Respect
Links to each Session:
Session 1: "The Foundation of Respect: Honoring God First" Proverbs 1:7, 1 Samuel 2:30, Matthew: 37-38
Session 2: "Respecting Others: Created in God’s Image" Genesis 1:27, Romans 12:10, James 3:9
Session 3: "Respect for Authority: Trusting God’s Order" Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:17, Hebrews 13:17
Session 4: "Self-Respect: Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes "Psalm 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Session 5: "Respect in the Home: Honoring Generations" Ephesians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Colossians 3:18-21
Session 6: "Living a Life Worthy of Respect" Titus 2:7, Philippians 2:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Why this Subject Matters
We live in a time when values are shifting and many voices clamor for attention. This study reminds us that God’s truth stands firm and that respect is central to Christian living. It strengthens our walk with God, fortifies our families, and fosters peace in our communities. As Dr. Howard Hendricks once said, “The Bible was not written to satisfy your curiosity, but to change your life.” “Cultivating a Life of Respect” is not just another Bible study—it is an invitation to embody the character of Christ in ways that bring glory to God and encouragement to those around us.
Bible Study Class — “Cultivating a Life of Respect”
Session 1: The Foundation of Respect: Honoring God First
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
Scripture: Proverbs 1:7, 1 Samuel 2:30, Matthew 22:37-38
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, watch for how respect connects to wisdom and understanding. Notice the promise God makes to those who honor Him. Pay attention to what Jesus calls the most important commandment and how it relates to our daily lives.
Personal Reflection Questions
Think about someone you deeply respect. What is it about them that earns your respect, and how do they show respect to others?
If you could ask God one question about how to show Him proper honor in today's world, what would it be?
Scripture References: Proverbs 1:7, 1 Samuel 2:30, Matthew 22:37-38
Proverbs 1:7
7 Fear
of the Lord is
the foundation of true knowledge,
but
fools despise wisdom and discipline.
1 Samuel 2:30
30 “Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.
Matthew 22:37-38
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Overview
In our culture today, respect seems to be disappearing. Road rage, social media arguments, and political division show us a world that has forgotten how to honor one another. But the Bible teaches us something different. True respect doesn't start with how others treat us or whether they "deserve" it. It starts with how we view God. When we truly understand who God is and honor Him first, it changes everything about how we see and treat other people. This isn't old-fashioned thinking – it's the foundation for building a society where people can live together in peace.
This May Surprise You
Many people think respect is something you earn, but God's kind of respect is something you give. The Hebrew word for "fear" in "fear of the Lord" doesn't mean being scared of God like we might fear a storm. It means having such a deep understanding of His greatness and goodness that we naturally want to honor Him. It's like the respect a child has for a loving but strong father – not terror, but awe mixed with love and trust.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: Wisdom Starts with God (Proverbs 1:7) "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
Comment: This verse tells us that all real wisdom begins with properly understanding who God is. When we respect God as the source of all truth and goodness, we develop the ability to make wise choices in life. People who reject this foundation often make foolish decisions because they're building on sand instead of rock.
Point 2: God Honors Those Who Honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30) "Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me."
Comment: God isn't playing favorites here. He's explaining a spiritual principle that works like gravity – it's always in effect. When we honor God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. When we treat Him lightly, we cut ourselves off from His best for our lives. This isn't about earning God's love, but about opening our hearts to receive it.
Point 3: Love God With Everything (Matthew 22:37-38) "Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'"
Comment: Jesus makes it clear that loving God completely is the most important thing we can do. This isn't just Sunday morning worship – it means bringing God into our thoughts, feelings, and decisions every day. When God has first place in our hearts, everything else finds its proper place too.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
In
today’s culture, respect is often demanded but rarely given. People
are encouraged to trust their own instincts and define truth for
themselves. But the Bible reminds us that respect starts by placing
God in His rightful place—above our feelings, above public opinion,
and above our own desires. Honoring God becomes a compass that helps
us navigate a confusing world with clarity and conviction.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Carpenter’s Plumb Line"
In a small village tucked between green hills and winding streams, there lived an old carpenter named Eli. He was known not just for his skill, but for how he treated people—with patience, kindness, and fairness. What set Eli apart, however, wasn’t his craftsmanship, but what hung from a nail above his workbench: an old, worn plumb line.
When asked about it, Eli would smile and say, “This keeps everything straight.”
