Embracing Honor: A Kingdom Culture of Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of honor as a core value in our lives and community. Honor is not just a word; it is a posture, a way of living that reflects the kingdom culture we aspire to embody. We began by celebrating the recent salvations and the ongoing work of God in our community, reminding ourselves of the importance of inviting others to experience the love and grace of Christ, especially during the upcoming Christmas season.
We delved into Romans 12, which provides a strong foundation for living in harmony and love with one another. This passage emphasizes the importance of sincere love, devotion, and honoring one another above ourselves. Honor is a powerful expression of love, a core value of heaven that sustains and enhances relationships. It is an attitude that attracts heaven into our lives, drawing God's presence and blessings into our everyday experiences.
Honor means valuing others, respecting them, and choosing to see them through the lens of God's love, despite their imperfections. It is about celebrating who people are without stumbling over who they are not. This perspective fosters a culture of grace, where we make room for each other's brokenness and encourage growth and healing.
We also discussed the significance of honoring our parents, as commanded in Ephesians 6, which comes with a promise of blessing and long life. Honor is not about agreeing with or condoning everything others do; it is about recognizing their inherent value as individuals made in God's image. This principle extends to all our relationships, encouraging us to live without hidden agendas and to speak blessings rather than curses.
As we concluded, we were reminded that living a life of honor and love begins with honoring Jesus. It is through our relationship with Him that we are empowered to love and honor others. This is the abiding life, where we draw strength from Christ to live out these values in our community and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
1. Honor as a Core Value: Honor is a foundational value that sustains and enhances relationships. It is about valuing others above ourselves and living in a way that reflects the kingdom culture. This attitude attracts heaven into our lives and draws God's blessings into our everyday experiences. [01:05:56]
2. Celebrating Others' Strengths: In a culture of honor, we celebrate who people are and choose not to stumble over who they are not. This perspective fosters grace, allowing us to make room for each other's brokenness and encourage growth and healing. [01:13:10]
3. Honoring Parents and Receiving Blessings: Honoring our parents is a commandment with a promise of blessing and long life. It is not about agreeing with everything they do but recognizing their value as individuals made in God's image. This principle extends to all relationships, encouraging us to live without hidden agendas. [01:18:39]
4. Rejecting Cancel Culture: A culture of honor rejects the cancel culture mentality. Instead of defining people by their mistakes, we choose to honor them for who they are, recognizing that everyone is made in the image of God and deserving of love and respect. [01:24:46]
5. Empowered by Christ to Honor: Living a life of honor and love begins with honoring Jesus. Through our relationship with Him, we are empowered to love and honor others, drawing strength from Christ to live out these values in our community and beyond. [01:31:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:02:32] - Introduction to Honor
- [01:04:17] - Romans 12: Foundation for Community
- [01:05:56] - The Power of Honor
- [01:08:03] - Unconditional Love and Honor
- [01:10:30] - Outdoing in Honor
- [01:12:24] - Honor and Gossip
- [01:13:10] - Celebrating Strengths
- [01:14:21] - Grace for Brokenness
- [01:16:45] - Honor as the Glue
- [01:18:39] - Honoring Parents
- [01:19:12] - Culture of Honor
- [01:20:22] - Personal Stories of Honor
- [01:21:46] - Responding to Brokenness
- [01:24:46] - Rejecting Cancel Culture
- [01:31:20] - Empowered by Christ to Honor
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Honor
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:9-21
- Ephesians 6:2-3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 12, what are some specific ways we are instructed to live in harmony and love with one another? [01:02:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between honor and the presence of God in our lives? [01:05:56]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the impact of honoring others above ourselves? [01:04:17]
4. How does the sermon define the concept of a "culture of honor"? [01:13:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that honor can attract heaven into our lives and relationships? [01:05:56]
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of honoring parents, even when we may not agree with them? [01:18:39]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between honor and the rejection of cancel culture? [01:24:46]
4. How does the sermon connect the act of honoring Jesus with our ability to honor others? [01:31:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you struggled to honor someone. What could you have done differently to see them through the lens of God's love? [01:13:10]
2. Think of a person in your life who you find difficult to honor. What steps can you take this week to value them above yourself, as suggested in Romans 12? [01:04:17]
3. How can you actively reject the cancel culture mentality in your daily interactions and instead choose to honor people for who they are? [01:24:46]
4. Identify a specific way you can honor your parents or parental figures this week, even if you have disagreements with them. [01:18:39]
5. Consider how you can cultivate a culture of honor in your workplace or community. What practical actions can you take to celebrate others' strengths and make room for their brokenness? [01:13:10]
6. How can you draw strength from your relationship with Jesus to empower you to live a life of honor and love in your community? [01:31:20]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt honored by someone else. How did it impact your relationship with them, and how can you replicate that experience for others? [01:16:45]
Devotional
Sure, here is the 5-day devotional based on the provided sermon summary:
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Day 1: Honor as a Gateway to Divine Presence
Honor is a foundational value that sustains and enhances relationships. It is about valuing others above ourselves and living in a way that reflects the kingdom culture. This attitude attracts heaven into our lives and draws God's blessings into our everyday experiences. Honor is not merely a social courtesy but a spiritual principle that aligns us with God's heart. When we choose to honor others, we invite God's presence into our interactions, creating an atmosphere where His love and grace can flourish. This principle is not just about outward actions but an inward posture that esteems others as valuable and worthy of respect.
