1. The first lesson a child must learn is "respect for authority". Without it, nothing worthwhile will be instilled in our children A child who is not taught obedience in the home usually will have a hard time submitting to authority of any kind. Some parents fail to recognize this and so children "run" the home, disrupt school, and take over Bible classes. The home should be a place where members show respect for: Parental; Civil and Divine authority AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

2. PARENTAL AUTHORITY – Children must first be taught respect for parents Eph 6:1-2; Prov 1:8-9; 6:20-21 – We live in a "child-oriented" society Father often just "bread-winner", with no say-so in the affairs of his children Mother just a "glorified maid", expected to not meddle in the business of her children AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

3. PARENTAL AUTHORITY – Parents MUST establish their authority over the child Col 3:20; Eph 5:22-23; 6:4 Be consistent in attitudes and expectations It is irresponsible to allow your child to get by with challenging your authority, (small child or teenager) We have the obligation to God and the child to correct incorrect behavior Prov 13:24 The rebellious son of Deut 21:18-21 was stoned to death AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

4. CIVIL AUTHORITY – Children must be TAUGHT to obey civil laws 1Pet 2:13-15 – Everyone must submit to civil authority Rom 13:1-7 Roman rulers were generally corrupt and evil, yet Paul wrote "be subject to the higher powers" - only one exception Acts 4:19; 5:29 God comes first Matt 6:33 One rebelling against civil law will also rebel against divine law – Government is God ordained - disobedience to civil law indicates undisciplined life AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

5. DIVINE AUTHORITY – Parents are to "nurture" their children, causing them to grow and develop in the "chastening and admonition of the Lord" Eph 6:4 (ASV) We have power to shape our children's eternal destiny - a responsibility taken far to lightly by most parents of today – Parents must anchor children in "the faith" for them to stand against pressures in regard to morals 2Cor 6:14-17 Love for children's soul will cause parents to teach them they are different from the world Children must realize that the grave is not the end, but the beginning Eccl 12:1; 2Cor 5:10 AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

6. DIVINE AUTHORITY – We should teach our children the way Israel was commanded to teach under the Law of Moses Deut 6:6-7 – Education is without a true foundation unless based upon a knowledge of God and principles of the Bible Prov 4:5-8 – Love for truth will cause parent to ensure that their children have an attitude of complete submission to God 2Thess 2:10 – Parents, giving children good instruction while setting a bad example is hypocritical and children will see it AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME

7. Everyone must take a hard look at "authority" and how it affects the welfare of homes, schools, churches, nations and our individual lives Parents should pray, seeking wisdom in rearing children Respect for authority is TAUGHT and is first taught by parents Are you doing what God has asked of you as a parent? Are you doing what God has asked of you as a child? As a member of God's family do you respect His will? AUTHORITY – THE SUPREME COURT ISN’T SUPREME