Ephesians
“Children, Parents and Fathers”
Ephesians 6:1-4

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” –Ephesians 5:1

Ephesians 6:1-4

Imitate God by starting in our home
Family is God’s blueprint to learn, live and model who Jesus is

Children - (v. 1-3)

Children are actively present in the church
Children are being taught not watched 
Children need to be protected, loved and valued

Obey = outward behavior toward boundaries 	
Honor = internal behavior toward boundaries 

“A Christians is a great doer not a great don’t-er” –John Piper

Why?
It’s right = divine order of things 
So you may go well with you
Promise of God’s presence 

Parents - (v. 1-3)

A father and a mother is the design for kids 
Church needs to help make up the difference 

Being present is how we succeed; not by curfews and demands
It’s a team sport

“Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching…” –Proverbs 1:8

Instruct our kids in making decisions
	Where there are no expectations; there will be no brokenness 
	If there is no brokenness; there is no need for grace
	If there is no grace; we only have chaos
“In the Lord” = your example of following Jesus is paramount to their view of God 

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” –Colossians 3:20

Fathers - (v. 4)

Shouldn’t it be children don’t provoke your father to anger?
(Deut. 4:25, 31:29, 32:21; 1 Kings 15:30, 16:2; Psalm 78:40, 58)

Model who you want your kids to be 
Exercise sensitivity not just discipline 
Take responsibility of your children’s spiritual growth	

Our homes are the laboratories to discover how to live like Jesus.

Our homes are a place to …
Speak truth lovingly
Work honestly
Encourage regularly
Worship constantly 
Gather with other followers fervently
Love unconditionally
Address conflict biblically 
Give cheerfully 
Be generous openly  
Pray consistently
Read scripture habitually 
Forgive avidly 
Enjoy life daily