Shownotes
The central theme of this discourse revolves around the imperative of honoring others, irrespective of their perceived merit. We are reminded, through the anchor verse from Romans 13:7, that "honour doesn't wait for people to deserve it." The narrative of the Shunammite woman serves as a poignant illustration of this principle, as her act of kindness towards Elisha, a man she recognized as holy, elicited a miraculous response from God. As we delve into the significance of honoring God, spiritual authority, and our familial connections, we uncover the profound impact that such honor can yield in our lives. It is essential to understand that honoring is not merely a matter of personal preference but a spiritual obligation that aligns us with divine order and invites blessings into our existence. We invite you to reflect on your own practices of honor as we explore these vital dimensions in our lives. The discourse revolves around the critical theme of honour, positing it as a divine mandate rather than a discretionary act. By referencing the biblical account of the Shunammite woman, who provided hospitality to the prophet Elisha, the speaker illustrates that genuine acts of honour arise from a recognition of God’s presence in others, independent of their societal status or personal worthiness. This notion is encapsulated in the exhortation from Romans 13:7, which frames honour as a spiritual debt owed to individuals in positions of authority and to God Himself. The speaker delineates three essential dimensions of honour: firstly, the imperative to honour God with our best offerings, which realigns our priorities and facilitates divine blessings; secondly, the necessity of respecting spiritual leaders, even amidst their fallibility, which fosters community stability; and thirdly, the importance of honouring family, as enshrined in the commandment that assures long life and prosperity for those who do so. The call to action is poignant, urging listeners to engage in tangible expressions of honour in their lives, thereby sowing seeds that yield spiritual and relational rewards.
Takeaways:
- Honor is not merely a gift, but a spiritual obligation owed to those in our lives.
- When we honor God first in our lives, everything else tends to realign harmoniously.
- One must honor spiritual authority, even in the face of imperfection and disagreement.
- Family and community deserve our honor, as they are integral to our well-being and blessings.
- Honor should not be contingent on the deserving nature of the recipient; it is a choice we make.
- Engaging in acts of honor can yield profound blessings and favor in our lives.
Transcripts
Give to everyone what you owe them.
Speaker A:If respect, then respect.
Speaker A:If honor, then honor.
Speaker A:Romans 13:7.
Speaker A:Honor doesn't wait for people to deserve it.
Speaker A:She didn't have a reason to do it.
Speaker A:Her husband was not a prophet.
Speaker A:She wasn't on a prayer list.
Speaker A:She wasn't looking for a miracle.
Speaker A:She just noticed something.
Speaker A:That the man who passed through her town was holy.
Speaker A:That he was carrying something from God.
Speaker A:And she built him a room.
Speaker A:A proper room, furnished, A bed, a table, a chair, a lamp.
Speaker A:Every time Elisha passed through Shunem, he had a place.
Speaker A:She didn't know what she was sowing.
Speaker A:She just knew who she was honoring.
Speaker A:And one day, Elisha asked, what can be done for her.
Speaker A:She was barren.
Speaker A:Her husband was old.
Speaker A:The dream of a child was long dead.
Speaker A:About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.
Speaker A:She got a miracle she didn't even ask for because she honored someone she didn't have to.
Speaker A:The Shunammite woman built a room.
Speaker A:She didn't build a tweet.
Speaker A:She did something real.
Speaker A:And God responded to real honor with a real miracle.
Speaker A:Romans 13:7 uses the language of debt.
Speaker A:You owe honor.
Speaker A:It is not a gift you offer when you feel generous.
Speaker A:It is a spiritual obligation to specific people and specific roles that God has placed in your life.
Speaker A:When you honor that structure, you honor God.
Speaker A:When you undermine it, you undermine yourself.
Speaker A:You don't always know what is attached to the person you are choosing to honor or dishonor.
Speaker A:Today we continue with our message series honors reward with the second message.
Speaker A:Who deserves your honor?
Speaker A:Our first point is that you need to honor God first and everything else realigns.
