​Introduction:
1. In these verses John said he was writing about a commandment that is old and new.
2. John identified this commandment in 1 John 3:11 -- God's people are to love one another.
3. Jesus endorsed and practiced this commandment.
a. He endorsed it in John 13:34-35.
b. He practiced it in John 13:1.
4. In our lesson we are concentrating on another commandment that is old and new.
a. It is old in that it was given in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:12).
b. It is new in that it is included in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:2-3).
5. Mother's Day is an especially good time for us to "honor our mothers."
6. As we begin our study, . . .
Discussion:
I. WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PRACTICING THIS OLD AND NEW
COMMANDMENT
A. "Honor": to revere, to esteem, to show respect
B. Honoring mothers includes:
1. obeying their instructions (Ephesians 6:1)
2. caring for them (1 Timothy 5:4, 16).
C. Jesus set the great example by honoring Mary (Luke 2:51; John 19:26-27).
D. We understand from the Scriptures:
1. that God requires His people to honor their mothers
2. what is involved in honoring mothers.
E. As we continue our study we need to show how . . .
II. A PERSON'S SPIRITUAL WELFARE WILL BE AFFECTED BY HIS TREATMENT OF HIS MOTHER
A. Let us first consider the negative side.
1. See Proverbs 19:26; 20:20; 28:24
2. In Matthew 15:1-9 Jesus showed how the Pharisees did not honor their mothers.
a. They developed a tradition that allowed them, in their minds, to disobey God's command to honor
their parents.
b. Jesus said they were hypocrites and their worship was vain.
3. See 1 Timothy 5:8
4. A person's spiritual welfare will be adversely affected if he does not honor his mother.
B. Let us turn our attention to the positive side.
1. See Proverbs 1:8-9; 6:20-22; Ephesians 6:3
2. A person's spiritual welfare will be positively affected if he honors his mother.
Conclusion:
1. God's people have always been responsible for honoring their mothers.
2. We understand what is involved in honoring our mothers.
3. Let us remember that our spiritual welfare will be affected by the way we treat our mothers.