5 Questions: What Does it Mean to be a Son or Daughter?

This episode continues the Real Life series on God's design for the home sphere, focusing on the biblical call to honor parents and raise children rooted in faith and purpose. The team unpacks Ephesians 5 and 6, diving into the complexities of parenting, childhood, and spiritual leadership within the home.

Introduction

Welcome back to the Real Life Overtime Podcast! This week, the sermon team unpacks one of the most heartfelt and practical themes in the home sphere—how children are called to honor and obey their parents, and how parents are called to raise children in the Lord. Through discussion, personal stories, and Biblical insight, this conversation challenges us to consider God’s design for family, authority, and discipleship. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, adult child, or spiritual mentor, this episode speaks deeply into the roles we play and the faith we live out at home.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Order in Scripture Matters
   Ephesians moves from identity in Christ (chapters 1–3), to spiritual family in the church (chapters 4–5), then to the home. This flow reminds us that discipleship in the home grows out of an abiding relationship with Jesus and His Church.
2. Obedience and Honor—Two Distinct Stages
   Children are called to obey their parents when young, and to honor them as adults. Honoring might look different across seasons of life, especially when dealing with aging or difficult parents.
3. Faith Like a Child
   Christian highlighted how our faith should mirror a child’s trust in a good father. It's not about blind obedience but about trusting a God who is present and trustworthy, even in rough terrain.
4. Parenting is Spiritual Training for War
   Parents aren’t meant to clear every obstacle for their kids, but to prepare them for life’s spiritual battles. This involves discipline, correction, love, and modeling faith in action.
5. The Struggle of the Father Wound
   Many wrestle with distorted views of God due to broken relationships with earthly parents. The episode emphasizes the healing that comes through spiritual family and a renewed identity in Christ.
6. Honoring Parents Through the End
   Jim vulnerably shared about losing both parents this year, and the beauty of honoring them—even when it wasn’t easy. Forgiveness, encouragement, and speaking value were key to helping them finish well.
7. Building the Right Support Before the Storm
   Don’t wait until the trial hits to find godly counsel and community. Spiritual battle is inevitable—anchor yourself in relationships that point you back to truth and help you endure.

 

Discussion Questions

1. As a child or adult child, what does honoring your parents look like today?
2. Have you experienced the impact of a father (or parental) wound? How has it affected your view of God?
3. Parents: Are you raising your children for success in the world—or training them for spiritual battle?
4. What would it mean to trust God with a childlike faith in the season you're in now?
5. What does “submission out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21) look like in your home?

 

Action Steps

• Evaluate your current posture: Are you obeying or honoring your parents? Are you parenting with God’s design in mind?
• Forgive where needed: Ask God to help you release bitterness toward your parents or children and begin to speak value and truth.
• Encourage your parents: Even if they weren’t perfect, find ways to express appreciation or help them finish well.
• Strengthen your faith community: Build intentional relationships that will stand with you when trials come.
• Lead with spiritual intentionality: Whether you're a parent or mentor, take seriously the call to disciple and equip the next generation.

 

Closing Encouragement

We’re all in different stages of life—some parenting, some being parented, and some navigating both. But no matter where we are, God’s design for the home invites us to live out our faith with honor, humility, and hope. Even when it's messy or painful, He is faithful. Trust in the Father who walks with you, trains you, and will never leave you. Let’s continue to raise up disciples and finish the race well—together.

Scripture References

• Ephesians 5:21–6:4
• Deuteronomy 5:16
• 1 Timothy 5:1–2
• Proverbs (various)
• Matthew 5:46–47
• John 14:27

 

You can find more resources at www.realliferesources.org

For resources specific to this series go to: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/5-questions/