Living a Life of Honor and Service
Summary
Thank you for joining us today as we continue our series on core values, focusing on the theme of honor. Honor is a principle deeply rooted in my upbringing, where respect for elders and authority was paramount. This value is not just about outward actions but is a reflection of who we are. We honor not because others are always honorable, but because honor is a part of our identity. Today, I want to explore how we can honor God with our lives, beyond just our words or appearances.
Our mission as a church is to help people come to Christ, connect with other believers, cultivate their faith, and commission them for their more. This mission is not just a corporate goal but a personal journey for each of us. Found people find people; this means that as believers, we are called to share the gospel and bring others to Christ. It's not just the responsibility of the church leaders but of every believer. We also emphasize the importance of community, as we cannot do life alone. Connecting with others in meaningful relationships is vital for spiritual growth.
Growing people change, and this is a key aspect of cultivating faith. Discipleship requires us to lay down certain things and embrace change as we grow in our relationship with God. It's not about amassing knowledge but allowing the Word to transform us. Finally, saved people serve people. Serving others is a reflection of Christ's love and a way to honor God. We are called to be salt and light in the world, adding flavor and direction to those around us.
As we honor everyone, everywhere, every time, let us not forget to honor God with our lives. This involves inviting others into our journey, helping them grow, and discovering their purpose. Let us live lives that truly reflect the honor and glory of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Honor as Identity: Honor is not about the worthiness of others but about who we are. It is a reflection of our character and values, deeply ingrained in us. We honor because it is part of our identity, not because others deserve it. [36:38]
2. Found People Find People: The Great Commission is a personal responsibility for every believer. Sharing the gospel and bringing others to Christ is not just the job of church leaders but a calling for all of us. [41:48]
3. Community and Connection: We cannot do life alone. Building meaningful relationships with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling our mission as a church. [48:21]
4. Growing People Change: Discipleship requires change and growth. It's not about accumulating knowledge but allowing the Word to transform us and our actions. [50:44]
5. Saved People Serve People: Serving others is a reflection of Christ's love and a way to honor God. We are called to be salt and light, adding flavor and direction to the world around us. [56:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [25:56] - Gratitude and Offering
- [28:45] - Legacy Center Vision
- [34:23] - Core Values Series
- [36:38] - The Importance of Honor
- [41:48] - Honoring God with Our Lives
- [48:21] - Community and Connection
- [49:09] - The True Meaning of Church
- [50:44] - Cultivating Faith
- [53:15] - Commissioning for Service
- [56:57] - Being Salt and Light
- [59:01] - Honoring God and Others
- [01:00:24] - Personal Vision for Honor
- [01:01:18] - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
- [01:07:56] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Honor as a Core Value
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 16:15 - "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
2. Matthew 5:13-16 - "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world."
3. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "found people find people" mean in the context of the Great Commission? How does this relate to the responsibility of every believer? [41:48]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of community and connection in spiritual growth? What are some examples given of how early Christians practiced this? [48:21]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of serving others, and how is it a reflection of Christ's love? [56:57]
4. How does the sermon suggest we honor God with our lives beyond just words or appearances? [59:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that honor is a reflection of our identity rather than the worthiness of others? How does this perspective challenge common views of respect and honor? [36:38]
2. How does the concept of "growing people change" relate to the idea of discipleship and transformation in the Christian life? What might this look like in practical terms? [50:44]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community. How does this align with the early church's practices as described in Acts 2:42? What might this suggest about the role of relationships in faith development? [48:21]
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of being "salt and light" to the mission of the church and individual believers? What implications does this have for how Christians engage with the world? [56:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you currently honor God with your actions and decisions? Are there areas where you feel you could improve? [59:01]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of community and connection. How can you actively build meaningful relationships with other believers in your church or community? What steps can you take this week to foster these connections? [48:21]
3. Consider the idea that "found people find people." How can you personally engage in sharing the gospel with others? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [41:48]
4. Serving others is highlighted as a way to reflect Christ's love. What specific acts of service can you commit to in your community or church this month? [56:57]
5. The sermon mentions the need for change and growth in discipleship. What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel called to grow or change? How can you take practical steps towards this transformation? [50:44]
6. How can you be "salt and light" in your daily interactions? Identify one situation where you can bring a positive influence or direction this week. [56:57]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about honoring everyone, everywhere, every time. How can you practice this principle in your interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? [36:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Honor as a Reflection of Identity
Honor is not contingent on others' worthiness but is a reflection of our own character and values. It is deeply ingrained in who we are, and we choose to honor because it is part of our identity. This perspective shifts the focus from the actions of others to our own integrity and commitment to living out our values. By honoring others, we demonstrate a commitment to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the principles we hold dear. This approach to honor challenges us to maintain our values even when it is difficult, reminding us that our actions are a testament to our character. [36:38]
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you find it difficult to honor someone. How can you choose to reflect your values and character in this situation today?
