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.
How will God reward us? Jesus said: “Whoever serves me must follow me … My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (Jn. 12:26)
When we obey the Lord by humbling ourselves and by giving honor to others, God will give us honor and blessing.
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Bible Class Discussion Questions
1. The problem with giving honor to others is that we can feel that we are not getting the honor we deserve. What
qualities of human nature make giving honor to others difficult?
2. Jesus spoke clearly about some of the religious leaders who were exalting themselves in pride and arrogance.
(Matthew 23:5-7). He taught his disciples a contrasting way of life (Matthew 23:11-12).
*What words would you use to characterize the attitude of those Jesus was criticizing?
*What does Jesus mean in verses 11-12? How do you think these things will play out?
3. If you had been one of the disciples whose feet Jesus washed, how do you think you would have responded?
*How might that experience have affected your relationship to the other disciples? (John 13:1-15)
*What do you think about physically washing someone’s feet as a part of a religious gathering? Have you ever
witnessed or been a part of this? How did it make you feel?
*What are some ways we can ‘wash one another’s feet’? In our church? In our homes? In our community?
4. In the sermon there were seven ways of showing honor to one another.
*Which one is one caught your attention this morning?
*Which one is most difficult for you?
*Can you think of other ways to honor one another?
5. Think out loud with the group about ways that honoring one another can make a difference in your home. What
difference would honoring one another make?
*Honoring spouses (1 Peter 3:7)
*Honoring children
*Honoring others who live in the home
Do you think that most Christians consider this idea of honoring or is it kind of a new subject?
6. Was there anything else on this subject you wanted to talk about?
Remember, you can never lose by sincerely honoring others. God will not forget, and neither will those you honor. - Gene Getz
Resources
Article - Outdo One Another in Showing Honor
https://ccsweeklydevotions.wordpress.com/2017/10/29/outdo-one-another-in-showing-honor/
Article at Newbreak Church
https://newbreak.church/what-it-means-to-honor-one-another/
Sermon by David Owen on Sermon Central
https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/honor-one-another-david-owens-sermon-on-humility-139579
Building Up One Another, by Gene A. Getz, Victor Books, 1981
Article by Joseph Mattera on Charismamag.com
https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/spiritual-growth/26197-5-more-principles-of-honoring-people
Video of this sermon can be found by searching the Forsythe Church of Christ YouTube channel.
Audio of this sermon can be heard on our podcast host, Podbean.
Thanks!