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, adopting a lifestyle of honor can be transformative. It challenges us to see beyond our own needs and desires, focusing instead on the inherent worth of those around us. By doing so, we create a community that mirrors the values of heaven, where love, respect, and grace abound. As we practice honor, we become conduits of God's blessings, experiencing His presence in profound and tangible ways. [01:05:56]
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally honor today, and how might this act invite God's presence into your relationship with them?
Day 2: Celebrating Strengths in a Culture of Grace
In a culture of honor, we celebrate who people are and choose not to stumble over who they are not. This perspective fosters grace, allowing us to make room for each other's brokenness and encourage growth and healing. By focusing on the strengths and potential of others, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also empowers individuals to grow and flourish in their unique gifts and callings.
Choosing to celebrate others' strengths requires a shift in perspective. It means looking beyond imperfections and seeing the beauty and potential within each person. This mindset fosters a culture of grace, where people are free to be themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. As we embrace this way of living, we become agents of healing and encouragement, helping others to rise above their limitations and step into their God-given destinies. [01:13:10]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone whose strengths you can celebrate today. How can you express appreciation for their unique gifts and contributions?
Day 3: The Promise of Honoring Parents
Honoring our parents is a commandment with a promise of blessing and long life. It is not about agreeing with everything they do but recognizing their value as individuals made in God's image. This principle extends to all relationships, encouraging us to live without hidden agendas. By honoring our parents, we acknowledge the role they have played in our lives and choose to respect and value them despite any imperfections or past hurts.
This commandment is not limited to our biological parents but applies to all authority figures and elders in our lives. It challenges us to see beyond personal grievances and to honor the position and role that others hold. In doing so, we align ourselves with God's promise of blessing and longevity, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from living in accordance with His principles. [01:18:39]
"Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (Ephesians 6:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with your parents or an authority figure. How can you honor them today, even if you disagree with them?
Day 4: Rejecting Cancel Culture with a Heart of Honor
A culture of honor rejects the cancel culture mentality. Instead of defining people by their mistakes, we choose to honor them for who they are, recognizing that everyone is made in the image of God and deserving of love and respect. This approach challenges the prevailing societal trend of dismissing individuals based on their failures, inviting us to extend grace and forgiveness instead.
By choosing to honor others, we acknowledge their inherent worth and potential for redemption. This perspective fosters a community where people are valued for their true selves, not just their actions or achievements. As we reject the cancel culture mentality, we create a space where love and respect prevail, allowing for healing and reconciliation to take place. [01:24:46]
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law." (James 4:11, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you have "canceled" in your heart due to their mistakes? How can you begin to honor them today, recognizing their value in God's eyes?
Day 5: Empowered by Christ to Live a Life of Honor
Living a life of honor and love begins with honoring Jesus. Through our relationship with Him, we are empowered to love and honor others, drawing strength from Christ to live out these values in our community and beyond. As we abide in Him, we receive the grace and strength needed to extend honor to those around us, even when it is challenging.
This empowerment is not something we achieve on our own but is a result of our connection with Christ. As we cultivate our relationship with Him, we are transformed into His likeness, embodying His love and grace in our interactions with others. By honoring Jesus, we align ourselves with His heart and mission, becoming vessels of His love and honor in the world. [01:31:20]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today to be empowered to honor others more fully in your daily life?
Quotes
"Honor is very, very powerful. See, in a culture of honor, you honor the person for who they are. And you choose not to stumble over what they're not. That's the most powerful things of a culture of honor. I'll say it again. We will celebrate who the person is, and we choose not to stumble over who they are not. This is such a powerful key." [01:13:10] (25 seconds)
"Honor is the glue, the glue between our relationships. It keeps us healthy and vibrant and also no hidden agendas. Honor says this. I honor you because you're made in the image of God and you are highly valued, highly loved in Jesus' name. I honor your gifts." [01:16:45] (26 seconds)
"Cancel culture is opposite to culture of honor. Opposite. I know where Jesus lives. He came to the woman in adultery and said, well, all your accusers, I don't know, they're all gone. He says, well, go and sin no more. Jesus didn't criticize. He didn't cancel her. He's not a canceler. He's a lifter. He's a builder." [01:24:46] (27 seconds)
"Honor will attract heaven into your life. It will attract heaven into your life. It draws, if you like, heaven into the earth, into your own lives. It brings heaven's culture into your very life, family, workplace, wherever you are. See, it's an attitude that says. It says, I will honor you no matter what." [01:08:03] (27 seconds)
"We don't get offended by each other's mistakes. We don't get offended by each other's broken parts. But we love and we encourage and we heal and we restore. We always honor. Who they are. The Bible says a bruised reed God will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." [01:14:21] (26 seconds)
"Make sure that we don't cancel the people around us when they make a mistake and you get really offended by them and you cancel the relationship. Please, please work through the issues. It is worth it, not only for the relationship, but also for you and for your heart." [01:24:46]
"Honor says this. I honor you because you're made in the image of God and you are highly valued, highly loved in Jesus' name. I honor your gifts. And as you honor people's gifts, you draw from their gifts." [01:16:45] (21 seconds)
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