One day, a young apprentice named Jonah asked, “Why not trust your eyes? You’ve been doing this for years.”
Eli paused, then said, “Because eyes can be tricked, hearts can grow proud, and hands can get careless. But this line doesn’t lie. It hangs from above, pulled straight by gravity. It's outside me, not part of me.”
He then tapped his chest gently and added, “Just like God’s truth. I treat others right because I’ve learned to fear the Lord first. He’s my plumb line. Without Him, all my work—and my ways—would lean crooked.”
In time, Jonah became a fine carpenter. And above his own bench, he too hung a plumb line.
Take-Home Thought
God's plan for respect is beautiful and simple. He knows that when we truly understand His love, power, and goodness, we naturally want to honor Him. And when we honor God, something wonderful happens – we start seeing other people the way He sees them. We remember that every person we meet is made in God's image and loved by Him. This changes how we talk to the grocery clerk, how we drive in traffic, and how we respond when someone disagrees with us.
The world tries to teach us that respect is earned through success, money, or power. But God teaches us that respect flows from love – His love for us, and our love for Him. When we get this foundation right, respect becomes natural instead of forced. We don't have to work up feelings of respect for difficult people. Instead, we can respect them because we respect God who made them.
Quotes
Charles Spurgeon: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they that lack this beginning will never attain to a blessed ending."
A.W. Tozer: "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God."
Biblical Connections
Genesis 1:27 - "So God created human beings in his own image" connects to why we should respect all people
Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema command to love God with all your heart echoes Jesus' words in Matthew
Psalm 111:10 - "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom" parallels Proverbs 1:7
1 Peter 2:17 - "Respect everyone, and love the family of believers" shows how honoring God leads to honoring others
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we understand that God is completely trustworthy and deserving of our highest honor, it becomes easier to trust Him with our daily concerns. If He's wise enough to create the universe and loving enough to care about every detail of our lives, then He's certainly able to handle whatever we're facing today. Trusting God starts with respecting who He is – and when we do that, we find peace even in uncertain times.
Session 2: Respecting Others: Created in God's Image
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
Scripture: Genesis 1:27, Romans 12:10, James 3:9
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, notice how God describes the special way He created people. Look for the connection between how we treat God and how we treat others. Pay attention to the strong warning about using our words in different ways toward different people.
Personal Reflection Questions
Think of someone who is hard for you to respect. What would change if you truly believed God loves that person as much as He loves you?
When was the last time someone treated you with unexpected kindness or respect? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?
Scripture References: Genesis 1:27, Romans 12:10, James 3:9
Genesis 1:27
27 So
God created human beings in his own image.
In
the image of God he created them;
male
and female he created them.
Romans 12:10
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
James 3:9
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
Overview
We live in a world that sorts people into categories. Rich or poor, educated or not, our race or theirs, our political party or the other one. Social media makes it easy to forget there are real people behind the screen names. But God sees something we often miss – every single person carries His image. The homeless man, the rude customer, the politician we disagree with, even the person who hurt us – they all bear the mark of their Creator. This changes everything about how we should treat them. It's not about being politically correct or following social rules. It's about recognizing the sacred worth that God placed in every human being.
This May Surprise You
The phrase "image of God" in Genesis doesn't mean we look like God physically. It means we have qualities that reflect who God is – we can think, create, love, make moral choices, and have relationships. Even when sin damages these qualities in someone, the image is still there. It's like a valuable painting that gets dirty or torn – it's still precious because of who created it. This is why every person deserves basic respect, no matter what they've done or how they act.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: The Divine Image in Everyone (Genesis 1:27) "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Comment: This verse is one of the most important statements about human worth ever written. It tells us that every person – regardless of age, race, ability, or social status – carries something of God's nature within them. When we disrespect another person, we're not just being rude to them. We're showing disrespect to the God whose image they carry. This should make us think twice before we speak harshly or treat someone as less valuable.
Point 2: Love Others Like Family (Romans 12:10) "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."
Comment: Paul isn't just talking about being polite here. He's calling us to treat other believers like beloved family members – the kind where you're genuinely happy to see them succeed. The word "delight" suggests we should actually enjoy showing respect to others. This goes against our natural tendency to compete or put ourselves first. When we follow this command, we create communities where people feel valued and safe.
Point 3: Watch Your Words (James 3:9) "Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God."
