Respect And Honor

Terry Siverd
03/12/23 - Sun AM

Link to sermon video: Respect And Honor - T Siverd

RESPECT AND HONOR

Sermon By Terry Siverd /March 12, 2023 / Cortland  Church of Christ  - - www.cortlandcoc.org

In this sermon series we are attempting to explore and expand upon QUALITIES THAT HELP US TO SHINE

There are a variety of phrases in our New Testament that address this general topic.

We can speak of cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22f) or displaying Christian virtues (2Pet.1:3f).

We can emphasize the need to acquire the mind of Christ (Col.3:16)/

We might also refer to possessing the aroma of Christ (2Cor.2:15).  The fragrance or scent of Jesus.

For those who want to think in more manly terms, we could speak of having the mark of a Christian.

Years ago the late Francis Schaeffer wrote a really thought-provoking book bearing this title.

Guys seem to be more eager to show their scars that to discuss smelling good.

The apostle Paul closes out his letter to the Galatians, declaring, I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus (Gal.6:17).

I sometimes show others a scratch on my hand that was obtained by defying my dear Aunt Barb.

My aim over the next several weeks is to urge us to grow in our faith.

In our recent sermon series on Christology, we took a deeper look at the humanity of Jesus.

In some ways this new series is a natural extension of that earlier series. 

Throughout His incarnation Jesus showed us how to live.  The spoken words of Jesus are amplified by His lifestyle.

The prologue of John's gospel states (Jn.1:14) - - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of GRACE and truth.

Jesus led a gracious life.  This word “gracious” is defined as characterized by kindness and warm courtesy.

John's first epistle includes a litmus test that can help us monitor our progress as Christians.

1Jn.2:6 states, the one who says he abides in Him ought himself walk in the same manner as He walked.

If we want to fairly critique our Christian walk, we need to ask ourselves often:  Am I looking more and more like Jesus?.

I purchased a book from a used bookstore in Alabama, A House Called Memory, by Richard Collier.

Richard grew up in a modest manor house in England during the time between the WWI and WWII.  As an only child, following the passing of his parents, he had to decide to sell or keep “the house”.  The book is a reflection on the

many rich lessons he learned while living in that home.  One day when Lucy the household maid was absent, Lily took her place and was prodding young Richard to get ready for bed.  Richard rebelled, saying, “Great fat lump, I won't go

till  I'm ready.”  Lily threatened to tell Richard's father.  Unbeknownst to Richard or Lily the dad had overheard

this exchange while sitting in the parlor and became proactive in correcting Richard.  (Read from pages 54-55).

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught (Mt.7:12) - - however you want people to treat you, so treat them...

Living by this “golden rule” is a behavior that requires our constant attention - - every day and in every way 

I !hink our christian witness has been sorely dimmed (and damaged) by our failure to implement this teaching.

Both Peter and Paul record similar admonitions.  Peter says in 1Pet.2:17, HONOR all men.  Paul writes in Rom.12:10b,

Give preference to one another in honor.  Sometimes rendered as, outdo one another in showing HONOR.

All of the people around us are worthy of honor.

A few years back I heard a Christian woman reference another woman as “white trash”.

I think that had she been Mr. Collier's daughter, Mr. Collier would have given her a real “talking”.

The test for us as followers of Jesus is not, can I love Jesus?, but rather can I love Judas?.

Acts records the upshot of a vision that Peter received prior to visiting the household of Cornelius (a Gentile).

Peter reiterated (Acts 10:34) - - I most certainly understand now that God is not One to show partiality,

but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him.  

When we read about Jesus, He is always showing honor to those around Him.

Even when scolding the Jewish leaders, His comments are laced with prayer and heartache (Mt.23:37).

In fact, when we look closely, it seems that Jesus goes out of His way to honor ones whom we might deem unworthy:

the poor … the outcasts (lepers) ... the downtrodden ... children ... women ... slaves …

despised turncoats like Zaccheus and even Judas ... Samaritans ... servants and/or slaves.

In addressing the life struggles of our peers - - being hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned, Jesus told his disciples (Mt.25:34f - - to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.

Bonhoeffer described Jesus as the man for OTHERS.  

Philip Yancey in, The Jesus I Never Knew, writes (pg.85):  He let Himself get distracted by any 'nobody' He came across.”

I might add, that for Jesus the nobodies of society were not a dis-traction but the main attraction.

We are living in an age when some are quick to accuse others of being racists.

When visiting with us a few years ago, my nephew Isaiah once asked, “are there no Hispanics around here?”

Actually we don't have a large segment of the Latino population in Warren.

We do have our share of ethnicities in our local melting pot:  Irish, Italian, Polish, Hungarian & Greek.

In 2022  I was treated by about 15 different doctors, many from a wide range of nationalities.

About three or so decades ago Jeannie and I worshiped with a congregation in Cincinnati.

It seemed like all of the eight men or so serving the Lord's supper were of a different nationality.

It was a beautiful thing to see the Lord's church becoming a melting pot of people of all stripes.

Not just differing races and nationalities, but also from differing stratas of society.

Christian discipleship has no room whatsoever for elitism!

But today I'm not addressing a racial issue, per se, but we are addressing the sin of rudeness - - rudeness and disrespect. 

The apostle Paul underscores this in 1Cor.13:5 - - (love) does not act unbecomingly or love is not rude.

Rudeness might also be referred to as a DISCOURTESY.  It displays the absence of respect and honor.

W.B.J. Martin notes that there are three kinds of rudeness:  accidental … unconscious … and intentional.

Even if our discourteous deeds are unconscious or accidental they are not excusable. 

And intentional rudeness is without a doubt unacceptable.

So here's our assignment.  Let's put a stop to all manner of rudeness on our part.

Wherever we are - - at church, home, work or play, let us work diligently at being kind and courteous.

May it be our prayer to invite God to use us as instruments of His grace in showing others honor and respect