Day 2: The Personal Call to Evangelism
The Great Commission is not just a directive for church leaders but a personal responsibility for every believer. Each person who has found faith in Christ is called to share the gospel and bring others to Him. This calling emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in evangelism, encouraging believers to actively seek opportunities to share their faith. It is a reminder that the mission of the church is a collective effort, requiring the participation of all its members to reach those who have not yet heard the good news. [41:48]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What is one step you can take this week to share your faith with them?
Day 3: The Necessity of Community and Connection
Living a life of faith is not meant to be a solitary journey. Building meaningful relationships with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling our mission as a church. Community provides support, accountability, and encouragement, helping individuals to grow in their faith and live out their calling. By connecting with others, believers can share their experiences, learn from one another, and work together to achieve common goals. This sense of community is vital for personal and collective spiritual development. [48:21]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationships within your faith community. How can you deepen these connections to foster mutual growth and encouragement?
Day 4: Embracing Change in Discipleship
Discipleship is a journey of transformation, requiring individuals to embrace change and growth. It is not merely about acquiring knowledge but allowing the Word to transform one's life and actions. This process involves laying down old habits and embracing new ways of living that align with God's will. As believers grow in their relationship with God, they are called to continually evolve, becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, words, and deeds. [50:44]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to change. What practical steps can you take to embrace this transformation today?
Day 5: Serving as an Expression of Christ's Love
Serving others is a tangible expression of Christ's love and a way to honor God. Believers are called to be salt and light in the world, adding flavor and direction to those around them. This call to service is not just about performing acts of kindness but about embodying the love and compassion of Christ in everyday interactions. By serving others, believers demonstrate the transformative power of God's love and contribute to the betterment of their communities. [56:57]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can this act of service reflect Christ's love to them?
Quotes
1. "We are in the process of putting the funds together to actually build a next gen building that we're going to call our Legacy Center. And it's going to be connected just to the west of us on that property over there. Connected to our building right over here. And it is going to house all of our next gen ministries. Which is student ministry and kids ministry. And it's going to be a state of the art and incredible building. And so we just keep bringing this back up and we go, man. You determine the speed of the vision. Right? We brought this. We put it before you. And you determine the speed of that vision." [00:26:47] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We honor everyone. Everywhere, every time So what you may or may not know about me Was I was raised in a culture where honor was taken very serious We knew what would happen to us if we disrespected our elders Anybody else raised in that? I lived with a healthy fear Of a backhand Come on, right? Like, I lived with a healthy fear Knowing that if I disrespected my elders I was probably going to receive some kind of backlash for that Right?" [00:36:13] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe that honor needs to be restored To our nation To our churches And to our families I still believe in helping the elderly cross the street I still believe in opening up Opening doors for females I still believe in treating our sisters with respect And if we don't Or else I believe in standing when someone of a higher office walks in the room I still believe in giving up my seat when a grandmother walks in I still believe in In honor I remember a young child growing up and I remember raised in a Pentecostal church, I remember when a saint of God would give a prophetic message you could hear a pin drop in the room because we understood that God himself was communicating through one of his people to our church and we would honor it." [00:39:46] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't honor others we've talked about the fact that we honor not because people are honorable but because honor is who we are right? I don't have to agree with you to honor you because honor is not about you it's about me, right? but today I wanted to talk about how do I honor God because somewhere back in the early 80's we came up with the blue jean Jesus and we started singing songs now it was correcting an imbalance in the church but what we have a tendency to do is we have a tendency to go from one swing of the pendulum way over to the other swing of the pendulum and so where we had made God aloof and far off and distant, we now were trying to bring him back close so that people could have a chance to know him and have a personal relationship with him and so we came up with the blue jean Jesus and now Jesus didn't care what you wore to church and Jesus didn't care that you brought coffee into the auditorium Jesus didn't care and I still