Living a Life of Honor in God's Kingdom
Summary
Honor is not just a cultural nicety or a set of rules—it is the very heartbeat of God’s kingdom. In a world that often celebrates disrespect and self-promotion, God calls His people to live by a different code: a code of honor that reflects the heart of our King. This code is not about legalism or outward compliance, but about a transformed life that esteems, values, and uplifts others, regardless of their position or our personal feelings.
The story of Franz Stigler, the German pilot who chose mercy over violence in the heat of battle, illustrates the power of living by a higher code. Stigler’s refusal to shoot down a crippled enemy bomber, even at great personal cost, was rooted in a code of honor that transcended the moment. In the same way, we are called to honor up (those in authority), honor sideways (our peers), and honor down (those we may have authority over or who are vulnerable). This is not about who deserves it, but about reflecting the heart of Christ.
Honor is practical and tangible. It is lived out in daily choices: living godly, practicing forgiveness, acting with integrity, showing kindness, offering support, embracing humility, practicing self-discipline, serving others, being responsible, and showing courage. Each of these is a way to open our lives to God’s reward—not as a transaction, but as a natural outflow of living in alignment with His kingdom. When we honor others, we create space for God’s presence to dwell, not just in us, but in our circles of influence.
Our testimony—what God has done in our lives—is the most powerful witness to those around us. People are not drawn to Christ by rules, but by seeing the difference He has made in us. As we walk out honor in our daily lives, we become living invitations for others to encounter Jesus. Honor is heaven’s culture, and as we embrace it, we help bring heaven to earth.
Key Takeaways
- Honor is a reflection of God’s heart, not a reward for those who deserve it. In a culture that often celebrates disrespect, choosing to honor others—regardless of their status or our feelings—sets us apart as followers of Christ. This kind of honor is rooted in humility and a desire to build up rather than tear down. [06:57]
- True honor is lived out in practical ways: living godly, practicing forgiveness, acting with integrity, and showing kindness. These are not just ideals, but daily disciplines that shape our character and witness. When we consistently choose these actions, we open ourselves to God’s reward and become conduits of His grace to others. [17:49]
- The call to honor is multidirectional: we honor up (those in authority), sideways (our peers), and down (those we may lead or serve). Levels and roles may change, but the call to honor remains constant. This posture of honor creates unity, reduces conflict, and models the kingdom of God in every relationship. [15:27]
- Courage is essential to living a life of honor. It takes courage to go against the grain of culture, to forgive when wronged, to stand for integrity, and to serve sacrificially. Biblical examples like Esther and Daniel remind us that courage is often the difference between compromise and faithfulness. [26:48]
- Our personal testimony is the most compelling evidence of Christ’s reality. People are not transformed by arguments or rules, but by witnessing the change in our lives. As we honor others and live out the gospel, we invite those around us to experience the love and power of Jesus for themselves. [34:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:28] - Introduction to The Code Series
[04:32] - The Story of Franz Stigler: Honor in Action
[05:31] - The Power and Cost of Living by a Code
[06:57] - Honor vs. Disrespect in Culture
[09:08] - Personal Journey: Learning Honor the Hard Way
[10:39] - Discovering True Honor in Christ
[12:15] - What It Means to Honor Up, Sideways, and Down
[15:27] - Practical Example: Honor in Changing Roles
[17:49] - Ten Practical Ways to Show Honor
[19:25] - Kindness, Generosity, and Encouragement
[23:18] - Embracing Humility and Self-Discipline
[26:48] - Courage: The Core of Honor
[34:42] - Responding to God’s Call and Prayer for Honor
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living a Life of Honor
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### Bible Reading
- Romans 12:10
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
- Matthew 10:40-42
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
- Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Romans 12:10, what does Paul say about how we should treat one another? What does it mean to “outdo one another in showing honor”?
