The First Promise
Children, parents, and a fair Master in heaven
Did you know there is a part of the Bible addressed directly to CHILDREN? Paul writes: 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord — for this is right.' And there is a PROMISE attached: 'Honour your father and mother, that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth.' This is the FIRST commandment with a promise — obedience brings blessing!
But Paul also speaks to PARENTS: do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. In God's family, everyone has instructions, not just children!
Then Paul speaks to servants and masters of his day: obey your earthly masters with respect and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ — not to win favour when being watched, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, serving wholeheartedly as though serving the Lord, not people.
And masters: treat your servants in the same way — do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with Him. Whatever your role, work as if Jesus Himself is watching, because He is.
✨ Memory verse
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”Ephesians 6:1 (NIV)
Tap the words in the right order:
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Type the verse from memory:
🎵 Sing along: A Song for The First Promise
❓ Quiz time!
🖍️ Printables
👨👩👧 Parent & teacher guide
Big idea: obedience and honour flowing through every household relationship, all anchored to the same reality — a fair Master in heaven who shows no favouritism, and who is honoured when ordinary daily roles (parenting, working) are done wholeheartedly. The phrase "as though serving the Lord, not people" (6:7) transforms even the most ordinary task into worship.
Conversation starters: (1) Why do you think this is the only commandment with a specific promise attached? (2) What does it mean to do your daily tasks "as though serving the Lord"? (3) Why does Paul remind masters that they too have a Master in heaven who shows no favouritism?
Pray together for honour and faithfulness in every household relationship and daily task.