PHILIPPIANS 3 SUFFERING LEADS TO RESURRECTION

September 7

PHILIPPIANS 3

 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  – Philippians 3:7-11

PHILIPPIANS 3 SUFFERING LEADS TO RESURRECTION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Pain comes with losing someone or something you love

The world reacts to loses with much pity for the self

If you serve the Lord, you are required to embrace suffering

After going through it, you build your character and strength

Just as Christ suffered and died so he can be resurrected from death

All his followers are assured of such resurrection if they believe in him.

It is counter intuitive for an unbeliever to hear Paul say in verse 7 that he counts all his gains as losses for the sake of Christ. What does this mean? He is talking about material or earthly gains. We know that God is Spirit according to John 4:24 and he requires for his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth. We cannot see God but we believe that he exists. The things in this world can be visually seen unlike spiritual things. This is why Paul explains in Ephesians 6 that we don’t deal with flesh and blood but with unseen forces which are spiritual. We deal with spiritual battles moment by moment. We don’t see our enemies but we can definitely feel their presence in our thoughts and attitudes. Paul talks about material gains that he counts as unimportant because as a servant of Jesus, he is the only thing that matters to him. The material things don’t count that much when we think of God’s kingdom because they keep us attached to the world instead of focusing our eyes on spiritual things. Paul says that because he loves the Lord, he counts all material things and losses as rubbish because Paul has a “destination mindset.”

Many people begin to get attached to the things they possess and experience, then lose sight of the destination. This world is never the one promised to us by God. It is an obstacle course that we need to go through in order that we can receive God’s promises and rewards in heaven. This world is run by the prince of this world, Satan. The lies he whispers to us are the obstacles to the narrow path towards the righteous road. The devil does not want us to experience suffering because he wants us to believe the lie that this world is good, comfortable and convenient so we will be derailed to focus on spiritual things.

This is why we are warned as believers to pursue sorrow rather than gladness because when we do so, we are suffering with Christ and we will then receive his resurrection promise.

REFLECTION

  • How can suffering keep us focused on spiritual things?

ROMANS 5 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING

September 6

ROMANS 5

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faithinto this grace in which we stand, and werejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. – Romans 5:1-5

ROMANS 5 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ

He has justified us and given us access to grace

We can now look at suffering in a different way

We use to fear and avoid it when it comes

Now we can see the upside of suffering

It produces endurance and character

When we have character, it produces hope

Hope removes all kinds of humiliation and shame.

If an unbeliever reads the title of this devotional, they would cringe because it would be illogical for them to look at suffering as anything beneficial. In this account, Paul explains to the believers that suffering has a purpose in our lives especially for those who are servants of the Lord. In Malachi 3:3 the prophet describes God Almighty as a refiner when he said: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” The psalmist also refers to purification of the believers in Psalm 66:10-12  when he wrote: “For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”

This refining concept is similar to testing a student whether they have learned to apply the theories and

teachings that have been taught in the classes they attended. The test measures their cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills. In the book of James, he stressed the importance of doing the word of God and not just hearing it. What happens if we do not obey and follow the word of God after hearing it? James described it vividly in James 1:22-25 when he said: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

REFLECTION

  • What do you think happens to a believer who avoids all kinds of trials and sufferings?

ROMANS 8 SPIRITUAL ADOPTION THROUGH SUFFERING

September 5

ROMANS 8

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  – Romans 8 :16-28

ROMANS 8 SPIRITUAL ADOPTION THROUGH SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When Adam and Eve sinned, suffering became inevitable

It thwarted the original purpose of God for man to praise him

Instead of our hearts longing for communion with the Lord

We became lured into following the systems of the world

Because of God’s steadfast love for humanity

He gave a solution to our sin and immorality

By sending his only Son to pay the penalty of our sins

He adopted us into his heavenly kingdom through his suffering.

Usually, when parents who couldn’t have children decide to adopt a child, they may think they can pick who they want. Adoptive parents cannot specifically choose the child they want as if they are shopping, but they can specify age, ethnicity or certain parameters with regards to specific health conditions. In verse 17, Paul explains to the Roman believers that they are heirs to God provided they suffer with Christ. It is not the same to suffer for the result of sin. It is to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. In other words, not all suffering we experience is a prerequisite to our legacy from God’s kingdom. It is to suffer the exact persecutions and discriminations that we receive by being a believer. An example of this suffering is like being ostracized by other religions and ethnicities. That is a form of suffering for Christ. Paul says that unless we go through this kind of suffering, we won’t be spiritually adopted in God’s family.

REFLECTION

·       Share some sufferings you went through that could pass for being adopted by God in his family.

2 TIMOTHY 3 GODLY PEOPLE WILL SUFFER & BE PERSECUTED

September 4

2 TIMOTHY 3

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

                                                                              –  2 Timothy 3:10-17

2 TIMOTHY 3 GODLY PEOPLE WILL SUFFER & BE PERSECUTED

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, you were given his Spirit

Because the Spirit lives in you, you will have strength for adversities

Expect suffering and persecution as you serve the Lord

His promise is to be with you so you can overcome the world

He didn’t offer a life of convenience but a life of dependence on him

Because Jesus has overcome the world, you will have triumph over sin.

