Embracing a Culture of Honor in Our Lives

In this season, the focus is on cultivating a culture of honor—a way of life that reflects the heart of God. Honor is not simply respect; it is respect and admiration raised to the highest degree, a recognition that goes far beyond politeness or kindness. True honor is rooted in seeing the beauty, importance, and worth in every person and situation, not because of outward appearances or achievements, but because every person is made in the image of God and carries immense value—the very worth of the blood of Jesus.

To truly honor, one must first have proper recognition. This means intentionally looking for the beauty in others, even when it is not immediately obvious, and acknowledging their importance and value. It is easy to overlook or even despise what seems ordinary or unimpressive, but God calls us to see with His eyes, recognizing the potential and divine imprint in every person and circumstance.

Humility is essential for honor. Pride blinds us to the good in others and keeps us from esteeming them above ourselves. Honor requires a heart that is free from self-promotion and willing to celebrate the strengths and successes of others without jealousy or comparison. It is only in humility that we can truly lift others up and give them the honor they deserve.

A sense of privilege is also necessary. Whatever position, opportunity, or relationship we have is not a right, but a privilege. Taking things for granted leads to dishonor, as seen in the story of Queen Vashti, who lost her royal position because she failed to recognize the privilege she had. Every blessing, every relationship, every opportunity to serve or speak for God is a privilege that should be honored and stewarded well.

Honor is not automatic; it must be learned, unlearned, and relearned. It is a discipline that requires intentionality, especially when it is not reciprocated or when it is inconvenient. We honor not because others deserve it, but because we are honorable people, shaped by the character of God.

Ultimately, the foundation of all honor is God Himself. We honor others because we see God in them. Honoring God means esteeming Him as the greatest, worshiping Him as the only God, honoring His Word as instruction and not mere advice, and honoring the Holy Spirit by living lives that are set apart and pleasing to Him. Our bodies, our words, our actions—all are to be offered in honor to God, who alone is worthy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Honor Begins with Recognition Honor is impossible without first recognizing the beauty, importance, and worth in others and in what God has given us. This recognition is not based on outward appearances or current circumstances, but on the truth that every person is made in the image of God and carries the worth of Christ’s sacrifice. When we fail to see this, we inevitably fall into dishonor, both toward people and toward God. [09:24]
• 2. Humility is the Pathway to Honor Pride and honor cannot coexist. A humble heart esteems others above itself, celebrates their strengths, and is quick to recognize the good in others. True honor flows from a place of humility, where self-promotion is set aside and the value of others is elevated, even when it means acknowledging their greatness above our own. [20:49]
• 3. A Sense of Privilege Guards Against Dishonor Taking blessings, positions, or relationships for granted leads to dishonor. Recognizing that every opportunity, every relationship, and every gift is a privilege—not a right—keeps our hearts grateful and our actions honorable. Like Esther, we must see our positions as opportunities to serve God and others, not as entitlements to be exploited or neglected. [28:52]
• 4. Honor Must Be Learned and Practiced Intentionally Honor is not innate; it is learned, unlearned, and relearned throughout life. It requires intentionality, especially when it is not reciprocated or when circumstances make it difficult. We are called to honor consistently, not because others always deserve it, but because it reflects who we are in Christ and the culture we are called to build. [36:03]
• 5. God is the Foundation and Focus of All Honor All true honor begins and ends with God. We honor Him by esteeming Him as the greatest, worshiping Him as the only God, and treating His Word and His Spirit with reverence and obedience. To honor God is to place Him above all else, to obey His commands, and to live in a way that reflects His holiness and worth, even when it costs us or goes against the culture around us. [39:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:59] - Introduction: Building a Culture of Honor
• [02:20] - Defining Honor: Beyond Respect
• [04:54] - Prerequisites for Honor
• [05:34] - The Throne Room: Recognition in Heaven
• [09:24] - Recognizing Beauty, Importance, and Worth
• [16:20] - The Value of a Person: The Blood of Jesus
• [20:49] - Humility: The Heart of Honor
• [24:38] - The Danger of Taking Privilege for Granted
• [32:05] - Honor Must Be Learned and Relearned
• [36:03] - Intentionality in Honoring Others
• [38:36] - God as the Foundation of Honor
• [41:15] - Honoring God Above All
• [45:40] - Worshiping God as the Only God
• [48:16] - Honoring God’s Gifts: His Word and Spirit
• [53:49] - Honoring the Holy Spirit: Living Set Apart
• [59:27] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
• [60:41] - Closing Prayer: Grace to Honor

Bible Reading

Revelation 4:9-11 (ESV) — > And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

2. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

3. 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.’

Observation Questions

1. In Revelation 4, what do the living creatures and elders do when they recognize God’s worthiness? What is their response and what does it show about honor? [07:29]
2. According to Philippians 2:3, what attitude are we supposed to have toward others, and how does this relate to the idea of honor? [20:49]
3. In the story of Queen Vashti (Esther 1, referenced in the sermon), what was the consequence of her failing to recognize her privilege and honor the king’s request? [28:52]
4. The sermon says, “Honor is not automatic; it must be learned, unlearned, and relearned.” What does Psalm 34:11 (referenced in the sermon) say about learning honor? [32:05]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why is “proper recognition” (seeing beauty, importance, and worth) so essential before true honor can happen, both toward God and people? How does this change the way we see those who seem “ordinary” or unimpressive? [09:24]
2. The sermon says, “Pride and honor cannot coexist.” Why do you think humility is so necessary for honoring others? What happens in relationships or communities when pride is present instead? [20:49]
3. The story of Queen Vashti shows that taking privilege for granted leads to dishonor and loss. What are some modern examples where people might take their blessings, positions, or relationships for granted? [28:52]
4. The foundation of all honor is God Himself. How does seeing God as the greatest and honoring Him above all else affect the way we honor others? [39:15]

Application Questions

1. The sermon teaches that every person is made in the image of God and carries the worth of Christ’s sacrifice. Is there someone in your life right now whom you find hard to honor? What would it look like to intentionally recognize their value this week? [11:12]
2. Think about a time when you took a blessing, position, or relationship for granted. How did that affect your attitude or actions? What is one practical way you can show gratitude and honor for a privilege you currently have? [28:52]
3. The message says, “Honor must be learned and practiced intentionally, especially when it is not reciprocated.” Is there a situation where you feel your efforts to honor someone have not been returned? How can you continue to honor them anyway, and what would help you persevere? [36:03]
4. Humility is described as the pathway to honor. Are there areas in your life where pride is making it hard for you to honor others? What is one step you can take this week to practice humility in your words or actions? [20:49]
5. The sermon challenges us to honor God by treating His Word as instruction, not just advice. Are there any areas where you have been treating God’s Word as optional? What is one command or teaching you want to take more seriously this week? [49:32]
6. Honoring God includes honoring the Holy Spirit by living a life set apart. Is there a habit or behavior in your life that does not honor God’s presence in you? What is one change you feel led to make? [53:49]
7. The story of Esther shows someone who used her position as a privilege to serve God and others. Is there a place where you have influence (work, family, church, community) that you can use more intentionally to honor God and bless others? What is one action you can take this week? [30:10]