LIVING IN HONOR: RECOGNIZING GOD, YOURSELF, AND OTHERS.
Announcements:
YOUNG ADULTS WORSHIP NIGHT
Thursday, January 29th 6:30pm
KIDS BOWL
Sunday, February 8th
VOW RENEWAL & PURITY SERVICE
Sunday, February 15th 6PM
Icebreaker — “Living Small or Living Large?”
Where have you noticed yourself playing it safe lately?
What’s one area where you’ve felt stretched (in a good way) recently?
“Living small or large doesn’t start with our circumstances. It starts with what we make room for on the inside.”
4 Ways To Live In Honor.
Colossians 1:15 [NET], Colossians 1:19-27 [NET], 1 Corinthians 6:17 [NLT], Hebrews 8:12 [NKJV]
1. Honor God by Seeing Him Clearly.
Christ is the image of the invisible God” [Colossians 1:15]. Honor starts with perspective. The way we see God shapes the way we live. Misperceiving God leads to a shaky faith and misguided identity. Seeing Him accurately leads to worship and obedience born from love, not fear. God wants us to take time to reflect on who He really is, beyond circumstances, teachings, or personal biases. Honor Him by letting His truth define your reality.
Reflection Questions:
How do I currently perceive God—through His Word or through my circumstances?
In what ways can I focus more on Christ as the full revelation of God today?
2. Honor Yourself by Accepting His Perspective of You.
“He has reconciled you… to present you holy, without blemish and blameless” [Colossians 1:22]. Honor yourself by recognizing your worth through God’s eyes. You are holy, blameless, and fully accepted — not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Christ has done. False humility or self-condemnation dishonors God’s work in you. He desires for us to walk in our identity, not based on our failures or what others say about us, but on God’s declaration of who we are.
Reflection Questions:
Do I believe God’s view of me (holy, blameless, accepted) more than the world’s view or my own doubts?
Which areas of my life show I am not fully living in God’s acceptance?
How can I remind myself daily of my true identity in Christ?
3. Honor Others by Extending Grace and Encouragement.
“I rejoice in my sufferings for you, filling up in my body what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, the church” [Colossians 1:24]. Honor is not just vertical toward God or internal toward self. It’s relational. Paul suffered and served so others could understand and experience God’s love. Recognizing others’ struggles and encouraging them in Christ honors God’s image in them. We live a life of honor when we speak life, offer support, and celebrate the God-given potential in people. Our respect and affirmation reflects God’s honor outwardly.
Reflection Questions:
Who around me needs to experience God’s love through my words or actions?
How do my interactions either encourage or discourage others in their identity in Christ?
What practical step can I take this week to honor someone as God’s image-bearer?
4. Honor His Glory By Living From Christ In You.
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” [Colossians 1:27]. Honor flows from living in the reality that Christ is not distant—He is in you. Your actions, choices, and words carry the authority and power of His presence. Living as a reflection of Him honors God and magnifies His glory in your life. We are called to live intentionally from the power, love, and wisdom of Christ within us. Let our life be a tribute to His presence, not a struggle to gain approval from the world.
Reflection Questions:
Do I live each day aware that Christ is in me, or do I act as if He is distant?
In what ways can my words, choices, and actions better reflect the presence and glory of Christ?
How can I intentionally live from Christ this week instead of seeking approval or validation from others?
WEEKLY DECLARATION:
“This week, I choose to honor God by seeing Him clearly, trusting the full revelation of who He is, and aligning my heart with His truth. I refuse to settle for incomplete or false perspectives, and I open myself to the wisdom, love, and power of Christ in my life. I honor myself by embracing the identity He has given me, knowing that I am holy, blameless, and fully accepted in His sight. I will no longer let condemnation, shame, or the opinions of others define me, but I will walk in the freedom and authority of who I am in Him. I honor others by reflecting God’s love, grace, and mercy in my words, my actions, and my interactions, serving as a light and encouragement to those around me. I honor His glory by living from Christ within me, allowing His presence to guide my choices, fuel my purpose, and magnify His name in every area of my life. I declare that my life is a living tribute to God’s power, presence, and glory, and that I will walk this week fully aligned with His purpose, fully empowered by His Spirit, and fully confident in His love — in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