In this letter of Paul to his spiritual son Timothy, he reminds him to teach the believers in his church that with their commitment to serve the Lord, they also have to expect that they will face suffering and persecution. This may sound so weird to the unbeliever who might say that it doesn’t make sense to be a Christian when they will suffer and be persecuted. That is precisely the difference of the God that we believe in. He is sacrificial unlike other little gods who are high and mighty up there. God himself sacrificed his only Begotten Son, Jesus to die on a cross so that he can wipe out the wrath that the people deserved after they sinned against him. He knew that humans cannot save themselves from his wrath, so he gave the solution in the sacrifice of his own son to be the payment for our sins. He provided the way out for us. So, it actually makes sense that he allows suffering and persecution for his people because it is the way for them to be sanctified and purified. God requires his people to be holy since he is a holy God and we can only do that if we go to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and repent of our sins.

In verse 11, Paul gives testimony how God allowed him to endure the sufferings he underwent in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. He knew that he can’t do it without the Spirit of the Lord allowing him to endure such hardships and persecutions. God also equipped us with the word of God so we can be guided, comforted and corrected whenever we lose our direction.

REFLECTION

·       How can we see suffering in the light of this explanation of Paul to Timothy in verses 11-13?

JOHN 16 SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE IN LIFE

September 3

JOHN 16

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:25-33

JOHN 16 SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE IN LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

While you are still in this world, trials will come

It is an aftermath of the sin of Adam and Eve

Before the fall, there was no suffering

Tribulations came resulting from sin

Do not fear if you belong to the Lord

Even if trials come, you’ll overcome the world.

Why do some people think that there shouldn’t be suffering in this life? They obviously do not know the Lord if they have this kind of thinking. In these following verses, Jesus revealed to John that tribulation or suffering is inevitable in life. For as long as we are living in this world and until he comes back and fulfills his promise of the new heaven and the new earth, we will have to contend with the pain that comes with trials and tribulations. But these following verses assure us of triumph over such hardships and obstacles to our faith when Jesus said in verse 33 that we can be at peace because it is inevitable in life but also that he has overcome the world already.

The thing with suffering is that it is painful. But the pain sometimes can be bearable if there is someone with us to comfort us or to walk alongside us. In verse 32, we hear Jesus’ promise that God is always with those who call on him and those who love him. So, if we are believers, there is no reason for us to be debilitated by trials and tribulations. We have the Lord with us and he is our strength, our shield and our vindicator. If God is for us, who can be against us? This is why believers are called to come in fellowship with one another and share each others’ burdens so that the law of love will be fulfilled in their lives. This way, God is edified and glorified and the church is unified in following the commands that God has given us.

REFLECTION

  • How should a Christian view suffering in the light of the promise in verse 33?

PHILIPPIANS 1 SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

September 2

PHILIPPIANS 1

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.27 Only let your manner of life be worthyof the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

                                                                            – Philippians 1:18-30

PHILIPPIANS 1 SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a believer of Christ, we are to embrace trials with joy

When we are rejected and persecuted for his sake

It is an occasion for us to exercise endurance and patience

As a believer, we are to follow his example of long suffering

If you live for Christ, you will look as suffering as gain

We can share in the big sacrifice he made for us by bearing the pain

Suffer for Christ’s sake so you will grow in your faith

Without suffering, you will not be taking the narrow road to Christ.

This letter of Paul to the Philippians is such a big challenge for the Christian believers. Paul sets the example of taking suffering as a way to follow the narrow path to God. When he says in verse 21 to live is Christ and to die is gain, he was referring to die in this context as to suffer. How would suffering be a gain? The world will never understand this because it only knows convenience and comfort.

Two bible verses explain this phrase that Paul is teaching the believers: John 12:24 says “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” 1 Corinthians 15:36 “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” These following verses teach us that the gain in suffering is reaping the fruit of faith. We deepen our knowledge of God and thereby grow in our dependence on him.

REFLECTION

  • How is suffering for a consequence of sin different from suffering for Christ’s sake?

JAMES 1 WHY SUFFERING IS VITAL IN LIFE

September 1

JAMES 1

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grasshe will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:2-15

JAMES 1 WHY SUFFERING IS VITAL IN LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Do not be afraid of trials of any kind; it has a function

When you meet any kind of suffering, don’t avoid it

When you run from them, you will become shallow

It is important that you allow every aspect of the sorrow

When you suffer, you begin to lose control and helpless

Allow the trial to let you grow in humility and resilience

Suffering also makes you remember the one who is in control

So, rejoice when you suffer because you’ll mature and grow.

