Bridging the Gap | Week Three

Published September 14, 2025
Bridging the Gap | Week Three

Main Idea: Honor is the kingdom posture that unlocks blessing, builds bridges, and reflects the heart of Jesus across generations. 

1. Opener: Real Talk 

Ask everyone: 

Growing up, what did “honoring someone” look like in your family or community? Was it modeled well—or not at all? 

2. Scripture Focus 

Read aloud: Revelation 4:11, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17 
Optional: Exodus 20:12, Philippians 2:4–11 

 

Context Recap: 

  • We live in a culture where honor has often been replaced by criticism or disregard. 
  • In God’s Kingdom, honor flows first toward God, then to all people, then leaders/authorities, and finally to parents and elders. 
  • Honor isn’t blind agreement—it’s choosing value, respect, and kingdom posture in both attitude and action.

    • 3. Group Discussion 

    Big Idea 1: Honor Begins with God 

    • “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power…” (Revelation 4:11) 
    • What does it practically look like to “honor God” in your daily life? 
    • How can our outward expressions (worship, obedience, prayer) reflect an inward posture of reverence? 

    Big Idea 2: Honor All People 

    • “Respect everyone… for they have been made in the image of God.” (James 3:9, 1 Peter 2:17) 
    • Why is it difficult to honor people we disagree with or don’t understand? 
    • What does it say about our own view of God when we dishonor others made in His image? 

    Big Idea 3: Honor Leaders and Authorities 

    • “Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work…” (1 Thess. 5:12) 
    • How do we distinguish between blind loyalty and biblical honor? 
    • Have you ever experienced God’s blessing when you chose honor over criticism? 

    Optional Illustration: David honored King Saul even when Saul was actively hunting him. Why do you think God blessed David’s restraint and posture? 

    Big Idea 4: Honor Parents and Elders 

    •  “Honor your father and mother…” (Exodus 20:12) 
    • What barriers keep us from honoring our parents or elders—especially when the relationship is complicated? 
    • What can honoring them look like practically, even if emotional closeness isn’t possible? 

    Bonus Reflection: Read Ruth 1:16–17. How did Ruth’s posture of honor lead to her being included in God’s redemptive plan? 

    4. Application: Take It Home 
    • Ask each person to reflect on and share (if comfortable): 
    • Who is God asking me to honor differently this week (leader, parent, spouse, co-worker)? 
    • Where is honor missing in my attitude—even if my actions seem “right”? 
    • Is there someone I need to repent to—or about—so I can realign with God’s heart? 
  • “Honor is the vessel by which God often delivers His blessings. Are you blocking a blessing by withholding honor?”

    • 5. Prayer Focus: The Posture of Jesus 
    • Pray together through Philippians 2:4–11, asking God to: 
    • Humble your hearts like Jesus. 
    • Fill your homes and church with true honor. 
    • Heal generational and positional rifts through a spirit of value, grace, and submission. 

    Optional Prompt: Pray aloud a blessing over your group’s leaders, parents, or elders. If you’re meeting intergenerationally, have older and younger members pray for one another.