The Word of God calls Christians to show honor to all people. We honor people when we allow ourselves to see them. The foreigner, the homeless, and the prisoner are all among us. Do we see them? We show honor by being impartial with grace, mercy, and the good news. The religious people of Jesus’ day grumbled that He ate and drank with sinners. In doing so, they revealed their own partiality. We honor people when we help them. The Bible says that faith without works is dead, being by itself. A true faith sees, cares, and offers the necessary help.

All governing authorities are put in place by God. Christ followers are commanded to show honor to our government. The Bible says that we do this because of the Lord. Showing honor is not dependent on whether or not a person is deemed worthy, but rather in response to God’s Word. We show honor through our obedience, the tone of our words, and even our thoughts. The rare exceptions are when we are asked to abandon the mission of the gospel or to participate in sin against the Lord. Above all, we are called to pray for all who are in authority that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives. Are you showing honor to your government because of the Lord?

ROMANS 13:1-4

ROMANS 13:5-7

1 SAMUEL 24:4-7

ACTS 23:3-5

ACTS 4:18-20

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4

The Word of God calls believers in Jesus to honor their family. Honor is recognizing the value that God assigns to every person. Honor is not something earned, but rather something given. Honor is not respect, trust, or unlimited obedience. We honor family with our words, treatment of them, and our forgiveness. It is impossible to show proper honor to family without first being new ourselves through faith in Jesus. Do you honor your family? 

EPHESIANS 5:33-6:4

GENESIS 27:5-14

JAMES 3:3-12

2 SAMUEL 14:24, 28-33

The Word of God commands believers to give honor to the Lord. Honor is first given when a person believes in Jesus as Savior, for the one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father. God is given honor when a person walks in righteousness. Many honor God with their lips, but their heart is far from Him. Honor is shown to God in our generosity as we are called to honor the Lord from our wealth. Some are rich with money, others are rich with resources, material goods, time, and knowledge. Are you giving God honor? 

Before any decision is made, one must determine the cost before moving forward. Many people are curious about Jesus and interested in following Him, but unsure if they are willing to surrender what is necessary. Jesus made it very clear what the cost is to follow Him. That cost is not anything one can do other than love Him with their whole heart which results in the denial of self. 

Theme verse: Luke 14:25-28

Anchoring verses:

Luke 14:25-28

Mark 10:17-22

Philippians 2:5-8

Luke 14:26-28

Jesus isn't alone as he enters Jerusalem for the last time. His disciples and crowds gathered because they had heard the testimony of this man named Jesus. What testimony goes before us? We have a choice in every opportunity and moment of life: will we serve the flesh or surrender to Christ? Each time we demonstrate our faith through action, we point the world to Christ.

Luke 19:37

Romans 6:19

James 2:14-18

John 12:11

The Bible declares that the love of God is a free gift to all who will believe in Jesus. While society’s love is often earned, God’s love is given freely. The love of God does not change. There is no variation or shifting shadow with God’s love, as it does not depend upon our perfection. When we fail, God still loves us the same. All of God’s love is brought to mankind in the person of Jesus. People need not seek God’s love through works or the approval of religious organizations, but rather, they must simply receive it by childlike faith in Jesus. 

ROMANS 8:35-39

GENESIS 29:31-35

ROMANS 8:38-39

ROMANS 8:39

LUKE 15:1-7

LUKE 15:4

LUKE 15:5-6

LUKE 15:7

After Samuel died, the Philistines gathered against Israel, and Saul became very afraid. Having been rejected by the Lord, he sought out a medium to bring up Samuel from the dead. Again defying the Lord’s command that divination is an abomination, he goes in disguise to consult the medium. The spirit of Samuel rises from the dead and pronounces further judgment on Saul. Many people go about in disguise to indulge their sin. Society still seeks an alternative savior. There is no mediator apart from Jesus. Are you wearing a disguise as you pursue evil? Have you submitted to the eternal word of the one true Mediator that you may meet Him in peace upon death?

1 SAMUEL 28:3-7

DEUTERONOMY 18:9-14

1 SAMUEL 28:8-14

1 SAMUEL 28:15-19

After disobeying God, Saul was rejected from being king and Samuel was told to go to Bethlehem and anoint a new king. The Lord asked Samuel how long he would continue grieving over Saul. Many people spend their lives grieving over what the Lord has rejected rather than trusting in what He still has planned. After 7 of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel, God rejected all of them. Though man often judges by the outward appearance, God sees the heart. People often spend more effort on the outside of their lives seeking man’s approval rather than on their heart, seeking God’s approval. Though young David was not invited to the anointing ceremony, he was the one God was seeking to be king. His ascension to the throne would hearken the coming of the final king who will never be replaced, Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Have you submitted your life to Him by faith?

1 SAMUEL 16:1-3

1 SAMUEL 16:4-10

1 SAMUEL 16:11-13