Dishonor and Disaster Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, August 10, 2014 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2014 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Dishonor and Disaster Ephesians 5: 15-18, 21, 6: 1-3

Dishonor and Disaster Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Dishonor and Disaster Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.

Dishonor and Disaster Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and your mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that is may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

The Fifth Commandment: Exodus 20: 12 Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you* in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. * Deuteronomy 5: 16

Ten Commandments How to Love God How to Love People 1. You shall have no other gods before Me. 2. You shall not make any image of Me. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord, your God 4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 5. Honor your father and your mother. 6. You shall not murder. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not give false witness against your neighbor. 10 You shall not covet.

(78) The Old Man and His Grandson A tale from the brothers Grimm

(78) The Old Man and His Grandson What do you think? “I don’t get much respect” is the way it is in contemporary America.

Let’s Pray

The Fifth Commandment Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Ten Commandments: Blueprint Behavior for Christ Followers  Bring us back to God…by showing us how far we have strayed from God and His ways.

Ten Commandments: Blueprint Behavior for Christ Followers  Bring us back to God…by showing us how far we have strayed from God and His ways.  Guide us in learning how to Love our Lord and His people

Why is # 5 So Important?  Family is the basic unit of society

Why is # 5 So Important?  Family is the basic unit of society  Honoring parents is meant as the beginning way for all of us to learn about and appreciate authority

Why is # 5 So Important? As we honor those whom God has placed over us, we can: Gain from their experiences, Learn wisdom about life (how to fail and succeed) and most important of all… Learn about God and His will for us.

Proverbs 13: 1, 13-15, 18 A wise son (daughter) heeds his father’s (mother’s) instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 13: 1, 13-15, 18 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

“Honor?” NOT:  They exist for my use and convenience  People I worship

“Honor?” Definitions:  “Hold in high esteem”  “Put someone in a superior position”  “To reverence, respect”  “Have a high opinion of someone”

“Honor?” Definitions:  “Hold in high esteem”  “Put someone in a superior position”  “To reverence, respect”  “Have a high opinion of someone” “RESPECT MIXED WITH LOVE”

“Respect Mixed With Love”  GRATITUDE

“Respect Mixed With Love”  GRATITUDE  OBEDIENCE Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3: 20 Jesus our Example: Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. Luke 2: 51

“Respect Mixed With Love”  SUPPORT If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied his faith and is worse than an unbeliever. I Timothy 5: 8

Gratitude – Obedience - Support There is a direct connection between the attitudes that children of all ages have toward their parents and the quality and quantity of life we will experience on this earth.

“Respect Mixed with Love” Exodus 20:12 Deuteronomy 5: 16 Ephesians 6 Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and your mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that is may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

What to Do?  REPENT before God – Ask for His forgiveness first: -Rebellious and stubborn thoughts and feelings -Actions taken – recently or years ago

What to Do?  VOW to start again to keep this commandment with the help of Jesus

What to Do?  GO and make that new start today!

Dishonor leads to Disaster! Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.