Sermon on honor focused bible passage: 1 Samuel 2:30, Malachi 1:6
1 Samuel 2:30
30 Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.
Malachi 1:6
6 “A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence?” says the Lord of hosts. “To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’”
sermon on honor Introduction
Honor is a profound theme in the Bible that resonates deeply with our relationships and our walk with God. It is not merely a concept but a lifestyle that reflects our values and priorities. In this sermon, we will explore the “road to honor,” highlighting seven important milestones we must consider on this journey. These milestones will guide us in understanding what it means to honor God and others in our lives.
As we dive into this topic, let’s remember that honoring God is not just a task but a way of life. It involves our actions, our thoughts, and, most importantly, our hearts.
Milestones on the Road to Honor
1. Knowledge – Understanding the Call to Honor
1 Samuel 2:12 states, “Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of knowledge in our relationship with God. Without knowing Him, we cannot truly honor Him.
In Isaiah 5:12-17, we learn that a lack of knowledge leads to captivity. God’s people were taken captive because they ignored His works and did not consider His ways.
We must recognize that we are called to live a life of honor, as emphasized in 1 Peter 2:17-18: “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
It is our responsibility to discover how to honor God. For instance, in 1 Kings 6:11-14, God tells King Solomon that He values obedience over the beauty of the temple. God desires our hearts more than our offerings.
Honoring God involves every part of us—our thoughts, words, and deeds. As stated in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
2. Choose to Honor
Choosing to honor is a conscious decision. It involves prioritizing respect and reverence over alternative actions. Consider the contrast between Reuben and Joseph:
- Reuben chose poorly in Genesis 35:22, dishonoring his father. His actions led to the loss of his birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1).
- In contrast, Joseph made a wise choice in Genesis 39:7-9. He refused the advances of Potiphar’s wife, declaring, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” His choice to honor God led to his eventual elevation in Egypt.
Similarly, Moses exemplifies this choice in Hebrews 11:24-27. By faith, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Choosing to honor involves more than mere words; it requires action and a commitment to God's standards.
3. Determine to Honor
Determination is key to living a life of honor. It’s not enough to make a choice; we must act on it. This determination is evident in King Solomon’s life as he built the temple for God. His decision to honor God through obedience led to tremendous blessings.
In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Paul reflects on his own journey, stating, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am.” Paul’s determination to honor God through his work transformed him from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel.
4. Humility Comes Before Honor
Humility is a crucial precursor to honor. Proverbs 18:12 tells us, “Before destruction, the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” This principle is evident throughout Scripture.
Consider Philippians 2:3, which encourages us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” When we approach others with humility, we create an environment where honor can flourish.
Jesus exemplified this humility in His life. In Matthew 23:12, He teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” By serving others and putting their needs first, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of honor.
5. To Receive Honor, You Must Give Honor
Honor is also reciprocal. Romans 12:10 encourages us, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” When we honor others, we cultivate an atmosphere of respect that often returns to us.
In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul instructs us to honor those who lead well in the church, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect within the body of Christ. This principle extends beyond the church; it applies to our families, workplaces, and communities.
6. Let Honor Come Naturally or at Its Own Time
Honor should not be forced; it should flow naturally from our hearts. In Malachi 1:6, God questions why we do not honor Him. He desires genuine honor born out of love and respect, not obligation.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded, “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Honor has its time and place, and when we align our hearts with God’s timing, we will see honor manifest in our lives.
7. Honor the Son
Finally, we must honor Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John 5:23 states, “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” Honoring Jesus is the foundation of our faith. It shapes how we live, how we interact with others, and how we view our relationship with God.
When we honor Jesus, we acknowledge His sacrifice, His lordship, and His role in our salvation. This honor transforms our lives and leads us to live in a way that reflects His love and grace.
sermon on honor Conclusion
In conclusion, the road to honor is paved with knowledge, choices, determination, humility, reciprocal respect, patience, and the ultimate honor of Jesus Christ. As we consider these milestones, let us reflect on our own lives. Are we honoring God in our actions, our relationships, and our daily choices?
As we strive to honor God, we must remember that He promises, “Those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). Let us therefore make a commitment today to live lives marked by honor, ie to honor God in all we do, and to extend that honor to those around us.
Honor is not just a concept; it’s a way of life that reflects our love for God and our commitment to His ways. As we embrace this journey, may we experience the fullness of His blessings and the joy of living a life of honor.
Let us also pray and ask God to help us cultivate a spirit of honor in our lives, enabling us to reflect His love and grace in every situation.
The Road to Honor Quiz
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