Christian Life Table Discussions

Having God in the place of honor

Select Leader who will decide when to move from section to section. Select the person with the oldest living parent or grandparent.

Introduce one another and then discuss: If you were preparing a banquet to honor the relative you mentioned above, or some other person whom you especially respect, such as a teacher or someone who has done an act of self-sacrifice, what would you plan to do or say to show that you regarded them with high honor? (then, after all have spoken, “would any of these ways also be ways you could show honor to God?)

Bible Basis. When Matthew 6:9 says “Hallowed be Thy Name,” The word translated as “hallowed” is the Greek word that means holy, in other words, “set apart as special in a religious sense.” Attempting to bring out this Greek meaning, the New Living Translation translates this sentence as “may your name be kept holy;” the Holman translation as “your name be honored as holy;” and the English Standard Bible as “let your name be treated with reverence.”

Personalize. To help one another see the relevance of the topic for life today, please read over all the following questions, and then let people talk about any of them (it is not necessary to take them in order or to talk about all of them).

The Questions: Have we sometimes neglected to give God the respect he deserves? Why does this happen? What things tend to take God’s “place of honor”  in our lives? When you are in a difficult situation, how would it show that you are “putting God first” in coping with the situation?

God’s Word. Each verse below presents a concrete way in which God could be “put in first place.” For each verse, discuss how the idea could come into play in your daily life.

Matthew 5:16. Let you light shine before men in such a way that when they see your good works, they will give glory to your father in heaven.

1 Peter 3:14-5. But even if you should suffer for what is right,  you are blessed. … Do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart (this is the same term translated by the word “hallowed” in the Lord’s Prayer) Christ as Lord.

1 Cor 6:20. Do you now know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor (literally “bring glory to”) God with your body.

Application. Based on the verses above, I think God’s will for me today is … (this may be different for each person)

Insight. What is there about me that keeps me from doing this? (This will provide insight into your sin nature, whether it be areas of deliberate disobedience or weakness. Seeing our sin afresh leads to seeing our savior afresh).

Christ. How is he the answer to the particular insights surfaced above (these would  include forgiveness for what is past, and strengthening your new life for the next time to temptation comes up). Prayer at this point could include repenting of sins, and asking God to bring about change.

Future. Promises to rely on next time the problem arises:

Philippians 2:13. It is God who works in you both to will and to act according to His good pleasure.