline & instill in them a sense of honor & reverence to you – you won’t permanently damage the child – you’ll make them better!

3.    ENOUGH of the psycho-babble!

C.     What does the Bible say?

1.    Pro. 30:17

2.    Lev. 19:3 – revere/fear

a)    fear/revering here means to respect.

b)    Does your child possess a healthy respect for you?

D.     Too many parents let children talk back to them w/o any regard.

1.    Do they respect you in their speech?

2.    Are you working to conform their attitude?

3.    Discipline their attitude & the behavior will take care of itself.

4.    If your kids won’t honor you why expect them to honor:

a)    teachers

b)    policeman

c)    marriage vows?

d)    Think….ever known a vandal or juvenile delinquent who honored his parents?

E.      Remember…the goal of parenting – Eph. 6:4.

1.    Note:  active voice:  YOU bring them up.

a)    parents are responsible for raising the child NOT:

b)    grandparents; daycare; teacher; coaches

c)    YOU bring them up!

2.    Pro. 22:6 – you train up a child.

a)    children become in life what their parents make them!

b)    Clay in potter’s hands.  Capable of being molded into vessels of honor or dishonor.

c)    Instruct them to fear/loathe sin.

d)    Instruct them to be excited toward their duty to God.

F.      Back to Eph. 6:4 – present tense.  Suggests continuous action.

1.    No such thing as a part time parent.  Action is from birth to empty nest.

G.     Back to Eph. 6:4 – imperative in nature.  A command!

1.    Not merely an option.

2.    Parents bear responsibly if they neglect to bring children up & their kids have no respect for God!

a)    1 Sam. 3:12-13

b)    Eli so busy in profession – neglected to train them properly.

c)    Their sins were Eli’s responsibility!

H.     For far too long – we’ve listened to the psycho/babble of the day!

1.    See kids shooting up each other in school.

2.    see kids out of control; lacking discipline.

3.    This has caused many to give up!

I.        Parents – your job is not an impossible one.

1.    Let the Lord do His work in your home & life.

2.    Remember….you will never have a more important pupil.

3.    Realize your responsibly before the Lord as parents!

Conclusion:

A.    God give us Christian Homes - # 472

B.    Is this your goal?

C.   How is your relationship with God?

D.   Can we help?

E.    I N V I T A T I O N