THE PERIL OF NOT HONOURING GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 2:30
Supporting Texts: Malachi 1:6, Romans 1:21, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 12:21-23, Isaiah 42:8
INTRODUCTION:
To honour God is to reverence, respect, and give Him the rightful place in every area of our lives. Honour acknowledges God’s sovereignty, glory, and holiness. The Scriptures are full of warnings and tragic consequences for individuals and nations who failed to honour the Lord.
Today, the dishonour of God is seen in neglecting His Word, treating sacred things casually, and putting self or idols above Him. Many are quick to seek God's blessings, but few are willing to give Him the honour due to His name.
Failure to honour God not only distances us from His presence but also attracts divine judgement and removes the covering of favour. This sermon explores the dangers of dishonouring God and calls us back to a lifestyle that brings Him glory.
1. DISHONOUR BRINGS REJECTION AND LOSS OF DIVINE FAVOUR
When we fail to honour God, He lifts His hand of approval from our lives.
a) God Rejects Those Who Dishonour Him (1 Samuel 2:30)
God declared, “Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
b) The Glory Can Depart from a Dishonourable House (1 Samuel 4:21)
Ichabod was declared because the glory of God departed from Israel.
c) God's Presence Does Not Abide in Disrespectful Hearts (Isaiah 66:1-2)
God looks for those who tremble at His Word.
d) God's Blessings Are Withheld from the Dishonourable (Malachi 1:6-8)
Offering blind and lame sacrifices shows a lack of reverence.
Biblical Example: Eli and his sons dishonoured God, and their priesthood was cut off (1 Samuel 2:12-36)
2. DISHONOUR LEADS TO SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND HARDENED HEARTS
Without honour, we become insensitive to the voice and move of God.
a) Fools Do Not Glorify God and Become Darkened (Romans 1:21-22)
When men stopped glorifying God, their hearts were darkened.
b) Dishonour Breeds Familiarity and Unbelief (Mark 6:4-6)
Jesus could do no mighty works in His hometown because of dishonour.
c) Rebellion is Rooted in a Heart That Lacks Reverence (Proverbs 1:7)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
d) A Dishonouring Generation is Spiritually Deaf (Zechariah 7:11-13)
They refused to listen, so God stopped listening to them.
Biblical Example: Pharaoh dishonoured God's command repeatedly and his heart was hardened (Exodus 5-12)
3. DISHONOUR INVITES GOD'S JUDGEMENT AND DESTRUCTION
When God's glory is not honoured, judgement follows.
a) God Will Not Share His Glory with Another (Isaiah 42:8)
Taking glory to ourselves provokes God's wrath.
b) Pride is a Form of Dishonour (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride leads to destruction because it ignores God’s authority.
c) Dishonour Leads to Sudden Destruction (Acts 12:21-23)
Herod was eaten by worms because he took God’s glory.
d) The Earth Suffers When God Is Dishonoured (Romans 8:20-22)
Creation groans due to man’s rebellion and dishonour.
Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar was humbled because he failed to honour God (Daniel 4:30-37)
4. HONOURING GOD ATTRACTS HIS GLORY AND BLESSINGS
The key to divine favour, promotion, and protection lies in honouring God.
a) Honour Brings Divine Provision and Overflow (Proverbs 3:9-10)
When we honour God with our substance, He blesses our increase.
b) Honour Provokes Angelic Attention and Miracles (Matthew 8:8-10)
The centurion honoured Jesus’ authority and received a miracle.
c) Honouring God Means Obeying His Commands (John 14:15)
True honour is shown in our obedience.
d) Honour Leads to Exaltation and Favour (1 Peter 5:6)
God lifts those who humble themselves before Him.
Biblical Example: Abraham honoured God through faith and obedience and was greatly blessed (Genesis 22:1-18)
CONCLUSION:
To dishonour God is to invite shame, judgement, and destruction. But to honour Him is to walk in divine favour, protection, and glory. As believers, we must examine how we treat God in our hearts, words, offerings, service, and daily living. Let us return to a life of reverence, where God is placed at the centre of all things. For when we honour Him, He will honour us in return.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, forgive me for every way I have dishonoured You knowingly or unknowingly.
2. Father, help me to honour You with my words, thoughts, and actions.
3. Let my life be a true reflection of reverence and holiness.
4. Uproot every seed of pride and rebellion from my heart.
5. Lord, let Your glory never depart from my life and household.
6. Teach me to value Your presence above all things.
7. Fill me with the fear of the Lord and wisdom from above.
8. Let my service and worship be acceptable and honourable to You.
9. Father, let my family and generation be known for honouring You.
10. Glorify Yourself in my life that others may honour You through me.
