Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:25 (NLT) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. Genesis 3:7 (NLT) At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:8–10 (NLT) 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He replied, "I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." Genesis 3:21 (NLT) The Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
"The gospel is not only about the guilty made innocent but bringing honor to the shameful."
Honor cultivates an atmosphere for miracles. Mark 6:1-6 (NLT) 1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?" 3 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family." 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
Honor/Dishonor
Honor- gk. timey- A Valuing: Recognize the value, appreciate, esteem favorable regard.
Dishonor- gk. atimey- to treat as common or ordinary.
Honor requires intentionality. Familiarity can debilitate our ability to honor.
We Honor God with … 1. Our Worship (Psalm 29:1-2) 2. Our Priorities(Exodus 20) 3.Our Finances(Proverbs 3:9) 4. Our Bodies(In purity: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) 5. Our Convictions(Timothy 2:21) 6. Our honor to others
People matter to God; they should matter to us.
We Honor… 1. Honor Up. A. Civil Leaders- Government, military, police(Romand 13:1-5) 1 Peter 2:17(NIV) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
B. Social Leaders- Bosses, Teachers, Coaches, etc (Colossians 3:22-25) C. Home Leadership (Ephesians 5:22-33, Ephesians 6:2) D. Church/Kingdom Leaders(1Thes 5:12-13, Heb 13:17,1 Tim 5:17)
2. Honor Down "Following Jesus means we honor people that don't deserve it." "We don't honor people based upon their status; we honor them based upon their value." Philippians 2:3-4(NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.
3. Honor All-Around Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
How do we honor: 1. Words "Criticism and Cynicism robs your ability to honor." "Honor speaks of the one who brings it."
2. Action Hebrews 13:18 (NLT) Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. "Tension is where honor is tested."
3. Attitude Honor starts in the heart. Isaiah 29:13 (NIV) The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
How do I nurture a honoring spirit. 1-Repent for withholding honor. 2-Resolve that you are responsible for the honor you bring. 3-Relinquish agendas. (Don't be manipulative.) 4-Reconcile your differences with conversations. 5-Respond with a blessing: Words, actions a note, a gift.
Close: Mephibosheth, Jonathan, Davids best friends sin who happened to be the Son of one of Davids Enemies King Saul- 2 Samuel 9:1(NLT) David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" Mephibosheth: in Hebrew Dispeller Exterminator of shame 2 Samuel 9:12 (NLT) And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David's table, like one of the king's own sons.
Ministry: Shame- Isaiah 61:7 (NLT) Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
