Online Sermons
Lesson #17 - Honoring The Aged
Series: Home-BuildersLESSON #17 – HONORING THE AGED
INTRODUCTION
Bob Deffinbaugh has written, "There are two great tasks in life to which most of us are called.
The first is the bearing and raising of children…The second is caring for our parents in their declining years."
In Holy Scripture, the gray head is to connected with “honor" (Prov.20:29).
Prayerfully ponder this thought - - The test of a people, a nation, or a culture, is how the the aged are treated.
ESTEEM FOR OUR OLDER ONES
Deut.5:16 / Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you... cf. Ex.20:12 and Eph.6:2-3
Lev.19:32 / You shall rise up before the grayheaded, and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.
Prov.23:22 / Listen to your father who begot you and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Mt.15:4 / God said, 'Honor your father and mother', and 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother, let him be put to death.'
1Tim.5:4 & 8 / if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to
their own family, and to make some return to their parents...If anyone does not provide for his own,
and especially those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
cf. Ex.22:22; Lev.20:9; Deut.27:18-19; Prov.19:26; Prov.20:20; Prov.31:28; Acts 6:1ff and Js.1:27
ELDER ABUSE
Using the Scriptures referenced above, list some ways we might neglect or abuse our older parents and grandparents.
Discuss the warped behavior behind the Jewish practice known as “Corban” - - cf. Mt.15:4-6 & 23:14 with Mk.7:9-13
LINDA BERSTEIN'S - - EIGHT THINGS NOT TO SAY TO YOUR AGING PARENTS
1. “How can you not remember that!?
Better - - “See this sticker!”
2. “You could do that if you really tried.”
Better - - “Let me watch and see where you're having trouble so we can figure out how this can get done.”
3. “I just showed you how to use the DVR yesterday.”
Better - - “I'll gladly show you again and write down a simplified reminder.”
4. “What does that have to do with what we're talking about!?”
Better - - “I was telling you about my garden. You love my fresh lettuce.”
5. “You already told me that!”
Better - - “No kidding?! And don't tell me that the next thing you did was...”
6. “I want your silver tea service when you die!”
Better - - I've been reading how it's useful for everyone if parents leave a list specifying what will be left to whom.”
7. “Wake up!”
Better - - “Mom, I don't want you to miss this!”
8. “Hel-lo?! Your grandson’s name is Ryan!”
Better - - “It's Ryan, Dad, your first grandson's name is Ryan.”
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Regarding our care for those who are older, what's more important - - your presents or your presence?
2. How would you like to be treated when you grow older?
The golden rule also applies to the golden years - - As you want people to treat you, threat them in the same way (Lk.6:32).
3. Discuss some of the more prevalent dis-eases that often accompany aging?
Loneliness...Illness...Insecurity...Anxiety...Fear...Guilt...Self-Pity...Feeling of Uselessness...Worries about being a burden.