Comment: James points out something we all do but rarely think about. We use the same mouth to worship God on Sunday and then criticize His image-bearers during the week. He's saying this doesn't make sense. If we truly respect God, we should respect the people He made. Our words reveal what we really believe about God's worth and other people's value.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
Our
culture tends to assign respect based on status, popularity, or
usefulness. Social media, for instance, often rewards loud opinions
and sharp criticism. But God’s Word teaches a different way—a
countercultural kindness
rooted in the value of each soul. Living this out today means slowing
down to really see people, honoring their worth, and choosing
humility over judgment. It’s not weakness; it’s spiritual
strength.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Portrait in the Hall"
In the entryway of a quiet retirement home hung a large portrait of the founder, Mrs. Eliza Hartwell. She was long gone, but everyone knew her legacy: kindness, dignity, and compassion. Her framed photo hung not out of vanity, but as a daily reminder of her values.
One day, a new maintenance worker carelessly leaned a ladder against the wall, accidentally scratching the glass over the portrait. An elderly resident, Mr. Benson, saw it happen and kindly said, “Careful with that. That’s not just a picture. It represents someone important.”
The young man apologized, but Mr. Benson wasn’t angry. He just pointed at the wall and said, “When you see her image, remember the woman behind it. Every person here bears a mark of the One who made them. Even the ones who are loud, grumpy, or slow. If we forget that, we stop seeing them rightly.”
The young man nodded, now seeing not just the portrait—but the people around him—with new eyes.
Take-Home Thought
God's plan for human relationships is based on a simple but powerful truth – we are all family. Not just biological family, but spiritual family, created by the same Father who loves each of us deeply. When we really understand this, it changes how we see the person who cuts us off in traffic, the cashier having a bad day, or the neighbor whose politics we disagree with. They're not our enemies – they're our relatives.
This doesn't mean we agree with everyone or excuse bad behavior. But it does mean we treat others with the basic dignity that comes from being God's children. Think about how you want to be treated on your worst day, when you're struggling or making mistakes. That's how God wants us to treat others on their worst days too. When we do this, we become part of God's healing in a broken world. We show people what God's love looks like in action, and sometimes that's exactly what they need to find their way back to Him.
Quotes
John Chrysostom: "When you see a poor man, remember that you are looking at a human being exactly like yourself, made in the image and likeness of the same God."**
Corrie ten Boom: "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest. And when you see Christ in others, you'll treat them with the respect they deserve."
Biblical Connections
Matthew 25:40 - "When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" connects treating others well to serving Jesus
1 John 4:20 - "If someone claims to love God but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar" echoes James' warning about inconsistent words
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another" gives practical ways to show respect
Galatians 3:28 - "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female" reminds us that God's image transcends human divisions
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we remember that God created every person in His image, including ourselves, it helps us trust His judgment about human worth. If God thinks we're valuable enough to die for, then we can trust Him when He says we matter. And if He loves difficult people enough to keep working with them, we can trust Him to handle the relationships in our lives that feel impossible. God sees the full picture of every person's story, and He's still writing chapters of redemption in each life.
Session 3: Respect for Authority: Trusting God's Order
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
Scripture: Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:17, Hebrews 13:17
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, notice who Paul and Peter say puts people in positions of authority. Look for the connection between respecting leaders and respecting God. Pay attention to the reason given for why we should make it easy for our spiritual leaders to do their jobs.
Personal Reflection Questions
Think about a leader you've respected, either at work, in your community, or at church. What made them easy to follow and support?
When you hear criticism of leaders on TV or social media, how do you decide what's fair concern versus harmful gossip?
Scripture References: Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:17, Hebrews 13:17
Romans 13:1
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
1 Peter 2:17
17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
Overview
Authority is a tough topic in our culture today. We live in a time when people question everything and trust in leaders seems to be at an all-time low. Politicians, pastors, bosses, and even parents face constant criticism. Some of this questioning is healthy – leaders should be held accountable. But the Bible teaches us something that goes deeper than just following rules or being polite. It says that respecting authority is actually about trusting God. When we understand that God is ultimately in control of who leads and when, it changes how we respond to the leaders in our lives, even when we don't agree with them or when they disappoint us.
