Bethesda Chapel 2002
SG Bible Study #2

Honouring Our Parents - Cultural or Biblical?

Suggested Opening Song:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee; God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee; Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness; Fill us with the light o day

All Thy works with joy surround Thee; Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee; Centre of unbroken praise
Field and forest, vale and mountain; Flowery meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain; Call us to rejoice in Thee

Thou art giving and forgiving; Ever blessing, ever blest
Well-spring of the joy of living; Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother; All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other; Lift us to the joy divine

Sharing as desired on an individual basis (Optional)
How has the week been?  Is there anything needing prayer or is there something to thank the Lord and encourage each other?

Prayers
As is appropriate, either pray together as a group or into twos or threes praying pertaining to that which has been shared.

Scripture Reading
Exodus 20:1-17

Point One:  The Commandment stands out prominently
Note:
1.     The Ten Commandments is divided into two lists, with the first four centering on our relationship with God and the next six, with that of our relationship with each other.  Since the commandment to 'Honour Thy Parents' is the fifth in the list, it therefore is the first in relationship to our duty towards men.  This can be seen as the key that unlocks our other people-related relationships.

2.     The Jews however divide the Ten Commandments equally into two sections, with five on each tablet.  While the first tablet relates to man's duty towards God, the second tablet reflects our duty towards men.  Looking from this angle, it would appear therefore that one's responsibility towards one's parents takes the status of duty being done towards God.  This means that conversely, any failure to honour one's parents speaks of failure in one's duty towards God.

Point Two:  This commandment has a punishment attached to it
Note:
1.     Consider the list of practices being mentioned as offences to God and the kind of punishment that it deserves, in the New Testament in Rom. 1:29-32.

2.     In the Old Testament, we read of severe consequences - Ex. 21:17

3.     Note that Jesus quoted this verse and put it together with commandment in Ex. 20:12 when he was addressing the religious leaders in Mk. 7:10.  Read the passage and you will realize that Jesus rebuked them for placing their traditions as to be more important than that of the Word of God.

Discussion

1.      Warm up.  In the context of today's society and in reflection of what you see in days gone by, would you feel that there is erosion in the aspect of honouring of parents?  Either way, what makes you think so?

2.            Various passages in the Bible have been mentioned.  How high do you think Scripture gives to the importance of honouring our parents?  Give reasons to support your answer.

3.       In Mark 7, Jesus raised the 'Corban' issue which was used by certain people as an excuse for the neglect of looking after their own parents.

           (a)      How did such traditions come about?

           (b)      What is the nature of this 'Corban' tradition?

           (c)      In what form can we see ourselves committing this same error in our day? 

4.             Who do you think (Adults, Young People, or Children) that God has in mind when he issued this commandment?  (Consider the context of which the commandments were given.)

5.      Within the church family, is there something I can do to encourage my (a) SG and (b) young people in this area? 

For personal reflection:
Within my own family, is there something I should do in the area of honouring my parents?