“Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:” Revelation 19:1
Living Heaven’s Culture on Earth
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” – Revelation 5:12
In a world where disrespect and dishonor are often normalized, the Kingdom of God calls us to live differently. Honor is not a cultural preference; it is a Kingdom principle. It flows from the very heart of God and governs how we relate to Him and to others. To live in the Kingdom is to live by its code, and honor is central to that code
In Revelation 19, heaven is filled with roaring worship, and each phrase carries weight. After salvation and glory, the heavenly anthem continues:
“Honor belongs to our God.”
We often talk about giving God glory, but honor is deeply personal. It’s not only about recognizing His greatness but treating Him accordingly. Honor is worship in action
This message is a call to return to reverence, obedience, and a lifestyle that esteems God above all
What Is Honor?
In Scripture, to honor (Hebrew: kābēd; Greek: timē) means:
- To treat as weighty, important, valuable
- To esteem highly, with love, fear, and reverence
- To acknowledge rightful position with due response
Honor is not a feeling, it’s a posture of the heart, expressed in choices
To honor someone is to ascribe value, to esteem highly, and to give rightful recognition. In Scripture, the Hebrew word kabod (glory/honor) means “weight” or “heaviness.” To honor God is to treat Him as weighty, not light or casual. It means living with a deep reverence for who He is, what He does, and what He deserves.
To honor is to recognize value, to respect divine order, and to acknowledge the presence of God in people, positions, and principles. It’s not flattery or favoritism—it’s a spiritual posture that aligns with Heaven.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
In Heaven, honor surrounds the throne. Angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy,” and elders cast their crowns in worship. On earth, God calls us to bring this culture of honor into every sphere of life.
Honor is expressed through obedience, sacrifice, respect, speech, generosity, and submission.
God is not one among many. He is above all, and that calls for the highest honor
Honoring God involves aligning with His heart, His order, and His ways. One way we do this is by honoring those He has placed in our lives
When we honor others with a heart to glorify God, we enter into partnership with heaven’s culture. Honor is not about elevating people above God, it is about honoring God through His image in people and His divine order
I. Honor Is Commanded by God
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;” Proverbs 3:9
“Those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” 1 Samuel 2:30
God is not asking to be honored, He commands it. Because He alone is worthy, our lives must reflect His worth
To honor God means:
- We obey Him, even when it costs
- We prioritize Him, even when it’s inconvenient
- We speak of Him with reverence, not casually
- We worship Him from the heart, not just with lips
Biblical Examples of Honor (and Dishonor)
1. Abel Honored God (Genesis 4:4)
“And Abel also brought an offering, fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel…”
Abel gave God the best, not the leftovers. His offering revealed his heart, and God received it as honor
Cain, in contrast, gave without reverence, and was rejected
2. Abraham Honored God (Genesis 22)
When God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham didn’t delay or debate. He obeyed
“And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:12
Abraham honored God by obeying without hesitation, even when asked to sacrifice Isaac.
3. The Levites Set Apart (Numbers 8:14-19)
The Levites were honored by being chosen for sacred service to God
Their role was a sign of reverence and honor toward God in worship
4. David Honored God Above Himself (2 Samuel 6:14–22)
David danced with abandon before the ark of the Lord. His wife Michal despised him, but David responded:
“And I will be even more undignified than this and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.” 2 Samuel 6:22
David didn’t care about appearance, he cared about God’s delight
His honor was undignified worship and humble exaltation
5. Jesus Honored the Father Always
“Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.” John 8:49
Even in rejection, Jesus stayed submitted to the Father’s will. His life was a continuous display of perfect honor, in words, actions, and decisions
6. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar honored Jesus (Mark 14:3–9)
She honored Jesus by anointing Him with expensive perfume. Jesus says, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
7. The Centurion Honored Christ (Matthew 8:5–10)
The Roman officer honors Jesus by recognizing His authority and expressing faith. Jesus was amazed and commended him.
8. Eli Dishonored God by Honoring His Sons
Eli allowed his sons to profane the tabernacle. God confronted him:
“ Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’ 30 Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Samuel 2:29–30
Honor becomes distorted when we fear people more than we fear God
Any Compromised leadership is dishonor, even if it’s polite
9. Honor God by Honoring Parents
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long…” Exodus 20:12
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-2
God is the One who gave parents their role. Honoring them is obedience to His command. Even if they are imperfect, honoring them reflects humility and submission to God’s order.
10. Honor God by honoring Elders (Ruth 1–4)
Ruth honored Naomi staying loyal and serving her sacrificially. God honors Ruth with Boaz as a husband and includes her in the lineage of Jesus.
11. Honor God by honoring Fellow Believers
“Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10
“In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3
The church is Christ’s body. Honoring one another preserves unity and shows we value what God values.
Celebrate others’ gifts and callings without envy. Serve with humility and avoid competitiveness. Encourage, support, and pray for others in the body of Christ.
Paul Commending Phoebe and Others (Romans 16:1–2)
Paul tells the church to receive Phoebe “in a manner worthy of the saints.”He honors her as a servant and helper
The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8:1–5)
Though poor, they gave generously, honoring God and the saints in Jerusalem
12. Honor God by honoring Authority
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…” Romans 13:1-7
“Honor the king… Fear God.” 1 Peter 2:13-17
Governments are permitted by God for order and justice. Honoring laws and authorities (within righteousness) reflects respect for God’s sovereignty
David Honors King Saul (1 Samuel 24 & 26)
“Far be it from me… to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 26:11)
Even when Saul was hunting him, David refused to kill Saul, calling him “the Lord’s anointed.”
