Enforcing Obedience

1. Parents should be aware of what they are working with in dealing with their children.

a. The natural heart is naturally rebellious.

b. The fallen heart is rebellious against God and God’s authority… and thus, against parents.

c. Obedience does not come easily to a fallen heart.

d. It is a struggle. Don’t be surprised to discover that your child is no exception to this rule.

e. They come forth from the womb as little rebels… little heathens!

2. II Tim.3:2 – this was a characteristic of the ungodly.

3. Disobedience is to be punished… chastened…

4. Children are to honor their parents. They also ought to FEAR them… fear disobeying them… fear the consequences. (Just as we are to fear God—reverence Him and be afraid of sinning against Him!)

5. The parent is to see to it that the children obey…

a. The parents have to set their own family standards, rules, clearly define the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and clearly define the penalties for disobedience.

6. Consider how seriously God took this principle in the Old Testament:

a. Ex. 21:15, 17; Lev. 20:9 – stoned to death for hitting or cursing parents!

b. Deut 21:18–21 – a rebellious son—stoned!

c. Prov. 30:17 – mocking… eagles eating your eyes!

d. Prov. 20:20 – his lights will be put out!

A. Instruction

1. This means also that parents are to GIVE instruction to their children.

a. Eph. 6:4 – in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

b. Heb. 12:7-8 – what son is not disciplined by his father? The Bible assumes that fathers will discipline their children (instruct and train them).

c. Note that it does NOT say, “Parents, obey your children, for this is well pleasing unto them!” That is how many homes operate today. The kids rule… to the ruin of the home!

2. Orders to children need to be given in love.

3. Orders to children need to be CLEAR. (I Cor. 14:7-9)

a. Some parents are unclear in the commands they give to their kids. (“It sure would be nice if the cellar got cleaned.” or “Would you mind taking the trash out sometime?” or “Don’t stay out too late.”)

b. If your commands are that vague and ambiguous, how do you expect them to be obeyed? How could you ever recognize disobedience? How could THEY recognize disobedience?

c. Sometimes parents give orders that are indistinct, and thus speak to the air.

d. A clear sound is much better—with clear lines drawn.