This May Surprise You
The word "submit" in these passages doesn't mean blind obedience or never speaking up when something is wrong. The Greek word means "to arrange yourself under" – like soldiers in formation or musicians in an orchestra. Even when you're not the conductor, you can still play your part well and help the whole group succeed. God isn't asking us to turn off our brains or ignore serious problems. He's asking us to work within His system of order while trusting Him to handle what we can't control.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: God Places People in Authority (Romans 13:1) "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God."
Comment: This doesn't mean every leader is perfect or that God approves of everything they do. It means God allows certain people to be in charge for His purposes, even when we can't understand why. Think of it like a chess master who can use any piece on the board to accomplish his goals. Our job isn't to figure out God's strategy, but to trust that He has one. This helps us stay peaceful instead of getting angry and bitter about leaders we don't like.
Point 2: Show Respect to All People (1 Peter 2:17) "Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king."
Comment: Peter gives us a simple list that covers all our relationships. Notice that respecting leaders comes after respecting everyone and loving fellow Christians. This tells us that respect for authority grows out of a heart that already knows how to honor people in general. We don't respect leaders because they're better than other people, but because God has given them a specific job to do, and respecting them helps society work better.
Point 3: Make Leadership Easy, Not Hard (Hebrews 13:17) "Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit."
Comment: This verse is written specifically about church leaders, but the principle applies to other authorities too. When we make it hard for leaders to do their jobs – through constant criticism, gossip, or resistance – we hurt ourselves and our community. Good leaders want to help people succeed, but they can't do their best work when they're constantly defending themselves or dealing with unnecessary conflict.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
Modern
culture often promotes distrust of authority and celebrates
rebellion. From government to workplace to church leadership, the
assumption is often suspicion rather than respect. As Christians,
we’re called to model
a different spirit—one
of prayerful honor, responsible citizenship, and discernment. This
shows the world that our hope is not in men, but in God who
establishes all things in His time.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Conductor’s Baton"
Years ago, a well-known orchestra was invited to play in a grand city theater. As the musicians tuned their instruments, tension filled the air. The first-chair violinist thought the conductor was too young. The trumpeter whispered complaints about the tempo choices. Even the percussionist grumbled about the setlist.
But when the lights dimmed and the conductor raised his baton, something remarkable happened. Each musician, despite their opinions, submitted to the leader’s direction. The harmony that followed was breathtaking.
After the performance, a critic wrote, “It was not the genius of individuals, but their unity under a single conductor that made the music divine.”
In life, we may not always understand or agree with those placed in authority. But as people of faith, we trust that God is the ultimate Conductor—placing leaders for His purposes. When we honor authority with the right heart, we contribute to the beauty of God’s design.
Take-Home Thought
God's design for authority isn't about controlling people or making life unfair. It's about creating order so that families, churches, businesses, and societies can function well. When everyone does their part and respects their role, amazing things can happen. Think about a well-run hospital – doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrators all have different jobs, but they work together to save lives. None of them could do it alone.
The same is true in every area of life. When we respect authority – whether it's our pastor, our boss, our government officials, or even the referee at a game – we're participating in God's plan for how things should work. This doesn't mean leaders are always right or that we should never express concerns. But it does mean we approach them with respect, pray for them regularly, and remember that God is watching over the whole situation. When we do this, we often find that our relationships with authority figures improve, and we have more influence when we do need to speak up about something important.
Quotes
John Calvin: "We must not think that a man is placed over us by chance, but we must be assured that it is by the providence of God."
Charles Spurgeon: "It is never right to disobey God in order to obey man, but it is always right to obey God by respecting the authorities He has placed over us."
Biblical Connections
Daniel 2:21 - "He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings" shows God's sovereignty over leadership
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Paul's instruction to pray for "all who are in authority" connects with respecting leaders
Acts 5:29 - "We must obey God rather than any human authority" provides the important exception when human authority conflicts with God's commands
Titus 3:1 - "Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers" echoes the theme of respecting civil authority
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we remember that God is ultimately in charge of who leads and when, we can stop worrying so much about politics, church decisions, or workplace changes that we can't control. Instead of getting upset about leaders we don't like, we can pray for them and focus on being faithful in our own responsibilities. This brings peace to our hearts and helps us sleep better at night. God has been managing leaders and nations for thousands of years – He can handle the ones in charge today too.
Session 4: Self-Respect: Seeing Ourselves Through God's Eyes
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, notice the personal way God describes His involvement in creating you. Look for what God calls His people and the purpose He has in mind for us. Pay attention to the reason Paul gives for why our bodies and lives are so valuable.
