The Transformative Power of Honor in Community
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of honor and its transformative power in our lives and communities. We began by acknowledging the recent loss of a beloved church member, Sue Warrington, and extended our prayers and support to her family. This moment of mourning reminded us of the importance of community and the role of honor in our relationships. We then delved into Romans 12, which serves as a guiding scripture for understanding how to live in harmony and love with one another. Honor, as described, is not merely about respect but is a deep, sincere love that values others above ourselves. It is the glue that holds relationships together and is a reflection of heaven's culture on earth.
Honor is about celebrating who people are without stumbling over who they are not. It allows us to see others through the eyes of Jesus, recognizing their potential and journeying with them towards healing and growth. This perspective challenges the prevalent cancel culture, urging us to forgive and support rather than condemn and exclude. We are reminded that everyone is made in the image of God and deserves love and respect, regardless of their flaws or past mistakes.
Furthermore, honor is not just an attitude but a conduit for blessings. When we honor others, we invite God's favor and justice into our lives. This principle extends to honoring God with our resources, which releases faith and activates divine blessings. Faith, as the currency of heaven, is intertwined with honor, and together they create an environment where miracles can occur.
In our personal lives and as a church, cultivating a culture of honor means putting Jesus first and allowing His love to flow through us. It involves seeking His kingdom and righteousness, which in turn brings all other blessings into our lives. As we concluded, we were encouraged to continue worshiping and honoring Jesus, recognizing that the greatest honor we can give is our lives, fully surrendered to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Honor: Honor is a profound expression of love that values others above ourselves. It is the glue that holds relationships together and reflects heaven's culture on earth. By honoring others, we invite God's presence and blessings into our lives. [01:13:13]
2. Seeing Through Jesus' Eyes: A culture of honor allows us to see others as God sees them—fully alive and full of potential. This perspective helps us journey with others towards healing and growth, rather than stumbling over their weaknesses. [01:21:19]
3. Honor vs. Cancel Culture: In contrast to cancel culture, which condemns and excludes, a culture of honor forgives and supports. It recognizes that everyone is made in the image of God and deserves love and respect, regardless of their past mistakes. [01:17:50]
4. Honor Releases Blessings: Honor is not just an attitude but a conduit for blessings. When we honor others and God, we release faith, which activates divine blessings and favor in our lives. [01:27:49]
5. Faith and Honor: Faith, the currency of heaven, is intertwined with honor. By honoring God and others, we activate faith, which creates an environment where miracles can occur. This principle is key to experiencing God's promises and blessings. [01:35:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10:11] - Remembering Sue Warrington
[01:11:39] - Upcoming Events
[01:13:13] - Romans 12: A Call to Honor
[01:13:55] - Living in Harmony
[01:16:01] - The Depth of Honor
[01:17:50] - Rejecting Cancel Culture
[01:19:12] - Creating Space for Healing
[01:20:23] - Protecting Our Church Family
[01:21:19] - Seeing Others Through Jesus' Eyes
[01:23:37] - Honoring Despite Flaws
[01:25:29] - Loving Our Enemies
[01:27:49] - Honor and Divine Justice
[01:35:18] - Faith Activated Through Honor
[01:39:26] - Worship and Honor
[01:47:34] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:48:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Honor
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:9-21
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 12, what are some specific actions or attitudes that demonstrate honor towards others? [01:13:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between honor and the culture of heaven? [01:16:01]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the contrast between a culture of honor and cancel culture? [01:17:50]
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between honor and blessings? [01:27:49]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that honor can transform personal relationships and community dynamics? [01:16:01]
2. How does the concept of seeing others through Jesus' eyes challenge common societal attitudes, according to the sermon? [01:21:19]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of faith in activating blessings through honor? [01:35:18]
4. How does the sermon interpret the biblical instruction to honor one's enemies, and what implications does this have for believers? [01:25:29]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you struggled to honor someone. What steps can you take to see them through Jesus' eyes and value them above yourself? [01:21:19]
2. In what ways can you actively cultivate a culture of honor in your family or workplace this week? Consider specific actions or words you can use.
3. How can you resist the influence of cancel culture in your life and instead choose to forgive and support those who have made mistakes? [01:17:50]
4. Identify a resource or talent you have. How can you honor God with it this week, and what impact do you hope it will have on your faith journey? [01:27:49]
5. Think of a person who has wronged you. What practical steps can you take to honor them, even if you don't condone their actions? [01:23:37]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of honoring God in your daily routine, and what changes do you anticipate in your spiritual life as a result? [01:39:26]
7. Consider a situation where you need to rely on faith. How can honoring God and others help you navigate this situation with a mindset open to miracles? [01:35:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Honor
Honor is a profound expression of love that values others above ourselves. It is the glue that holds relationships together and reflects heaven's culture on earth. By honoring others, we invite God's presence and blessings into our lives. Honor is not just about showing respect; it is about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person. This perspective allows us to build stronger, more meaningful relationships and communities. When we choose to honor others, we align ourselves with God's heart and open the door to His transformative power in our lives. [01:13:13]
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who you find difficult to honor. What is one practical step you can take today to show them honor and love?
