DIVINE HONOUR

Title: DIVINE HONOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 2:30
"Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."

Supporting Texts:
Proverbs 3:9-10, John 12:26, Psalm 84:11, 1 Peter 2:7, Revelation 22:12

INTRODUCTION:
Divine honour is the recognition, elevation, and exaltation granted by God in response to one’s faithfulness, obedience, and reverence toward Him. Honour in this context is not based on worldly standards, but on a divine principle that aligns with God's promises for those who walk in His ways. To be honoured by God is to receive His favour, blessing, and a place of distinction in His kingdom. As believers, we must pursue God with a heart of honour, knowing that He rewards those who honour Him with His divine recognition and favour.

1. THE MEANING OF DIVINE HONOUR

a) Honour as Reverence and Worship:
Divine honour begins with a heart of reverence and worship toward God, acknowledging His supremacy and authority in our lives (Psalm 95:6).

b) A Reward for Obedience:
God honours those who faithfully obey His commands and serve Him with sincerity (John 12:26).

c) Elevation and Exaltation:
Divine honour often leads to elevation, where God raises up individuals from obscurity to places of influence and leadership (Esther 2:17).

d) Honour Is God’s Gift:
Divine honour is a gift from God, not something we can earn on our own but something God bestows on those who honour Him (1 Peter 2:7).

e) Biblical Example: God honoured David by making him king after his years of faithful service (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

2. HOW GOD HONOURS HIS PEOPLE

a) Promoting and Lifting Up:
God honours His people by promoting them to positions of prominence and influence (Psalm 75:6-7).

b) Bestowing Honour in the Presence of Others:
Divine honour often comes in public form, where God lifts His people in front of others, causing them to be seen and respected (Psalm 23:5).

c) Granting Wisdom and Understanding:
God honours those who seek His wisdom by granting them understanding beyond their years (Daniel 2:48).

d) Providing Spiritual Gifts and Authority:
God honours believers by bestowing spiritual gifts and authority to impact the kingdom of God (Ephesians 4:11-12).

e) Biblical Example:  Esther’s divine honour led to her becoming queen and delivering her people (Esther 4:14-16).

3. THE PRINCIPLE OF HONOURING GOD

a) Honour with Our Time:
One way to honour God is by dedicating our time to Him through prayer, worship, and serving others (Ephesians 5:16).

b) Honour with Our Possessions:
Honour God by giving Him the first and the best of what we have, recognizing His sovereignty over all things (Proverbs 3:9-10).

c) Honour through Obedience to His Word:
True honour is expressed by obeying God's commands, even when it requires sacrifice (John 14:15).

d) Honour through Humility and Service:
Humbling ourselves in service to others is a way of honouring God, as He calls us to serve in His name (Matthew 23:11-12).

e) Biblical Example: The widow who gave her two mites demonstrated true honour to God through sacrificial giving (Mark 12:41-44).

4. THE BLESSINGS OF DIVINE HONOUR

a) God’s Presence and Favour:
Honour brings God’s presence and favour into our lives, leading to peace and joy (Psalm 84:11).

b) Spiritual Growth and Maturity:
Honour toward God results in spiritual growth, as we align ourselves with His will (Colossians 2:6-7).

c) Prosperity and Success:
God honours those who honour Him by prospering them in their work, relationships, and endeavours (Joshua 1:8).

d) Divine Protection and Deliverance:
God protects and delivers those who honour Him, keeping them from harm and danger (Psalm 91:14).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel was honoured by God with wisdom, promotion, and divine protection despite his challenges (Daniel 6:3-28).

5. HOW TO WALK IN DIVINE HONOUR

a) Cultivate a Life of Reverence:
To walk in divine honour, we must cultivate a life of reverence, acknowledging God's greatness in every area of our lives (Psalm 89:7).

b) Live a Life of Integrity:
Honour is also found in integrity—doing what is right even when no one is watching (Proverbs 10:9).

c) Seek God’s Approval, Not Man’s:
The desire for divine honour should surpass the need for human approval (Galatians 1:10).

d) Serve God and Others Selflessly:
Selfless service to God and others is a practical way of walking in honour (Mark 9:35).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ life of humble service and obedience to the Father led to His exaltation (Philippians 2:5-11).

CONCLUSION:
Divine honour is a result of recognising and revering God for who He is and giving Him the respect and glory He deserves. Those who honour God through their lives, actions, and obedience are elevated, rewarded, and blessed by Him. Honour is both a command from God and a blessing to receive. As we seek to honour God in all that we do, He promises to honour us, bringing His presence, protection, and prosperity into our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I honour You with all my heart, soul, and mind today.

2. Lord, help me to walk in reverence and humility before You.

3. I receive the divine honour that You have prepared for me in Jesus' name.

4. Father, elevate me and place me in positions of influence for Your glory.

5. I honour You with my time, my resources, and my obedience.

6. Lord, bless me with wisdom, understanding, and authority as You honour me.

7. Father, protect me and deliver me from every danger as I honour You.

8. I pray for divine promotion and prosperity in every area of my life.

9. May Your presence be my portion as I walk in honour before You.

10. Lord, give me the grace to serve You and others with a heart of honour.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will experience divine honour as you humble yourself before the Lord.

2. The Lord will promote you and bring you to a place of prominence and influence.

3. God will honour you with wisdom and understanding that surpasses your natural ability.

4. You will experience divine favour and protection as you honour the Lord.

5. The Lord will reward your faithfulness with blessings beyond measure.

6. Your life will be a testimony of God's honour and glory.

7. You will walk in integrity and receive honour from both God and man.

8. Divine elevation and opportunities will be your portion as you honour God.

9. Your life will shine as a beacon of God's goodness and honour.

10. The Lord will use you as a vessel of honour to bring glory to His name.