don't think he cares about those things but what we did in correcting that extreme is we swung it way to the other side and now we're such a friend of God that we generally don't respect him and so I was like how do I bring us back to a place where our lives honor God I'm tired of hearing people talking about honoring God but not honoring God with their lives they think because of the way they dress they honor God but their attitudes are far from him that sounds a little like Isaiah to me so I said how how how do we honor God with our lives as I started thinking about that I thought about the fact that we put it before you every week but I'm not sure we ever phrased it in this way that this is how we as a corporate body and we as as individuals within this body honor God with our lives and that is we help people come to Christ connect with other believers cultivate their faith and commission them for their more" [00:41:31] (168 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Growing people change. Listen. I'm not the same Chuck I was 20 years ago. I tell people all the time, I go, hey, listen, I preached stuff way back then I'd never preach today. And they go, well, then you shouldn't have been preaching. Listen, if I haven't grown in 20 years, I shouldn't be preaching anyway. So I've grown. I've grown. I've grown in what I know. I've grown in who I am. I did stuff and said stuff way back then I would never do today. Why? Because growing people change." [00:49:38] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Salvation is 100 % free there's absolutely nothing I can do to earn it nothing I could do to get it it's all because of what he did however however to what he did to walk out this faith will demand that I lay things down that I walk away from certain things that I pick certain things up it demands change on my life it demands change on a daily basis so if I'm going to honor God with my life I can't become complacent in who I am because I really liked that day that version of me I thought that version was really neat I liked it I enjoyed that season of my life and so when seasons change I'm going to fight the changing of the season because I really I really like fall I don't like winter though so if we could stay somewhere around the high 50s to early 70s with the yellow and orange and red leaves all year long that would be amazing but it just doesn't seem to happen yeah because seasons change and so do we come on so we're helping people come to Christ we're helping people connect with other believers we're helping people cultivate their faith" [00:52:59] (94 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Saved people serve people so why did I put service because you know we've got a core value about service we get to serve is what we say so why would I put this in I should have saved that point for that message no no no no no because for me to honor God with my life I have to live a life you realize the Bible says he didn't come to serve or to be served but to serve he didn't walk in and go hey fellas could somebody grab a towel and wash my feet no he grabbed a towel and he turned around and started washing come on I've heard it said over and over you know about leadership if serving is below you then leadership is below you right I've heard that said over and over and I completely believe it's true because the fact is is you may come here today and I'm standing here with this microphone on but if you show up on a Wednesday night after youth leave here I'm cleaning toilets because the fact is is there's no job below whatever we can do to serve we're going to serve and we're going to serve here and we're going to serve here but we're going to serve out there" [00:54:35] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are meant to be salt and light. Salt is flavor. Come on. I can't stand bland meat. Come on. If I go somewhere and I got bland meat, no, no, no, no, no. Hand me the salt. Let's get some salt on this thing. Why? Because I want to add some flavor to it. He said, I'm sending you into the world to be the flavor of the world. Then why are we the most boring? We're here for the party. Why? Because we have chosen we're going to be the flavor of Sand Springs, man. We're going to add flavor to any party that we show up to. He said, you're going to be the light of the world. That's direction." [00:57:40] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "How do we live a life that honors God it has nothing to do with the way we dress or how we you know do our hair or any of that stuff it is a it's about living lives that honor God and how do we do that we're helping people come to Christ connect with other believers cultivate their faith and commission them for their more not just on a corporate level but my heart my desire as your pastor is that this becomes a personal vision that you go that you walk out of here and you go you know what I'm going to take it on myself I'm gonna help people come to Christ I'm gonna connect them not with somebody over there but I'm going to connect them with me because I'm the other believer I'm going to help them grow, I'm going to cultivate their faith I'm going to talk to them, I'm not going to judge them I'm not going to speak down to them, I'm not going to be rude to them but I'm going to help them grow I'm going to share my perspective I'm going to share the scripture with them and then I'm going to help them discover what it is that they've been gifted to do and to go out into the world and serve that's how we honor God" [01:06:23] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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