Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Pastor Justin Jenkins
The Honor System
Scripture
Ephesians 6:2-3
2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Main Idea
God's first commandment, honor your mother and father, is unique because it comes with a promise - those who honor their parents will have a long life. Whether you have an amazing relationship or non-exisent relationship with your parents, God carefully chose your parents for you. God specifically chose them because they had something you needed to complete the promises He has on your life. Today's message shares five ways we should honor our parents.
Jesus' first miracle was out of honor to his mother. He listened to his mother and did what she said.
Discussion Questions
- There are 3 types of authority we are taught to respect home/parental, Biblical/spiritual, and civil authority. What is so significant about these three types of authority that they were specifically noted in the Bible?
- Even if you have no relationship with your parents or a flawed relationship with your parents, God selected them for you because they had something you needed to make you the person you are. How does this resonate with you?
- In the message Pastor Justin noted that a mother's prayers are powerful. What answered prayers have you experienced? Who prayed for and with you?
- Jesus' first miracle, turning water to wine, was done in response to a request from His mother. Why is this meaningful that this was His first miracle, particularly when you consider his subsequent miracles centered around supernatural healing?
- What steps can you take this week to let your parents or an authority figure in your life know that you appreciate them?
Summary
- Obey righteously (Ephesians 6:1). We must recognize the authority in our lives.
- Respect graciously (Leviticus 19:3). Like all of us, parents are flawed. Accept and forgive them. If your parents caused you hurt and pain, you must face it or you will take it into every other relationship you have.
- Listen faithfully (Proverbs 13:1). Listening to your parents communicates they have value to you. Even as they age, they still have wisdom and experience to share.
- Appreciate them consistently (Proverbs 23:22). Stay in touch, share details of your life, pray for them, give gifts, and listen to them.
- Provide gratefully. As our parents age, our role may shift into the caregivers role.
Take Action
- Reach out to an authority figure in your life and tell them why you appreciate them.
- Read and reflect on one of the Bible verses from today's message (1 Timothy 5:8, John 19:26-27, Proverbs 6:20-23, Psalm 139:13, 16).
- Plan to attend Essentials next Sunday at 10 a.m.!
Announcements
- Next Sunday, May 19th, join us as we start our new miniseries, From Generation to Generation.
- We’re planning another mission trip to the Dominican Republic July 22 to 27! If you’d like to learn more about this summer’s mission trip, email us at hello@findvelocity.org.
