Overview
This sermon continues the “Courage to Commit” series, emphasizing the principle of honor as a key that unlocks God’s favor and blessings. Pastor Mike Jr. outlines various spiritual principles (“keys”), stressing that expressing honor to God and others influences both personal growth and community well-being.
Review of Spiritual Principles (“Keys”)
- The principle of generosity: a willing heart leads to a freely giving life.
- The principle of mindset: beliefs about self shape beliefs about God.
- The principle of multiplication: God creates to multiply, not just maintain.
- The principle of freedom: true freedom is fulfilling one’s intended purpose.
- The principle of partnership: trusting the right people leads to winning outcomes.
- The principle of transformation: gifts change others, character changes oneself.
- The principle of the pick: relationships can be assets or assaults; choices impact the future.
- The principle of breakthrough: understanding why you are stuck is the real breakthrough.
- The principle of discernment: recognizing what is dead versus what is dormant.
- The principle of detour: undesired routes can lead to desired results.
The Principle of Honor
- Honor is expressing the value of others, determining whether one experiences favor or famine.
- Appraisal (expert assessment) is distinct from mere opinion; value is influenced by surroundings and relationships.
- Cultivating honor requires separating from people and environments that diminish one’s value.
- Culture often celebrates dishonor, which makes genuine honor countercultural and powerful.
- Honor increases opportunities, relationships, and resources.
Effects of Honor and Dishonor
- Honor opens doors for favor and new beginnings, while dishonor creates labels, lids (limitations), and hinders faith.
- Places or people lacking honor may receive fewer blessings, despite God’s ability to give more.
- Honoring moments, people, and environments is critical for spiritual and personal promotion.
- Dishonor can be generational, perpetuating negative labels and limitations.
Jabez and the Power of Honor
- Jabez was more honorable than his brothers and prayed for blessing; his prayer was answered because of his honor.
- Honor means choosing to see others as God sees them, making them “weighty” or significant.
- Living honorably may carry burdens, especially when honoring those who do not reciprocate.
Living a Life of Honor
- One’s increase is limited in places, with people, or in areas where honor is lacking.
- Honor must be shown vertically (to God) and horizontally (to others).
- Honor extends to moments of opportunity, resources, and self-appreciation.
Action Items
- TBD – Congregation: Examine personal areas lacking honor and commit to change.
- TBD – Individuals: Remove negative labels and embrace God’s intended value.
- TBD – Church Community: Participate in church service, giving, and community outreach as acts of honor.
Recommendations / Advice
- Do not devalue self under false humility; acknowledge and honor your gifts.
- Practice intentional honor in all areas—family, work, church, and personal achievement.
- Use discernment to know when to assert value and when to show humility.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Are there relationships or environments where you need to increase honor?
- What generational labels or lids need to be addressed or removed in your life?