Embracing a Culture of Honor in Our Lives

Today marks the beginning of a new series focused on building a culture—specifically, a culture of honor. Just as we cannot learn everything about a subject in one sitting, so too must we take time to establish ourselves in the understanding and practice of honor. The aim is not simply to learn about honor, but to let it become a defining characteristic of our lives, something that marks us as belonging to God’s people. Culture is what distinguishes a group, and honor should be so evident in us that others can recognize who we belong to by how we live.

Honor is not just a virtue; it is a force that unlocks fruitfulness and flourishing in every area of life. Jesus’ own ministry demonstrated that the presence or absence of honor determines what can be received from God and from others. In His hometown, Jesus could do few mighty works because He was not honored, but in places where He was received with honor, miracles abounded. This principle applies to every relationship and endeavor—what we honor, we draw the best from; what we dishonor, we limit.

Honor also activates favor, which is distinct from labor. While many strive and labor for what they want, favor is what sets one apart when qualifications are equal. Favor is the difference-maker, the unexplainable preference that opens doors and brings blessings that labor alone cannot secure. Honor is the key that unlocks this favor, both with God and with people.

Conversely, dishonor is repellent. It not only blocks blessings but can even cause what has been given to be taken away. God Himself declared that He would honor those who honor Him, but those who treat Him lightly would be lightly esteemed. This is not just a principle for relating to God, but for all relationships—honor must flow upward, downward, and sideways.

Honor is the language of God. Without it, our fellowship with Him becomes dry and fruitless. The way we approach God, the way we treat His presence, and the way we prioritize Him all reveal our understanding of honor. Finally, honor is not optional; it is commanded by God. We are to honor all people, not just those above us, but also our peers, those below us, and ourselves. This is the culture God desires for His people—a culture where honor is evident in every interaction and every aspect of life.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Honor Uncaps Fruitfulness and Flourishing The level of fruitfulness in our lives is directly tied to the honor we give. Just as Jesus could do few miracles in His hometown due to a lack of honor, so too can our potential be capped when honor is absent. When we honor God, others, and even ourselves, we create an environment where the best can emerge and multiply beyond natural limits. [09:50]
• 2. Honor Activates Favor Beyond Labor While labor is necessary, favor is what distinguishes and elevates. Many people may have the same qualifications or put in the same effort, but it is favor—activated by honor—that brings supernatural opportunities and blessings. Living with a mindset that seeks favor through honor allows us to experience God’s provision in ways that hard work alone cannot achieve. [21:28]
• 3. Dishonor is Repellent and Can Reverse Blessings Dishonor not only blocks new blessings but can also cause us to lose what we already have. God’s promise to Eli’s family was revoked because of dishonor, showing that even divinely granted privileges can be withdrawn when honor is lacking. Dishonor creates an atmosphere that pushes people and opportunities away, making it a dangerous posture for any believer. [33:08]
• 4. Honor is the Language of God and Essential for Fellowship God is clothed in honor and majesty, and all of heaven ascribes honor to Him. Our relationship with God is deeply affected by how we honor Him—not just in words, but in our attitudes, priorities, and actions. Without honor, our worship and fellowship become empty rituals, but with honor, we enter into the fullness of God’s presence and blessing. [41:33]
• 5. Honor is Commanded for All Relationships God commands us to honor all people—those above, beside, and below us, as well as ourselves. This command is not based on the worthiness or agreement with others, but on God’s standard. True honor is not selective; it is a culture that permeates every relationship and interaction, reflecting the heart of God to the world.
  
  ** [49:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:04] - Why We Teach in Series
• [02:47] - Defining Culture and Its Importance
• [05:30] - Introducing the Culture of Honor
• [09:03] - Fruitfulness: The Levels of Harvest
• [10:58] - Jesus’ Hometown: The Limits of Dishonor
• [16:34] - Honor Unlocks the Fullness of God’s Power
• [20:10] - Honor Activates Favor
• [21:28] - Favor vs. Labor: The Difference Maker
• [27:45] - Testimony: Experiencing Favor
• [33:08] - The Repellent Nature of Dishonor
• [36:50] - Honor as God’s Language
• [41:33] - Practical Expressions of Honor
• [45:20] - God’s Command to Honor All People
• [49:51] - Summary and Honor Challenge

Bible Reading

Matthew 13:54-58 (ESV) — > 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

2. 1 Samuel 2:30 (ESV)
> Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’

3. 1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)
> Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 13:54-58, what was the response of Jesus’ hometown to Him, and what was the result of their response?
2. According to 1 Samuel 2:30, what does God promise to those who honor Him, and what does He say about those who despise Him?
3. In 1 Peter 2:17, who are we commanded to honor? Is there any group left out?
4. The sermon mentioned that honor is not just a virtue but a force that “uncaps fruitfulness and flourishing.” What examples did the pastor give to show how honor or dishonor affected outcomes? [[09:50]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus was unable to do many mighty works in His hometown? What does this teach us about the connection between honor and receiving from God or others? [[10:58]]
2. The sermon says, “Honor activates favor, which is distinct from labor.” How does the idea of favor differ from simply working hard, according to the message? [[21:28]]
3. What does it mean that “dishonor is repellent and can reverse blessings”? Can you think of situations where dishonor led to loss or missed opportunities, either in the Bible or in life? [[33:08]]
4. The pastor said, “Honor is the language of God.” What does this mean for how we approach God in worship, prayer, and daily life? [[41:33]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to let honor become a defining characteristic of our lives. In what area of your life do you find it hardest to show honor—upward (to authority), sideways (to peers), downward (to those under you), or to yourself? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area? [[49:33]]
2. Think about a relationship or situation where you have seen limited fruitfulness or blessing. Is it possible that a lack of honor is part of the reason? What would it look like to intentionally honor God, others, or yourself in that context? [[09:50]]
3. The message says that favor is often the difference-maker when qualifications are equal. Have you ever experienced a situation where you received favor you couldn’t explain? What role did honor play, if any? [[21:28]]
4. Dishonor can block blessings and even cause us to lose what we already have. Are there any attitudes or behaviors in your life that might be dishonoring to God or others? What practical change can you make this week to address this? [[33:08]]
5. The pastor gave examples of how we might honor God in practical ways, like how we prepare for worship or prioritize His presence. What is one specific way you can show greater honor to God in your daily routine? [[41:33]]
6. 1 Peter 2:17 commands us to “honor all people.” Is there someone in your life you find difficult to honor? What would it look like to obey this command in your interactions with them this week? [[49:33]]
7. The sermon ended with an “honor challenge.” What would it look like for you to take up this challenge in your family, workplace, or church? How can the group support you in this? [[49:51]]