Speaker A:Proverbs 3, 9, 10 tells us, Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
Speaker A:Then your barns will be filled to overflowing.
Speaker A:Not the last, not the leftovers.
Speaker A:The first.
Speaker A:Some of us have been giving God our leftovers and asking him to bless a full meal.
Speaker A:The audacity.
Speaker A:Now honor God first in your time, your money, your attention, and watch how everything else starts to fall in line.
Speaker A:When God is first, the rest falls into order.
Speaker A:Our second point is that we need to honor spiritual authority even when it is imperfect.
Speaker A: Hebrews: Speaker A:You don't agree with your taxi driver's route every day, but you still pay the fare.
Speaker A:Why?
Speaker A:Because creating chaos in the taxi is worse than the detour.
Speaker A:Your spiritual leader doesn't need your applause.
Speaker A:They need your prayers and your honor.
Speaker A:There is a big difference.
Speaker A:You don't have to agree with everything.
Speaker A:You have to respect the seat, honor the position, even when you struggle with the person.
Speaker A:And for those of you carrying real wounds from people in authority, hear this.
Speaker A:Honor is not agreement.
Speaker A:Honor is not blind loyalty.
Speaker A:David honored Saul as king even while Saul was hunting him.
Speaker A:He called him the Lord's anointed.
Speaker A:He refused to touch him.
Speaker A:He didn't pretend Saul was good.
Speaker A:He honored the office even when the man failed the office.
Speaker A:There is a difference.
Speaker A:Let's learn it.
Speaker A:Our third point from the message is honor, family and community.
Speaker A:Your reward lives there.
Speaker A: Exodus: Speaker A:This is the only commandment with a promise attached.
Speaker A:Long life, blessed land connected to honoring your parents.
Speaker A:Some of us have been praying for long life and favor while quietly disrespecting the very people.
Speaker A:God attached that promise too.
Speaker A:Your mother's number is on your phone.
Speaker A:When last did you call her?
Speaker A:Not to ask her for something, but just to honor her.
Speaker A:Some of us will honor a celebrity we have never met.
Speaker A:Post about them, defend them online.
Speaker A:But we haven't spoken a kind word to the parent who raised us in three months.
Speaker A:Something is wrong with that algorithm.
Speaker A:Honor doesn't wait for people to deserve it.
Speaker A:You want more favor, brothers and sisters?
Speaker A:Honor the people God placed over you.
Speaker A:You want more peace?
Speaker A:Honor the people God placed beside you.
Speaker A:You want more blessing?
Speaker A:Honor the people God placed in front of you.
Speaker A:You cannot honor God on Sunday and dishonor his people on Monday.
Speaker A:That is our worship.
Speaker A:That is performance.
Speaker A:God, your spiritual authority, your family.
Speaker A:Three circles.
Speaker A:Honor all three.
Speaker A:Not just the one that feels convenient.
Speaker A:When is the last time you did something for your pastor, your leader, your mentor?
Speaker A:Not because they asked, but because you chose to.
Speaker A:Can I get an amen now?
Speaker A:As we go into this week?
Speaker A:Three acts, three circles.
Speaker A:For God gave a tithe offering as a first act, not a guilt.
Speaker A:Payment at the end of the month for your spiritual authority.
Speaker A:Write them a note.
Speaker A:Send a voice message.
Speaker A:Say thank you with your whole chest.
Speaker A:For your family.
Speaker A:Find the one who feels overlooked and make them feel seen.
Speaker A:Three acts, seven days.
Speaker A:Then watch what God does in the end.
Speaker A:Let us pray.
Speaker A:Lord, we repent for every time we reduced your people to inconveniences.
Speaker A:Heal what our carelessness broke.
Speaker A:Restore the connections we've damaged through dishonour and give us eyes to see the people you've placed in our lives not as obstacles, but as opportunities to plant seeds of favor, of honor.
Speaker A:We choose honor.
Speaker A:We choose it now.
Speaker A:We choose it deliberately.
Speaker A:In Jesus name, amen.