2. According to Matthew 10:40-42, what are the different groups of people Jesus mentions that we are called to honor? What is promised to those who honor them? [12:15]
3. The sermon described honor as more than just respect or politeness. What are some of the words or phrases the pastor used to define honor? [06:57]
4. What practical examples did the pastor give for showing honor in everyday life? [17:49]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus connects honoring others with receiving a reward from God in Matthew 10:40-42? What does this reveal about God’s heart? [12:15]
2. The pastor said that honor is not about who deserves it, but about reflecting the heart of Christ. How does this challenge the way we usually think about respect and honor? [06:57]
3. The sermon talked about honoring “up, sideways, and down.” What might be some challenges or obstacles to honoring people in each of these directions? [12:15]
4. The story of Franz Stigler was used as an example of living by a higher code. What does this story teach us about the cost and power of honor? [04:32]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor listed ten practical ways to show honor, including living godly, practicing forgiveness, acting with integrity, and showing kindness. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which is the hardest? Why? [17:49]
2. Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to honor someone “up” (authority), “sideways” (peer), or “down” (someone you lead or serve). How did you respond? Would you do anything differently after hearing this sermon? [12:15]
3. The sermon emphasized that honor is not about who deserves it. Is there someone in your life right now who is hard for you to honor? What is one step you could take this week to show them honor anyway? [06:57]
4. The pastor shared about his own struggles with showing honor, especially when he felt others didn’t deserve it. Can you relate to this? What helps you move past your feelings to choose honor? [09:08]
5. Courage was described as essential to living a life of honor, especially when it means going against the grain or forgiving someone who hurt you. Where do you need courage to honor someone this week? [26:48]
6. The sermon said our personal testimony is the most powerful witness to others. How could living a life of honor make Jesus more real to the people around you? [34:42]
7. The pastor mentioned that when we honor others, we create space for God’s presence in our circles. What is one practical way you can bring honor into your home, workplace, or community this week? [26:48]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person reflect His heart of honor in every relationship and situation this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Outdo One Another in Showing Honor
Honor is not just a cultural nicety but a command from God’s Word, calling us to esteem, respect, and value others above ourselves. In a world that often celebrates disrespect, God’s people are called to live differently—reflecting the heart of the King by seeking to outdo one another in showing honor. Imagine the peace and unity that would fill our homes, churches, and communities if we made it our goal to honor others at every opportunity, even when it’s difficult or when we feel justified in withholding it. True honor is not about who deserves it, but about reflecting Christ’s love and building up those around us, regardless of their position or our feelings. [06:57]
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you have struggled to honor? What is one practical way you can show them honor today, regardless of how you feel about them?
Day 2: Honor Up, Sideways, and Down
Jesus teaches that honor is not limited to those in authority over us, but extends to our peers and those we may have authority over. When we honor up (leaders and those in authority), sideways (our brothers and sisters), and down (those entrusted to our care), we open ourselves to God’s rewards and create a culture where His presence dwells. Honor is not about hierarchy; it’s about recognizing the value God places on every person and responding accordingly, knowing that roles and positions can change, but the call to honor remains constant. [15:27]
Matthew 10:40-42 (ESV)
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Reflection: In your daily life, who represents “up,” “sideways,” and “down” for you? How can you intentionally honor someone from each group this week?
Day 3: Live Godly and Practice Forgiveness
Living a life of honor begins with pursuing godliness and practicing forgiveness, letting go of anger and grudges to promote peace. God calls us to be makers and maintainers of peace, reflecting His character and favor in our relationships. When we choose to forgive and live according to His Word, we not only honor others but also experience the spiritual calm and joy that comes from being called His children. [17:49]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or a grudge you need to release? What step can you take today to be a peacemaker in that relationship?
Day 4: Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated
Honor is expressed through kindness, respect, and generosity—treating others as we would want to be treated. Jesus’ simple command to do to others what we would have them do to us is a practical guide for daily living, whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or simply a thank-you wave in traffic. Small acts of kindness and respect can transform relationships and environments, making God’s love visible to those around us. [19:25]
Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Reflection: What is one small act of kindness or respect you can offer someone today, especially someone who may not expect it?
