Ephesians 6:1-9

Sermon Notes:

Four lessons about authority:

1) Children, obeying authority brings long life | 1-3

2) Fathers, teach your kids to fear God more than you | 4

3) Men under authority, God will repay your labor | 5-8 (cf Mt 8:9-11)

4) Masters, God will call you to account, too | 9

Reflection questions:

1. Children, when is the last time you disobeyed your parents? Does God’s promise to you (in 3) make the idea of obedience seem easier?

2. Parents, when is the last time you were harsh with one of your children? Did you apologize to them for your harshness? Do they know that God has expectations for both of you?

3. What are the various authorities in your life? Which ones are the hardest for you to obey?

4. What power and authority do you have in your life? Do you use it to threaten others, or do you use it in a way that honors your Master?