HONOURING YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADER

TITLE: HONOURING YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Timothy 5:17
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Galatians 6:6

INTRODUCTION:
Honouring spiritual leaders is a biblical principle that fosters growth in the body of Christ and brings blessings to those who obey. Spiritual leaders guide, teach, and watch over the souls of the flock, and the Scripture encourages believers to show them respect, love, and honour. This sermon explores the importance of honouring your spiritual leader and the blessings that follow.

1. HONOURING THROUGH OBEDIENCE

a) Spiritual Authority:
God has placed leaders in positions of spiritual authority to guide His people (Hebrews 13:17). Obeying their teachings and guidance is an act of honour.

b) Submission to Leadership:
Submitting to your leader shows trust in God's appointed authority and helps maintain order and unity within the church.

c) Following Instructions:
Following the instructions given by spiritual leaders reflects a heart that honours God's chosen servants.

d) Trusting Their Spiritual Oversight:
Spiritual leaders watch over your soul, and trusting their counsel shows respect for their divine calling (Hebrews 13:17).

Biblical Example:
The relationship between Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 18:24) demonstrates the blessings that come from obeying God's appointed leader.

2. HONOURING THROUGH SUPPORT

a) Praying for Your Leader:
Consistently praying for your spiritual leader is one way to show honour and contribute to their spiritual strength.

b) Offering Financial Support:
Galatians 6:6 teaches believers to share all good things with their instructors. Providing for their material needs is a practical way to honour them.

c) Offering Encouragement:
Encourage and uplift your spiritual leaders, acknowledging their hard work in leading the flock.

d) Supporting Their Vision:
Aligning yourself with the vision of your leader and helping to fulfil it honours their leadership and the calling of God on their life.

Biblical Example:
The Shunammite woman honoured Elisha by providing for his needs, which brought about her blessing (2 Kings 4:8-17).

3. HONOURING THROUGH LOVE AND RESPECT

a) Love Your Leader:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 urges believers to hold their leaders in high regard and love for their work's sake.

b) Respect their authority:
Respecting your leader's authority, even when you may not fully understand their decisions, honours their God-given position.

c) Avoiding Criticism and Gossip:
Do not participate in or spread negativity about your leader. Honour them by speaking well of them and protecting their reputation.

d) Practicing Gratitude:
Show gratitude for the sacrifices and efforts of your leader, acknowledging the spiritual nourishment they provide.

Biblical Example:
The early church members honoured the apostles and held them in high esteem, contributing to the church’s growth (Acts 5:12-13).

4. HONOURING THROUGH SERVICE

a) Serving the Vision:
Align your efforts with the mission of the church and actively serve in the areas your leader emphasizes.

b) Volunteering in Ministry:
Offering your time and skills to support the work of your spiritual leader is a practical demonstration of honour.

c) Being Available for Assignments:
Be readily available to assist your leader when they need help, showing honour through your dedication.

d) Fulfilling Your Duties Faithfully:
When given a task or role within the church, completing it diligently reflects honour for your leader’s trust in you.

Biblical Example:
Joshua served Moses faithfully, which prepared him to lead the people after Moses’ death (Numbers 27:18-23).

5. HONOURING THROUGH DEFENDING THEIR INTEGRITY

a) Standing Up for Your Leader:
Defend your spiritual leader when others attempt to tarnish their name or ministry.

b) Not Entertaining Slander:
Refuse to participate in or entertain any form of gossip or slander against your leader.

c) Honouring Them Publicly:
Publicly acknowledging and honouring your leader shows that you respect and value their work.

d) Covering Them in Prayer:
Pray for protection over your leader’s character and integrity, knowing that the enemy often targets leaders.

Biblical Example:
David refused to harm Saul, even when Saul sought his life, showing great honour for God's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).

CONCLUSION:
Honouring your spiritual leader is both a command and a blessing. By showing obedience, offering support, respecting their authority, serving faithfully, and defending their integrity, you honour not only them but also the God who called them. In return, God promises to bless you and the work of the church will flourish.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me the grace to honour my spiritual leader with sincerity and love.

2. Father, help me to be obedient and submissive to godly leadership.

3. O Lord, protect and strengthen my spiritual leaders in their service to You.

4. Father, open doors of provision for my leader and their family.

5. Lord, guard the integrity and reputation of my spiritual leader.

6. Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom in supporting the vision of my leader.

7. Lord, let my service to the church be a reflection of honour towards my leader.

8. Father, remove every spirit of criticism and gossip from my life.

9. Lord, bless me as I honour my leader, according to Your word.

10. Father, help me to defend and uphold the integrity of my spiritual leader.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will honour your spiritual leaders and receive divine favour.

2. Your obedience and support will open doors of supernatural blessings.

3. You will serve faithfully in the house of the Lord, and your labour will not be in vain.

4. Every plan of the enemy against your spiritual leader is destroyed in Jesus' name.

5. The Lord will increase your love and respect for your leaders.

6. God will reward your honour with breakthroughs in your personal life.

7. You will be a pillar of support for your spiritual leader’s vision.

8. No weapon formed against your spiritual leader shall prosper.

9. As you pray for your leader, divine protection will surround your family.

10. Your honour for God’s servant will cause the windows of heaven to open over you.