Sermon Recap
This week we unpacked the sacred rhythm of honor. In our current culture we so often interchange the words honor and respect; attaching the same meaning to each word. Which is to highly esteem someone or in plain terms think highly of and treat people well baked on their position, level of authority, behavior, or accomplishments. However, not only do we see these two words as the same but so often we choose to respect and honor people for the same reason; because they have earned it.
Yet, that above synopsis is a worldly approach to honor. As Christ followers we are called to be different from the world. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently than the world. And when it comes to honor, God is very clear in His Word that not only is our approach different, but it's not an optional behavior we engage in when it feels right, it is one of the evidences of who we are Christ followers.
According to Jesus’ own words the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength with the followup of loving others as our ourselves. Setting our lives to the sacred rhythm of honor recognizes that once we too were dead in our sins but are now alive in Christ. Living in this new life Jesus has given us includes treating people well. All people; no contingencies, no conditions. You see, according to God, honor is given not because people have earned it. Rather, honor is given because of what we know to be true. That even though we once sinners, rebellious against God, living our own way…God showed us love and honor. Even though we had done nothing to earn such treatment, God demonstrated it anyway simply because we are His image bearers. Because in each and every one of us He saw one worthy of His love and His salvation. Therefore, as people who know this truth, we are called to set our lives to a rhythm of honor. Yes, that means even honoring challenging people, people that we disagree with, people who are different from us. We honor those who have authority over us and those we have authority over. Why? Out of reverence for Christ, to help others reach their full potential before God.
This is why people always matter. They matter more than our opinions, our preferences, or our tasks at hand. When we choose to honor people well we are afforded the extraordinary opportunity to be the living evidence of Jesus in a generation that is not only marked by dishonor, but celebrates it.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
How would you define honor? Do you think it is different from respect? Why or why not?
Does it challenge your thoughts about honor to see it from a Godly perspective; i.e. meaning it is not earned by simply given.
Who do you find it most difficult to honor? Why?
How does unpacking the stories of King David, Barnabas, and Joseph shift your perspective on honor?
Do people often come first to you? How could you change the way you honor others in 2024?
Prayer
This week spend time in prayer truly reflecting on the way you honor others. Allow the Holy Spirit the opportunity to reveal to you ways in which you might shift your mindset to set your life to the sacred rhythm of honor.
Life Application
Be mindful of how you treat people; in person and on social media.
Surrender this area of your life to the Holy Spirit this week and put people first. Choose to see them as image bearers of God, ones whose salvation is etched on the heart of God.
Don’t Forget!
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