Introduction:
Today we are beginning a three-part Sunday series based on the book Honor's Reward by John Bevere. But the heart behind it is this that you cannot live a life of blessing, you cannot be fully integrated into God’s kingdom if you don’t understand the value of honor. We honor God. We honor leaders and authorities, we honor peers and our neighbor, and we honor those entrusted to us, such as our children, employees, disciples, etc. There is a reward associated with honoring people from the heart, because everything starts with the heart.

Have you noticed how not many people hold back from disparaging a national leader? Have you noticed that people have no problem saying God’s name in vain? Have you noticed how our media has sold us a culture where young people have nothing to gain from the previous generations.

Honor must become very important to us. It is to God. When we look at the first ten commandments, the first 4 have to do with how we honor God. The next 6 have to do with honoring people. Once again, it must be from the heart. Commandment 1 – God must be honored

1. God is a rewarder
Genesis 15:1
Revelation 22:12
2 John 1:8

a. While salvation is based on grace, God's rewards are based on what we do with what He gives us.
b. You can work hard yet miss out on your reward if you don't understand honor (2 John 1:8).

2. Honor God above all
1 Samuel 2:30
Mark 6:1-6


a. Those who honor God, will be honored (rewarded).
b. The word honor comes from Hebrew Kabad which means to be heavy, weighty. In the Greek (Tee-mee)” means is “’a valuing.’ Think of it—you don’t put gold in your junk drawer; rather you assign it a place of honor. Other definitions of honor are appreciation, esteem, favorable regard, respect.
b. Jesus was not honored in Galilee when He first ministered there and they missed out on their reward (Mark 6:1-6)
c. Honor requires submission and humility. When you do so, you are in position to receive the gift.

3. Honor all leaders as appointed by God
Matthew 10:40-42
Romans 13:1-5
Proverbs 22:5

a. If you receive a servant as from God, you get the reward (or gift) they bring. Here you can substitute the word "receive" with "honor."
b. There are three types of people we honor: our leaders, our peers, and those we are called to steward over.
c. All authorities are appointed by God.
d. Honor is given, not demanded. It can be obtained by embracing wisdom.

The first way to honor God, is by receiving His Son.
Psalms 2:12