Personal Reflection Questions
What's one thing about yourself that you've always struggled to accept, but God might see as part of His wonderful design?
If you truly believed you were God's masterpiece, how would that change the way you talk to yourself or take care of yourself?
Scripture References: Psalm 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Psalm
139:13-14 – 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my
body
and knit me together in my mother’s
womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully
complex!
Your workmanship is
marvelous—how well I know it.
Ephesians 2:10 – 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Overview
In our culture today, people seem to swing between two extremes when it comes to self-respect. Some people are so focused on themselves that they think they're perfect and everyone else is the problem. Others beat themselves up constantly, focusing on every mistake and flaw until they feel worthless. But God offers us a third way – seeing ourselves the way He sees us. This isn't about thinking we're better than others or pretending we don't have problems. It's about understanding our true value comes from being loved and chosen by the Creator of the universe. When we get this right, it changes everything about how we live.
This May Surprise You
The Hebrew word for "wonderful" in Psalm 139:14 is the same word used to describe God's mighty works throughout the Old Testament – like parting the Red Sea or providing manna in the wilderness. When David says he's "wonderfully made," he's putting himself in the same category as God's greatest miracles. This isn't pride or arrogance. It's recognizing that every human being, including you, is one of God's masterpieces. You're not an accident or a mistake – you're a miracle walking around in ordinary clothes.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: God's Personal Care in Creating You (Psalm 139:13-14) "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."
Comment: David is amazed that God personally designed every part of him, inside and out. The word "knit" suggests the careful, loving work of someone making something beautiful by hand. This means your personality, your talents, even your quirks and struggles – God knew about all of it when He was forming you. You're not a mass-produced item. You're a one-of-a-kind creation that God spent time and care making exactly the way you are.
Point 2: You Are God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Comment: The Greek word for "masterpiece" here is "poiema" – it's where we get our word "poem." You are God's work of art, His poem written in human form. Just like a poet carefully chooses each word, God carefully chose each detail of who you are. And notice this verse says God has specific good works planned just for you. You have a purpose that only you can fulfill. This gives our lives meaning that no job, relationship, or achievement could ever provide.
Point 3: Your Body is God's Temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."
Comment: Paul reminds us that our bodies aren't just flesh and bones – they're the place where God's Spirit lives. This makes how we treat our bodies a spiritual issue. It means taking care of our health, being careful what we put into our bodies, and using our physical selves to serve God and others. It also means not talking badly about the body God gave us or treating it carelessly. When we respect our bodies, we're respecting God's home.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
Our
culture often promotes self-worth based on appearance, productivity,
or popularity—all of which fade or fluctuate. But God offers
something far more stable: worth that is unearned,
unchanging, and rooted in Christ.
For many today—especially seniors facing new limitations or
losses—this truth is liberating. Self-respect in God's view isn't
about proving ourselves; it's about trusting His view of us.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Sculptor’s Signature"
In a quiet art studio nestled behind a chapel, an old sculptor was chiseling away at a block of marble. Over weeks and months, the form of a beautiful figure emerged—strong, graceful, and full of purpose. It wasn’t perfect by the world’s standards, but it carried a certain majesty.
One afternoon, a young visitor wandered in and stared at the sculpture. “Who is it supposed to be?” he asked.
The sculptor smiled. “It’s no one famous. It’s someone who forgot how valuable they are.”
He stepped back and, with great care, carved his name into the base. “I only sign what I’ve made with love.”
In that moment, the boy saw it differently—not just as stone, but as a creation with meaning and identity.
We, too, carry the signature of our Maker. Respecting ourselves is not pride—it’s acknowledging the One who made us with intention and care. When we see ourselves through God’s eyes, we begin to live as His treasured creation.
Take-Home Thought
True self-respect isn't about thinking we're perfect or better than other people. It's about agreeing with God's opinion of us. And what does God think? He thinks you're worth dying for. He thinks you're so valuable that He sent Jesus to pay the price to bring you back into His family. He thinks you're so important that He has plans and purposes just for you that no one else can accomplish.
This kind of self-respect changes how we live in practical ways. We stop letting people treat us badly because we know we're God's children. We take better care of our health because our bodies are God's temple. We stop comparing ourselves to others because we know we're each unique masterpieces. We forgive ourselves for past mistakes because we understand God's grace. And we start living with confidence, not because we're so great, but because the God who made us is so great and He loves us completely.
