Honor: A Kingdom Principle
Main Text :1 Timothy 5:17
God's Kingdom operates on principles; Salvation is by grace. The Kingdom functions by principles.
Faith is a principle.
Giving is a principle.
Obedience is a principle.
Honor is a principle.
Many believers understand faith and giving. Few understand honor. Yet honor determines what you receive from God.
You cannot dishonor what God sends and still receive what God placed in it.
WHAT IS HONOR?
Romans 13:7
"Honor to whom honor is due."
Definition
Honor = placing value on something.
Anything you value, you protect. You prioritize it.,You invest in it.,You celebrate it., You sacrifice for it.
People do not dishonor because they hate.
Often they are dishonored because they do not recognize value.
2 Corinthians 4:7
"Treasure in earthen vessels."
We see the vessel; God sees the treasure.
Honor sees the grace; dishonor sees only the humanity.
When you only see the man, you miss the grace on the man.
HONOR IS A KINGDOM PRINCIPLE
Exodus 20:12 - "Honor thy father and thy mother."
The first commandment with a promise. Not merely obedience. Honor.
The reason is that honor attracts blessings and dishonor blocks blessings.
Principle
Where honor flows:
Favor flows, grace flows, and Blessing flows
in the story of David & Saul, Saul was wrong. Saul chased David. Saul wanted David dead.
Yet David said, "I will not touch the Lord's anointed."
Honor is not agreement. Honor is recognition of God's order.
You can disagree with authority without dishonoring authority. Some people say:"I respect God but not pastors."
How do you honor the God you cannot see while dishonoring the servant He sent whom you can see?
WHY SHOULD WE HONOR GOD'S SERVANTS?
1. THEY LABOR AMONG US 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"Know them which labour among you..."
People see:
One hour preaching.
People don't see:
Hours studying, hours praying, fasting, counseling, tears, and Spiritual warfare.
2. THEY WATCH OVER OUR SOULS
Hebrews 13:17 "They watch for your souls."
3. THEY FIGHT BATTLES WE DO NOT SEE
While praying for your family, theirs may be under attack.
While helping you through crisis, they may be fighting one.
While encouraging you, they may need encouragement.
WHY SHOULD WE GIVE TO GOD'S SERVANTS?
1 Corinthians 9:11 "If we have sown spiritual things..."
Galatians 6:6 Those taught the Word should share with those who teach.
Honor that stays only in words is incomplete honor.
HOW DO WE HONOR GOD'S SERVANTS?
Numbers 12 - Miriam and Aaron against Moses.
1. Reverence is not worship.
Reverence is recognizing divine assignment.
2. Through Obedience - 3 John 4
"No greater joy..." A pastor's greatest joy is seeing transformed lives.
Honor is not saying "Amen." Honor is practicing what is taught.
3. Through Prayer Paul's Request "Brethren, pray for us."
How many times have you asked pastor to pray for you?
How many times have you prayed for pastor?
Those who carry many people need many prayers.
a ship engine tells you how many people the ship it can carry and also how fast and far it can go
4. Through Material Support
Queen of Sheba honored Solomon with gifts. Prophets often received offerings.
Honor was expressed practically. Statement
THE REWARD OF HONOR
Matthew 10:41 - "Receive a prophet... receive a prophet's reward."
Principle
Honor positions you to receive.
Dishonor closes doors.
Honor opens doors.
Honor must become tangible.