(Click to hear this message with RealPlayer 8) Weekly Message by
Sunday, July 28, 2002
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) In Biblical times, honor was something of great value, and it was something that was expected. It was a shame for a person to not show honor. Even just a few years ago, when a woman or an elderly person entered the room, the men would show honor by rising. And this practice has Biblical roots: “You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32) Honoring the elderly is honoring God. Dishonoring the elderly is dishonoring God. In today’s world, honor is quickly becoming a thing of the past. If you stop someone on the street and ask them what honor is, they may not even be able to give you a definition. So what IS honor? Webster’s defines it like this: “A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration” Men used to honor women by opening doors for them. I’ve heard many women say, “Why should a man open the door for me? I can do it myself!” And yet this practice was not meant to insinuate that the women could not open doors for themselves. It was simply a way of bestowing honor – it was “...a ceremonial sign of consideration.” Certain women’s groups have fought long and hard to put an end to such signs of consideration. In their fight to be treated as “equals,” they have succeeded in removing honor from themselves. Indeed, we are all equal in God’s eyes. The Bible tells us that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, no slave or free, and no male or female. And yet within the same New Testament, we read... “Likewise, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any do not obey the word, they also may, without the word, be won by the conversation of the wives; “While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. “For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: “Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: “Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and
his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against
them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:1-12)
This is a good picture of honor. The honorable women of old were mentioned as role models for the women of today, honoring, respecting, submitting to, and obeying their husbands. And the men were commanded to honor their wives, or their prayers would be hindered. In another place, men are told that if they dishonor their wives, they are dishonoring themselves. It is shameful for a man to not show honor to his wife.
An honorable man honors his wife. How many honorable men can you think
of? Are you one of them?
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12) ...and again... “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Deuteronomy 5:16) In another place we are told that this is the first commandment
with promise. Honor is of the utmost importance. Yet it has become very
hard to find.
Let’s look at another definition of honor from Webster’s: “That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness; specif., in men, integrity; uprightness; trustworthness; in women, purity; chastity.” How many do you know who have dignity? How many do you know who have true courage? How many do you know who have fidelity? How many do you know who have excellence of character? How many do you know who have high moral worth? How many do you know who are virtuous and noble? How many men do you know who have integrity and are upright and trustworthy? How many women do you know who have lived lives of purity and chastity (abstinence from sexual impurity)? How many men and women of honor do YOU know?
The American Heritage Dictionary puts it this way: “Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.” “A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men...” “A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity.”
It is no wonder that honor is so hard to find, when so
few live honorable lives.
To whom should we show honor? Is it to those who we think are worthy of our honor? What does the Bible say? “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:10) “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” (1 Timothy 5:17) “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” (1 Timothy 6:1) “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)
We are to honor one another – our families and other believers. We are to doubly honor the elders that are in authority, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine – the teachers, preachers, ministers, and others who work to bring us the Word and sound doctrine. We are to honor our masters – employers and bosses. Otherwise, we are causing the name of God and his truths to be blasphemed. We are to honor those in authority over us, whether governmental authority or otherwise. Finally, we are to honor everyone. Most importantly, we are to honor God. Honoring God is
our first responsibility. And to honor God, we must show honor to others.
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) When we honor God with all that we have, both on the outside and from the depths of our heart, God will stretch forth his hand of blessing, as he did in the infancy of this great land. In fact, God’s blessings on this country because of the honor our forefathers showed him, were so great that they extend even unto this very day, despite the incredible dishonor God is shown today. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) God created your life. God created your breath. God created this earth and every sea and continent therein. God created all these things for his pleasure, and he is worthy of honor! God does not desire religious honor. He desires honest relationship from the heart. “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (Isaiah 29:13) The Word of God is to be our sole authority. Anything that any man or woman adds to this is a “...precept of men.” “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” (Romans 2:23) We are to honor God by obeying his Word. We are to honor
his Word by submitting to it as the sole authority.