Day 5: Courage Is at the Core of Honor
Living with honor often requires courage—the willingness to do what is right even when it’s difficult or risky. The stories of Esther, Daniel, and the three Hebrew boys remind us that courage is essential to stand for God’s values and honor others, even in the face of fear or opposition. When we step out in courage, we not only honor God but also inspire those around us to do the same, creating space for God’s presence and power to be revealed in our lives and communities. [26:48]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Reflection: Where do you need courage to honor God or others today? What is one step of faith you can take to act with courage in that area?
Quotes
Every kingdom has a code. It's a way of life that sets it apart. God's kingdom is no different. It's not about rules. It's about reflecting the heart of the king. See, a lot of times we get it kind of twisted up, and the world does too. They think that becoming a Christian means it's just rules and regulations. I can't do this. I can't do that. But it's not about that at all. It's about reflecting the heart of our king. [00:02:54] (25 seconds)
But see, being disrespectful and not showing honors to others may work out for TV or movie characters, but that's not how God's economy works. No, in a world that celebrates God, that celebrates disrespect, God's people are called to live different. We are called to be separate. We are called to be examples of what living for Christ is all about. We are called to come out from around the world. [00:07:47] (28 seconds)
The Bible gives us our instructions on who and how we're to honor. We look in Romans 12, 10, very, very simple explanation. It says this, love one another with brotherly or sisterly affection, and I love this last line, outdo one another in showing honor. Think about that for a second. How can we outdo each other in showing honor? If we all did that, I think the conflicts that we had within ourselves and even within the body of Christ would be like way down and would maybe almost go to zero. [00:08:15] (36 seconds)
But when I finally, but God, when I called on that name, Jen, when I finally turned my life back over to God, through the example of my wife and praying parents, I had a long way to go. I struggled in ministry positions until 13 and a half years ago, when again, through my wife, Brenda, listening to the Holy Spirit coming here to this church. making me come to this church where I truly learned the biblical meaning of honor and saw it modeled and taught to me by our senior pastor and staff. [00:10:45] (35 seconds)
There's a verse, two verses in Matthew. It's Matthew 10, 40, and 42 that is the basis for our teaching today. And this is Jesus' words. He said, whoever receives you receives me. And whoever receives me receives him, his father, who sent me. The one who receives or honors a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. The one who receives or honors a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive that righteous person. The one who receives or honors a righteous person will receive that righteous person. reward and whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple truly I say to you he will by no means lose his reward. [00:12:34] (43 seconds)
When I open myself up to honor others, then I get to receive the reward that God has for me. And I think that that's just true for all of us. When we show honor, God wants to give us those rewards because we know if it's written in the Word of God, it is true because the eternal one cannot lie. [00:17:00] (21 seconds)
Blessed, spiritually calm with life joy in God's favor, are the makers and the maintainers of peace, for they will express his characters and be called the sons of God. Well, number one, I want to be called the sons of God. I would like to live a spiritually calm life with joy in God's favor, so it behooves me to be a maker and a maintainer of peace. [00:18:58] (26 seconds)
The world is looking at us. They are looking at us to see if we have the integrity that we say we have. They're looking at us to see that if we're truly walking the walk that our words are saying. See, sometimes we're just out there and it's just like the world's hearing us go wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, because our lives are not lining up with what we say. [00:25:55] (23 seconds)
Did you know that God planted you in the community where you live for a reason? You think you chose it, right? He had a hand in that because your neighbor, you may be the only person that your neighbor ever listens to when it comes to God. [00:26:42] (15 seconds)
So in closing today, honor is heaven's culture. It's not about who deserves it. It's about reflecting the heart of the king see we as Christians we don't tear down we build up we don't curse we bless when you live by honor you create space for God's presence to dwell not only in you but in your circle of people where God has placed you. [00:32:37] (25 seconds)
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