Honor One Another Series

BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER

HONOR ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:10

Introduction

In our series of Building Up One Another we have talked about being Members of One Another and being Devoted to One Another. Today we focus in on a phrase in Romans 12:10: Honor one another above yourselves.

What does it mean to honor one another?

NIV “Honor one another above yourselves.”

NASB “Give preference to one another in honor.”

KJV “In honor preferring one another.”

TEV “Be eager to show respect for one another.”

ESV “Out do one another in showing honor.”

NLT "Take delight in honoring each other”

MSG “Practice playing second fiddle.”

To “honor” means to put value to something, to consider it precious, weighty, to respect. We consider today how to take the lead in honoring each other to build up the body of Christ!

1. THE PROBLEM WITH HONORING ONE ANOTHER

The giving, serving, other-centered nature of some is very strong and well-developed. On the other hand, the taking, selfish, self-centered nature of others is also very strong and well-developed.. It is human nature to be more concerned with self than with others.

Romans 12:3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…”

And that’s the tendency for many of us. We think too much of ourselves and too little of others.

King Saul was pretty pleased with David until he heard the women of Israel singing his praises. Their song went like this: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul’s response: Saul was very angry. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. (1 Sam. 18:8-9) Saul couldn’t stand the thought of someone else getting more praise than him.

Our human nature sometimes gets in our own way. That’s why we need to be transformed (Rom 12:1-2) to think more like Christ. How can we honor one another? Let’s look at the master encourager and learning from Him.

2. Jesus Builds Up By Honoring Others

John 13 relates an example of Jesus honoring others. John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority of everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.” (NLT) In the context of the authority over everything and in the shadow of the cross, Jesus gives a lesson in honoring others that they would never forget.

John 13:4-5

So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:12-15 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

In this act of service, Jesus places his disciples above himself and shows great love for them. At a time when he could have been thinking of himself, he was thinking of others. This becomes our calling (Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.)

3. Practical Ideas for Honoring Others Above Ourselves

-Honor others by regarding them as valuable. Let them know you value them with words, actions, and attitudes. Respect every human as an image bearer of God.

-Honor others by speaking well of them. Not only to their face, but to others when they are not around.

-Honor others by rejoicing when others achieve and are successful and receive honor. Celebrate the unique gifts, personality, and calling of others.

-Honor others by seeking to be a friend. Jesus: …I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15, NIV). “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” – Zig Ziglar

-Honor others by listening to them. When we give them our attention we are honoring them as important to us.

-Honor your spouse and children. What would happen in our homes if we were trying to “outdo one another in showing honor.”?

-Honor others by praying for them and seeking to help them in whatever ways you are able.

Conclusion

When we obey God’s command to honor all people, we are ultimately honoring and obeying God. Be encouraged today to Lead the way in showing honor for others. Lead the way in showing respect and value for each other.