Day 2: Seeing Others Through the Eyes of Jesus
A culture of honor allows us to see others as God sees them—fully alive and full of potential. This perspective helps us journey with others towards healing and growth, rather than stumbling over their weaknesses. By seeing through Jesus' eyes, we are reminded that everyone is on a journey and deserves grace and support. This approach challenges us to look beyond the surface and recognize the divine image in each person, encouraging us to walk alongside them in their struggles and triumphs. [01:21:19]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs you to see them through Jesus' eyes today? How can you support them in their journey towards healing and growth?
Day 3: Honor vs. Cancel Culture
In contrast to cancel culture, which condemns and excludes, a culture of honor forgives and supports. It recognizes that everyone is made in the image of God and deserves love and respect, regardless of their past mistakes. This approach challenges us to extend grace and forgiveness, even when it is difficult. By choosing to honor others, we reject the divisive nature of cancel culture and embrace a more inclusive and loving community. [01:17:50]
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you have "canceled" in your heart? How can you begin to extend forgiveness and support to them today?
Day 4: Honor Releases Blessings
Honor is not just an attitude but a conduit for blessings. When we honor others and God, we release faith, which activates divine blessings and favor in our lives. This principle teaches us that honor is deeply connected to our spiritual well-being and the flow of God's blessings. By choosing to honor, we create an environment where God's presence and favor can thrive, leading to a more abundant and fulfilling life. [01:27:49]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you honor God with your resources today? What is one way you can use your time, talents, or treasures to bless others?
Day 5: Faith and Honor
Faith, the currency of heaven, is intertwined with honor. By honoring God and others, we activate faith, which creates an environment where miracles can occur. This principle is key to experiencing God's promises and blessings. When we live a life of honor, we demonstrate our trust in God's goodness and His ability to work in and through us. This faith-filled approach opens the door to divine intervention and the miraculous in our lives. [01:35:18]
"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." (Matthew 21:22, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life needs a miracle today? How can you activate your faith through honoring God and others in this situation?
Quotes
"Honor means to highly value, highly esteem somebody. Honor means to love somebody else or something. It's the most powerful expression of love. Honor is the love attitude that releases but also sustains a kingdom family. It sustains the kingdom of God. It's so powerful because it attracts heaven into our lives, into our reality. Honor releases heaven's culture into our lives. Honor is the value system of heaven. Honor is the glue that keeps our relationships together. It keeps us healthy, vibrant, and also with no hidden agendas." [01:15:14] (47 seconds)
"Culture of honor is celebrating someone who he or she is without stumbling over who they are not. Yet. I'll say it again for those who missed it. In the culture of honor, we celebrate who the person is. But we do. We do not stumble over what they are not or yet. That means we don't trip over their stuff. We don't trip over their issues. We don't trip over. And surely we don't define people by their weaknesses. Amen? We don't define people by their weaknesses. But we celebrate every person who is uniquely made by God." [01:16:01] (42 seconds)
"We are all on a journey of healing. Yes, in our spirit, we are absolutely perfect. We are perfect in Christ. We are heaven ready. We look like Jesus. We have his righteousness. Everything. But the thing is, though, in our mind and our soul, there's issues. There's things that have happened to you. Things have been done to you. Or you've done stuff yourself. Made mistakes. And things like that. But we cannot keep people in prison for what they have done. Or a mistake that they made in some moments in their life." [01:17:35] (28 seconds)
"I'm so against this cancel culture. I talked about it last week. I'm so. I think it's from the devil. And the problem is, though, it's gone into the church. The cancel culture says, you made a mistake. I cancel you. You are out. You failed. You're a failure." [01:17:50] (18 seconds)
"Let's not be offended by other people's mistakes or weaknesses or thoughts or whatever, but let's allow healing to flow. Let's give space to people. People need space. For one, they need to belong. They need to know that God loves them and that I love them and that you love them. That's the first thing, that they belong." [01:19:04] (19 seconds)
"Jesus loved his enemies because he knew the potential that they had. He knows all the problems. He gets all that stuff. But he says something about this, about honor, that it's amazing. If we don't take justice in our own hands, when we love and honor, when we learn to do this, then God, and this is the secret, then God would be and will be our vindicator. He will be. Our vindicator. See, we react in the opposite spirit of what comes at you." [01:24:15] (34 seconds)
"Even when we struggle with enemies, the divine promise of God is that when we still choose to, to honor and to love and to see with the eyes of Jesus, it says that he will release justice. He will release blessing and favor on your life. Verse 20. If your enemy is hungry, buy him some lunch." [01:28:10] (29 seconds)
"This is powerful. This is so powerful. Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good. It is the opposite spirit that we can react and God's favor is upon this. When we honor, when we do this, God will bless us. He will give us favor. May not be easy, but there's something about the divine interaction that God honors this kind of stuff. You'll see more when we go through this. Honor releases God's favor, divine intervention and blessing." [01:28:53] (33 seconds)
"Love and honoring Jesus is the most important thing we can ever do I'll tell you if we want to see a culture of honor in our personal lives and a culture of honor In our church, honor is our posture. If we want that, then Jesus has to be first." [01:38:27] (24 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 07, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?