Talk

Humility & Honor

jw-8385-media
Jacob Harkey
Feb 26

In an increasingly divided world, how can the church display a unified culture that is worthy of the cause of Jesus?

As we continue in our series through 1 Thessalonians, Paul offers the church a framework for unity: servant leaders and supportive followers. We are excited to be led through this 1 Thessalonians passage by Jacob Harkey.

Key Takeaway

We want to display peace and unity by admonishing, honoring, and respecting our leadership, ultimately glorifying God.

  1. Recognize and respect the legitimacy of your leaders.

  2. Leadership isn't lording over people, it's laboring among them.

  3. Leadership is a heavy responsibility as leaders to account to God.

  4. Leadership requires you to call people out and up to help them thrive.

  5. Esteem your leaders highly. Show leadership that they're honored by going above and beyond and be generous with respect out of love and care for them.

"We don't have a five-step plan for you but we have a kind and humble and loving servant who came for us."
Jacob Harkey

Discussion Questions

    1. What makes a leader worthy of honoring, emulating, and elevating?

    2. How have you seen leaders taking advantage of their power?

    3. Does it give you peace or instill fear knowing that spiritual leadership leads to giving God an account at the end of this life?

    4. How have you had to call people out and up in love for them to grow?

    5. How have you been called out and up to grow?

    6. How do you honor leaders in your life?

    7. Do you pray for your leaders? How can you pray for them?

Scripture References

3.Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
12.Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13.Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
28.just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
26.Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.
17.Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Psalm 133 A song of ascents. Of David. 1.How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2.It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3.It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

 


jw-8385-media
Jacob Harkey
Spiritual Formation Director at Passion City Church, Washington D.C.