The Fundamental Family
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Dr. Edwin Elliott, Managing Editor
Reformed Journal of Record since 1813  -- $27.00 US  per year (12 Issues)

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  What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show honor, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all who are set in the authority over me; that I submit myself with respectful obedience to all their careful instruction and discipline; and that I also bear patiently their failures, since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.

I.  Show Respect to Those in Authority

A. The family forms the fundamental school for society. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  (Ephesians 6:1-4)

B. The lessons learned in the family apply to all social relationships. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  (Romans 13:1-2)

C. Loving parents look beyond their home situations to the impact of their lessons on the children in their care. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  (Proverbs 1:8)

II. Be Respectful Even When the Authority Is Flawed

A. Parental authority is important by definition even when the child may have every reason to think his own opinion superior. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.  (Proverbs 23:22)

B. The family lessons form patterns for understanding all the other human relationships B Good and Bad. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.  (1 Peter 2:18)

III. God Uses Authority to Benefit People

A. The authority system B in contrast to the atomization of contemporary society B benefits those who use it to honor God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (Colossians 3:18-21)

  The obligations of authority and submission extend to all those who participate in the structure.

B. The focus is on honoring God rather than just on coping with immediate situations. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.  (Ephesians 6:1-9)

C. Every social structure can be measured and interpreted in terms of the Biblical family. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  (Romans 13:1‑8)

D. However, do not confuse minor authorities with God. They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.  (Matthew 22:21)