HONORED OR DESPISED By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:30 – "Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.’"
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Introduction
Every day, people make choices—whether to live in truth or falsehood, in righteousness or sin. These choices define whether they honor God or despise Him. God calls His people to live in obedience, for those who claim to belong to Him while walking in sin are, in reality, despising Him. The Bible makes it clear that those who honor God through obedience will be honored by Him, but those who reject His ways will be rejected. This message serves as a reminder that our decisions either bring us into God's favor or place us under His judgment.
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Those Who Honor God Walk in Obedience
John 14:15 – "If you love me, keep my commands."
Obedience to God is a true demonstration of honor. Those who love the Lord follow His commandments and seek to live according to His Word. They do not compromise with sin but rather strive for righteousness in every aspect of their lives. Honoring God means surrendering our will to Him and walking in faithfulness, regardless of external pressures.
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The Deception of Those Who Claim to Love God but Live in Sin
Titus 1:16 – "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good."
Many people profess their love for God, yet their actions contradict their words. Hypocrisy is a dangerous state, for it deceives not only others but also the individual living in it. Those who refuse to surrender their sinful ways but still claim to belong to Christ are walking in rebellion. Such people are not honoring God but despising Him through their choices.
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The Danger of Spiritual Deception and Double-Mindedness
James 1:8 – "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
Those who attempt to live both in the world and in God’s kingdom are spiritually unstable. They are like shifting shadows, constantly changing according to their desires. The Bible warns against being lukewarm in faith. True believers must stand firm and not be swayed by the deceitfulness of sin. To honor God, one must be steadfast, unwavering, and fully committed to His ways.
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The Fate of Those Who Despise God
Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Those who persist in sin and reject God’s truth will eventually face the consequences of their rebellion. The end of those who despise God is misery, destruction, and eternal separation from Him. God does not take pleasure in the downfall of the wicked, but He allows people to reap the results of their choices. Hell is real, and those who choose sin over righteousness will face eternal judgment.
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Walking in the Spirit to Avoid Deception
Galatians 5:16 – "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
God has given His Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth and holiness. Those who are led by the Spirit will not fall into the deception of sin but will live lives that glorify and honor God. To walk in honor before the Lord, one must remain sensitive to His Spirit, listening and obeying His guidance daily.
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Summary
Honoring God is demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness. Those who claim to love Him yet walk in sin are despising Him and placing themselves under judgment. The Bible is clear that double-mindedness and spiritual deception lead to destruction. However, those who truly love the Lord will walk in the Spirit, rejecting sin and embracing holiness.
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Conclusion
The choice between being honored by God or despised by Him lies in the decisions we make daily. True believers do not play games with sin but remain steadfast in faith, following God wholeheartedly. There is no room for compromise in the kingdom of God. The time to choose righteousness is now.
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Call to Action
Examine your life and ask yourself: Are you truly honoring God through your actions, or are you despising Him by your choices? Turn away from all forms of hypocrisy and sin. Seek God with all your heart, and commit to living a life that pleases Him.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Isaiah 1:18 – "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
God’s mercy is available to all who genuinely repent and turn to Him. Do not let sin separate you from His love. Choose today to walk in obedience and receive the blessings that come with honoring God.
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Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I come before You today, recognizing that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I surrender my life to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in righteousness. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
