Man was created in the highest honor in God’s likeness.
Genesis 1:26 (NLT) Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.
When sin entered the scene, so did shame. 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.”
God covers shame. 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.”
“Jesus experienced public shame in order to crown humanity with the highest honor.”
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 is a currency of the kingdom.”
Familiarity can debilitate our ability to honor.
Honor/Dishonor
Honor- gk. Timey- A Valuing: Recognize the value, appreciate, esteem favorable regard.
Dishonor- gk. Atimey- to treat as common or ordinary.
Honor: Up, Down, all around. 1. Honor Up. A.Civil Leaders: Government, military, police(Romans 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 Leaders: (Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:2)
D. Church/Kingdom Leaders(1 Thes 5:12-13, Heb 13:17, 1 Tim 5:17)
2. Honor Down. Philippians 2:3-4(NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Everyone Jesus honored was “down”.
“Following Jesus means we honor people that seemingly don’t deserve it.”
3. Honor All Around Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Practical Honor: 1. Words
“Criticism and Cynicism rob 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.” “Talking about a person never brings resolve, but talking to them can.”
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.
Mephibosheth: 2 Samuel 9
"If we sit at the table it will cover our 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. Mephibosheth: Dispeller Exterminator of 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.