Many people think that life should be painless. This is why so many unbelievers question why God allows suffering to happen. They do not understand the function of suffering. In this account, the brother of Jesus, James explains its function and why we need to rejoice when we suffer. It is counter-intuitive to unbelievers because Satan has filled their minds with the lie that this world is supposed to be without problems, pain and is comfortable and convenient. When one believes such lies, they would not understand the importance of adversities in their lives. They will automatically avoid it. While they run from this painful event or thing, they are regressing and not progressing. In other words, they will stay immature and unable to face the world with courage. James tells us straightforwardly the functions of suffering. It makes us produce steadfastness as our faith is being tested with the adverse experience. In verse 4, he says that when steadfastness has its full effect, we will be complete, lacking in nothing. We will stay humble and dependent on God and we will be resilient, courageous and strong.

REFLECTION

  • Should a Christian avoid suffering? Why or why not?

EPHESIANS 5 SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER TO HONOR CHRIST

August 31

EPHESIANS 5

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. –Ephesians 5:6-21

EPHESIANS 5 SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER TO HONOR CHRIST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As you live your life for the Lord Jesus Christ

You’ll become aware of the devil’s tricks and lies

Walk as children of light and discern what pleases God

Take no part in the unfruitful works of this world

When you expose evil in the light, it becomes visible

It can no longer hide and keep you believing in the lies

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ

He gave up his life so you can live life to its fullest

Submitting to the body of Christ is giving him glory

It manifests God’s presence as he keeps you holy.

In this account, Paul stresses the importance of submission to the saints who comprise the body of Christ. If you experience false religions, you will see that the relationships in these churches is an activity and not a fellowship where the saints build each other up. In other words, the social gatherings are not for maturing one another or discipling each member of the body of Christ. It is for friendships and social connections. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul explains this unity that exists between the member of believers when he says “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Every Christian belongs to another Christian and their roles have to do with fulfilling the plan that God has for each of his creations. When God created us, he did it for himself. So, submitting to one another is fulfilling that amazing plan of God to bring all his creation to himself so he can be glorified.

REFLECTION

·       What does “submitting to one another” look like in a church setting?

1 PETER 2 DOING GOOD IS SUBMISSION TO GOD

August 30

1 PETER 2

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperoras supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servantsof God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:13-25

1 PETER 2 DOING GOOD IS SUBMISSION TO GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

God’s purpose for man is to do his will

He wants us to do good to silence the wicked

To do good is to live a life that is free from fear

It is to serve God by loving and serving others

To do good is to submit to the will of God

It is to acknowledge the one who created you

It is also to humble oneself and praise the Lord

This means letting go of the ways of the world.

In this account, Peter admonishes the people of God to submit to authority, but I’d like to focus on verse 15 which is to do good because that is the will of God. According to this verse, the purpose of doing good is to put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Many people are not even aware of the purpose of their existence. It is sad to see that there are also some of those who claim they are Christians who do not do good out of love for God or surrendering to his will. A true believer on the other hand probably knows that their reason for living is to praise and glorify the King of all kings. Peter gives us all a good remembrance of the design of God in all of our lives. By the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are given a glimpse of that grandiose plan of God for human life. It is to manifest his image in each one of us because this was the reason why he made us all in his likeness. What does “doing good” really mean apart from how the world sees it? The world sees this as a transactional act to be given adulation.

REFLECTION

  • How did Peter differentiate here how “doing good” is not the same as the world views it?

EPHESIANS 6 SUBMIT AND HONOR YOUR PARENTS

August 29

EPHESIANS 6

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

                                                                           – Ephesians 6:1-9

EPHESIANS 6 SUBMIT AND HONOR YOUR PARENTS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

God chose your mother and father to be your guardians

They were given authority to care for your well-being

So, you are instructed to obey your parents for your sake

Submit to them without complaining for God says so

Obey and honor the authority given to you by God himself

For the Lord promises you a good and long life.

Paul stressed the importance of obedience and submission to those authorities given to us in the household in these following verses. Why do you think God’s first command that has a promise was to obey and honor your parents? The probable reason for this is because this is the first command that teaches us how to trust and depend on someone. It makes us recognize that we are vulnerable, helpless and need someone for us to be shown the love of God. The parents are channels of God’s authority and God’s love for mankind. That’s why all human beings are given a parent to bring them up in the knowledge of God. Sadly, because of our sinful nature, some mothers and fathers are just passing on what they were also given by their own parents. Can you imagine if all parents knew the Lord? We would probably have less traumatized, neglected and abused children. If a mother and father knew and served the Lord, they would raise their children in the love of God. Interestingly, in verse 4, we hear Paul spell out the responsibility to the fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Why not the mother? Because the father is the head of the family and the household. He is responsible for his whole family and the charge and authority were given to the ultimate head of the family and household.

Children are instructed to obey their parents. Why is obedience so important to God? It is the biggest act of humility and love. This is why our first God-given authority when we are born is our parents. They were given to us when we don’t know anything yet, so we could be shaped in how God made us.

REFLECTION

  • Share insights as to what happens to children when they are disobedient to their parents.