When we see ourselves through God's eyes, we find the balance between humility and confidence that allows us to serve Him joyfully and love others freely. We don't have to prove our worth or earn our value – it was settled before we were even born.
Quotes
Max Lucado: "You are an unceasing thought in God's mind. Before you were born, you were in His mind. When you die, you'll still be in His thoughts. You matter to God."
Tim Keller: "The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."
Biblical Connections
Jeremiah 1:5 - "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb" echoes God's personal involvement in our creation
Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love, which reinforces our secure identity in Him
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person" connects with being God's masterpiece
1 John 3:1 - "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children" affirms our identity as God's beloved
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we truly understand how much God loves us and values us, it becomes easier to trust Him with our future, our problems, and our dreams. If He cared enough to design us personally and has good plans for our lives, then we can trust that He won't abandon us in difficult times. Knowing we're His masterpieces helps us believe that even our struggles and challenges are part of a bigger, beautiful picture that He's creating. We can face today with confidence because the God who made us is walking with us every step of the way.
Session 5: Respect in the Home: Honoring Generations
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
Scripture: Ephesians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Colossians 3:18-21
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, notice the special promise that comes with honoring parents. Look for how Paul describes the way we should treat older and younger people in our church family. Pay attention to how family respect works both ways – it's not just children obeying parents, but everyone showing honor to each other.
Personal Reflection Questions
What's one way someone in your family showed you respect that made you feel valued and loved?
If your grandchildren or great-grandchildren were watching how you treat family members, what would they learn about respect from your example?
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Colossians 3:18-21
Ephesians 6:2
2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:
1 Timothy 5:1-2
Advice about Widows, Elders, and Slaves
1 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.
Colossians 3:18-21
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
Overview
Home should be the safest place on earth – where we can be ourselves, make mistakes, and still be loved. But for many people today, home feels more like a battlefield than a sanctuary. Adult children barely speak to their parents. Marriages struggle with power battles instead of partnership. Grandparents feel ignored or forgotten. But God has a better plan for families. He designed the home to be a training ground for respect, where we first learn how to honor others and be honored in return. When families work the way God intended, they become a picture of His love for the world to see.
This May Surprise You
The command to honor parents is the only one of the Ten Commandments that comes with a specific promise – long life and blessing. But this isn't just about young children obeying mom and dad. The word "honor" means to give weight to someone, to treat them as valuable. This command applies throughout our entire lives. Even when our parents are elderly and may need our care, we still honor them by treating them with dignity, listening to their wisdom, and showing gratitude for the sacrifices they made for us.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: Honor Your Parents (Ephesians 6:2) "Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."
Comment: This verse shows that honoring parents isn't just a nice suggestion – it's a commandment that comes with God's promise of blessing. Honoring doesn't mean agreeing with everything parents do or say, especially if they've made serious mistakes. But it does mean treating them with respect, speaking kindly about them, and caring for them as they age. When we do this, God promises our own lives will be blessed. It's like He's saying that learning respect at home prepares us for success in all our other relationships.
Point 2: Treat Everyone Like Family (1 Timothy 5:1-2) "Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to a beloved brother. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat the younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters."
Comment: Paul is telling Timothy how to treat people in the church, but he uses family language to explain it. This tells us that the respect we learn at home should spread to all our relationships. We should treat older people with the same honor we'd show our own parents, and younger people with the same care we'd show our siblings. When we do this, our churches and communities start feeling like loving families instead of groups of strangers.
Point 3: Respect Works Both Ways (Colossians 3:18-21) "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged."
Comment: Notice that Paul gives instructions to everyone in the family, not just one group. Wives are called to respect their husbands, but husbands are told to love their wives and treat them gently. Children should obey parents, but fathers shouldn't be harsh or discouraging. This shows that respect in families isn't about one person having all the power. It's about everyone playing their part to create a home where everyone feels valued and loved.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
Today’s
culture often downplays the importance of family respect. Elders are
sidelined, parents are undermined, and younger generations feel
unheard. But Scripture invites us to restore
honor across the generations.
