LORD’S DAY 39
Q. 104. What doth God require in the fifth commandment?
A. That I show all honor, love, and fidelity to my father and mother and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and correction with due obedience;1 and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities,2 since it pleases God to govern us by their hand.3 That I show all honor, love, and fidelity to my father and mother and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and correction with due obedience;1 and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities,2 since it pleases God to govern us by their hand.3
- Eph. 6:1, 2, &c. Col. 3:18, 20. Eph. 5:22. Rom. 1:31.
- Prov. 23:22.
- Eph. 6:5, 6. Col.3:19, 21. Rom. 13:1-8. Mat. 22:21.
LORD’S DAY 39
Honoring Authority
1. What is the fifth commandment?
“Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth unto thee.” Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16.
2. What does God require in the fifth commandment?
That I show all honor, love, and fidelity, to my father and mother. Proverbs 4:3; 10:1.
3. How do we honor parents?
By submitting to their good instruction and correction with due obedience. Proverbs 4:1; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20.
4. But are not your parents sinners?
They are; but I am called to bear patiently with their weakness and infirmities, since it pleases God to govern me by their hand.
5. Does the fifth commandment apply only to the authority of parents over children?
No, it applies to all in authority over me: in the home, the church, the civil government, and in labor. Hebrews 13:7, 17; Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 6:5-9.
6. What are the implications of the fifth commandment for membership in labor unions?
Such membership is wrong because labor unions attempt to force the employer to obey the will of the employee, which is contrary to God’s command to obey those in authority. I Peter 2:18-25.
7. Is there ever a time when we may disobey those in authority?
Yes, but only when they require of us disobedience to God’s commands; then we must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29.
8. Does obedience to God ever give us the right to rebel against God-ordained authority?
Never; we must always submit ourselves to their rule, whether just or unjust. I Peter 2:19-23.