Bible Study February 26, 2025
“Honor Those You Find Difficult to Honor”
The scriptures teach us to honor those in leadership. This means those in authority in the home, in the workplace, in the community, in our state and national government. I do not know how many of you reading this have ever served in government, I can say I have served as a city councilman so I can speak with some authority. The following verses give us scriptural insight to this very subject.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all human beings, 2 including kings and all in positions of prominence; so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives, being godly and upright in everything. 3 This is what God, our Deliverer, regards as good; this is what meets his approval. 4 He wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth.” Instructs people to pray for all people in authority, including kings, encourages people to pray for peaceful and quiet lives, and teaches people to pray for those in high positions.
Psalm 45:4 “Go and succeed in your grandeur! Ride out on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness! Let your strong hand perform awesome deeds.” Encourages people to pray for political leaders to lead with meekness and for the cause of truth, asks God to humble the hearts and minds of leaders.
Philippians 2:3 “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Encourages people to pray for leaders to serve, not lead selfishly or for personal ambition, and asks God to raise up servant leaders.
Why do I pick such a topic today? In case you have not seen the news lately (over the past forty years) there has been complaining by some on those in leadership at all levels of the government. It makes a vast difference how we pray for those in leadership. You may not like the person but we are called to pray them anyway. I know it sounds difficult to put your personal feelings aside but that we must do.
Does it mean we cannot speak against what we believe is wrong? Absolutely not, we have a voice. There is a vast difference between speaking a policy and speaking against the man. But let me make a simple warning here: you may dislike the person. you may dislike their policies, but that does not give you a right to curse them. Blessing and cursing cannot come out of the mouth at the same time.
Sometimes we are called to do the very thing we dislike the most but when we are obedient the blessings of God will chase you down and overcome you.
Seek what the kingdom directs you to do.
Asbury Chapel 