We are to honor that which God has ordained. God has ordained government, and the Bible tells us that no one can have authority unless it is given by God. We are to honor those in authority over us. Today, we speak all manner of evil against our leaders and our government. But the Bible clearly teaches us that this is wickedness. We are to speak evil of no one. And we are not to speak evil of those in authority. God has ordained marriage, the life-long union between and man and woman as husband and wife. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4) We wink at adultery and are made to feel like ignorant bigots if we object to a homosexual lifestyle, or treat such a union as less than the union of marriage. Yet, by honoring that which God has not only not ordained, but that which he has condemned, we dishonor that which he HAS ordained and blessed. When we honor romance outside of marriage, we dishonor marriage, for it is the rightful embodiment of ALL romance and intimate affection. When we honor a homosexual lifestyle, we dishonor marriage between a man and woman, for it is the only intimate union acceptable in God’s eyes. When we entertain lustful thoughts and look at things we shouldn’t, we are dishonoring the union between ourselves and our spouse, even if that union has not yet taken place. When we watch others have moments of intimacy through
our televisions, we are dishonoring marriage, for the intimacy of marriage
is between only the two, and God, behind closed doors, and not with actors
or actresses who are paid to commit various levels of adultery and impurity
while millions watch.
When we ourselves become worthy of honor, we will find that honoring others comes almost automatically. How can we become worthy of honor? Let’s take a look at what God’s Word says about the matter... “Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) True honor comes from God. If you wish to receive the right kind of honor, that honor must be bestowed upon you by God. “And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: “Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) Because King Solomon did not seek honor, but instead sought after Godly wisdom, God poured out wisdom and knowledge, and added to it riches, wealth, and honor. Speaking of wisdom... “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.” (Proverbs 3:16) “Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.” (Proverbs 4:8) To be honorable, you must seek and obtain Godly wisdom. “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1) Foolishness, which is the absence of Godly wisdom, brings dishonor. You cannot live in disobedience, rebellion, or foolishness, and expect to be honorable. It just won’t happen. “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” (Proverbs 13:18) If you are proud and unteachable, you can forget about honor. It’s not for you. “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33) To find that Godly wisdom that brings honor into your life, you must fear God. Pray for the fear of the Lord, and cultivate it in your life, and you will grow in wisdom and in honor. “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” (Proverbs 20:3) A hot tempered person brings dishonor upon himself. You cannot have a short temper and be worthy of honor. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) Humility and the fear of the Lord go hand-in-hand. You
can’t have one without the other. And they both will bring wisdom, success,
and honor flowing into your life.
Sexual impurity brings dishonor. A line has been often used, “If you love me, you’ll have sex with me.” Unless you’re married, this is a bold-faced lie. The truth is that when you have sex outside of marriage, or participate in anything that awakens that sexual desire outside of marriage, you are dishonoring that person, yourself, and God, not to mention their future spouse. “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through
the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:”
(Romans 1:24)
“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6) When you participate in sexual activity or activity which
awakens sexual desire before marriage, you are defrauding your brother
or sister. You are dishonoring him or her. You are demonstrating selfishness
and disrespect, not love.
From whom should we seek honor? If our focus is on receiving honor from others, our faith will become weak. “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” (John 5:44) And we should not expect that anyone is obligated to honor
us.
We are instead supposed to first and foremost seek to obtain honor of the Lord. Will God honor you? He most certainly will! And when he pours out his honor upon you, others will honor you too. To receive honor, you must fear God, remain humble, and obey. If your whole life is lived to serve Jesus, your Father
God will bestow upon you high honor!
If we do what is right, we will have glory, honor, and
peace!
Live an honorable life of purity and outstanding moral character. Live a life that pleases God, serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Live a life that submits to authority, respecting and honoring others. And you will grow in humility, the fear of God, Godly wisdom, and great honor. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Feel free to call us:
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