Daniel Honors Pagan Kings Respectfully (Daniel 1, 2, 6)
Though faithful to God, Daniel speaks and acts with wisdom and respect toward Babylonia
13. Honor God by Honoring Spiritual Leaders
“Obey those who rule over you… for they watch out for your souls.” Hebrews 13:17
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor…” 1 Timothy 5:17
God places shepherds over His people. Honoring them is honoring God’s spiritual authority and acknowledging the grace He has given them
Submit to godly leadership with humility. Encourage and support their ministry (financially, in prayer, and service). Avoid gossip, slander, or rebellion
14. Honor God by Honoring Your Spouse (and Others in Marriage)
“Husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife…” 1 Peter 3:7
“Marriage is honorable among all…” Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is God’s covenant institution. Honoring your spouse is honoring the covenant God ordained
Speak well of your spouse publicly and privately. Practice forgiveness, patience, and sacrificial love. Be faithful in action and thought
15. Honor God by honoring the Poor, Widows, and Orphans
“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” Proverbs 14:31
“Pure religion… is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” James 1:27
God is compassionate and just. When we care for the vulnerable, we reflect His heart and nature
Treat all people with dignity regardless of status. Give generously and serve those in need. Avoid partiality or favoritism (James 2:1-9)
16. Honor God by Honoring Your Body
“19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.”1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Our bodies are not our own, they were bought with a price. Honoring them honors the One who redeemed them
Avoid sexual immorality, substance abuse, and dishonorable behavior. Care for your health. Use your body to serve God and others
17. Honor God by Honoring the Lord’s Day and Offerings
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits…” Proverbs 3:9
“Call the Sabbath a delight… honor Him…” Isaiah 58:13
How we treat time, money, and worship reflects what place God has in our lives
Give joyfully and generously. Set apart time for God. Serve God with the best of your resources, not leftovers
II. The Danger of Dishonor
“A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?” Malachi 1:6
In Malachi’s day, dishonor was rampant:
- They offered blemished sacrifices (Malachi 1:8)
- They served God half-heartedly
- Their worship had no weight, it was routine
God didn’t say they lacked sacrifices, He said they lacked honor
Consequences of dishonor:
Loss of favor, Judgment, rejection, and destruction:
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor?” (Malachi 1:6-8)
The priests offered defiled sacrifices, and God rejected their worship
“Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.“ 1 Samuel 2:30
God rebukes Eli for honoring his sons above Him, leading to the fall of his house, total destruction
“21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to Him, nor do they thank Him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. 22 They say they are wise, but they are fools; 23 instead of worshiping the immortal God, they worship images made to look like mortals or birds or animals or reptiles. 24 And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and they do shameful things with each other.” Romans 1:21-24
Dishonor led to idolatry, impurity, and moral decay
Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, each took his fire pan, put live coals in it, added incense, and presented it to the Lord. But this fire was not holy, because the Lord had not commanded them to present it. 2 Suddenly the Lord sent fire, and it burned them to death there in the presence of the Lord. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord was speaking about when he said, ‘All who serve me must respect my holiness; I will reveal my glory to my people.’” But Aaron remained silent. Leviticus 10:1-3
Nadab and Abihu dishonored God with unauthorized fire and were consumed by fire
Withheld blessings (Malachi 2)
“Now, O priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the Lord of hosts, Malachi 2:2(AMP)
Dishonor to God provokes curses
Loss of miracles and salvation for dishonoring Jesus
“A prophet is not without honor except in his own country. “Mark 6:4-6
Because of dishonor, Jesus could not do many miracles. Unbelief is an expression of dishonor to God
“He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” John 5:23
When we dishonor, we block God’s flow. When we honor, we open the gate of Heaven over our lives
III. Honor Transforms Your Walk
When you truly honor God:
a) You prioritize His voice and His ways
“Seek first the Kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33
b) You treat His name with reverence
“Hallowed be Thy name.” Matthew 6:9
c) You value His Word
“For all these things My hand has made, So all these things came into being [by and for Me],” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look [graciously], To him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who [reverently] trembles at My word and honors My commands.” Isaiah 66:2 AMP
d) You live with integrity
“O Lord, who may lodge [as a guest] in Your tent? Who may dwell [continually] on Your holy hill? 2 He who walks with integrity and strength of character, and works righteousness, And speaks and holds truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:1–2
e) You reflect His worth before others
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
4. Reflection Questions:
- Is there a leader, parent, or authority you need to forgive and bless
- Who in your life have you been tempted to dishonor? What does honoring them look like today
- How can you show honor to God in your words, time, and choices this week
5. How to Restore a Life of Honor
- Repent of casual Christianity Has God become common to you?
- Reverence God’s name and presence Are you aware when you’re in His house, His Word, or His Spirit?
- Honor God with your choices Every private decision is an opportunity to exalt or dishonor Him
- Live to please God, not man Fear of man is a trap. Honor is freedom
Conclusion: Let Your Life Declare – Honor Belongs to Our God!
We live in a culture that glorifies self, celebrates irreverence, and calls rebellion boldness. But God is raising up a remnant of worshipers whose lives cry out:
“Honor belongs to our God!”
Not just in church, Not just in moments of need
But in every decision, every room, every sacrifice
Prayer of Consecration
Father, forgive me for the times I treated You lightly. I repent of casual words, careless worship, and self-centered living. Teach me to honor You in secret and in public. Let my life esteem You as holy. Let my heart tremble before You again. I declare that all honor belongs to You, Lord, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Father, help me walk in the principle of honor. Teach me to see others as You see them. Let my life reflect Your heart, Your order, and Your glory. I choose to honor You by honoring those You’ve placed in my life. May my words, actions, and thoughts be filled with reverence and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Series Recap:
✅ Part 1: Salvation Belongs to Our God
✅ Part 2: Glory Belongs to Our God
✅ Part 3: Honor Belongs to Our God
🔜 Part 4: Power Belongs to Our God
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 