In a fractured world, Christian homes can become places of healing,
where love and respect are lived out intentionally. This witness is
powerful in a time when many long for belonging and stability.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Worn Table"
In the center of an old farmhouse stood a wooden table, worn smooth by generations of meals, prayers, and conversations. It had seen laughter, tears, lessons, and even a few arguments. But what made the table special wasn’t the wood—it was the stories.
Grandchildren learned to pray there, watching their grandparents bow their heads. Spouses held hands across it during tough seasons. Parents gave quiet correction and patient encouragement. Over the years, the table became a symbol—not just of family, but of respect.
One evening, as the family gathered, a child asked, “Why do we always eat here, even when we could sit on the couch with our plates?”
Grandma smiled and said, “Because this is where we learn to see each other. This is where we learn to listen. And this is where we remember—love is shown through respect.”
Respect in the home isn’t just taught—it’s lived. It’s modeled in small moments, and it carries down like a blessing from one generation to the next.
Take-Home Thought
God's design for families is like a dance where everyone knows their steps and moves together in harmony. When husbands love their wives with Christ's love, wives find it easier to respect and support them. When parents treat children with kindness and fairness, children naturally want to obey and honor them. When adult children show gratitude and care for aging parents, they model for their own children what respect looks like. It creates a beautiful cycle that can last for generations.
But what happens when families are broken or when someone isn't playing their part? God's grace is big enough to heal even the most damaged relationships. Sometimes we have to start by changing ourselves, showing the kind of respect we wish others would show us. Sometimes we have to forgive hurts from the past and choose to honor people even when they don't deserve it. This isn't easy, but God promises to help us and bless us when we do what's right.
Remember, every family has problems because every family is made up of imperfect people. But when we commit to showing respect at home – even when it's hard – we create something beautiful that reflects God's love to a watching world. Our homes become places where people are built up instead of torn down, where grace covers mistakes, and where love grows stronger through the years.
Quotes
Billy Graham: "A home is built on the foundation of loving hearts. And it cannot endure without the mortar of respect."
Focus on the Family: "In healthy families, parents and children honor each other. Children honor parents through obedience and respect. Parents honor children by treating them with dignity, providing guidance with love, and never provoking them to anger."
Biblical Connections
Exodus 20:12 - The original commandment to honor father and mother from the Ten Commandments
Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go" connects with parents not provoking children to anger
1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands honoring wives "as the weaker partner" and "as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life"
Malachi 4:6 - God's promise to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers"
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we follow God's plan for respect in our families, we learn to trust His wisdom in other areas of life too. If He knows how to make families work well, He certainly knows how to handle our other problems and concerns. Also, when our homes are filled with respect and love, we have a safe place to return to when the world gets difficult. We can trust God to strengthen our family relationships as we commit to honoring each other the way He's called us to do.
Session 6: Living a Life Worthy of Respect
— Study Notes — Discussion Handout
What to Look For
As you read today's passages, notice what Paul says should be our motivation for living well. Look for the practical ways we can show humility in daily life. Pay attention to how our quiet, faithful living affects the people around us who don't know Jesus.
Personal Reflection Questions
Think of someone whose life you respect, even if you don't agree with everything they believe. What is it about how they live that earns your respect?
If someone followed you around for a week and watched how you live, what would they conclude about what you truly value and believe?
Scripture References: Titus 2:7, Philippians 2:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Titus 2:7
7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.
Philippians 2:3
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
Overview
In today's world, respect seems hard to come by. Politicians, celebrities, and even religious leaders often disappoint us with their choices. People are looking for someone they can trust, someone whose life matches their words. This gives Christians an amazing opportunity. When we live with integrity, humility, and consistency, we stand out like lights in a dark room. We don't have to be perfect, but we can be real. We can show the world what it looks like when someone's life is shaped by God's love. This isn't about trying to impress people or earn our way to heaven. It's about living in a way that makes others curious about the God we serve.
This May Surprise You
The word "integrity" comes from the same root as "integer" in math – it means whole or complete. A person with integrity is the same person in private as they are in public. They don't have a church face and a home face and a work face. They're consistent because their character comes from the inside out, not from trying to please different groups of people. This kind of wholeness is rare in our world, but it's exactly what Jesus calls us to. When people see this kind of authenticity, they're drawn to it because it's what their hearts are searching for.
Seeds for Thought
Point 1: Be an Example in Everything (Titus 2:7) "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching."
Comment: Paul is telling Titus that his life needs to match his message. This applies to all of us – our actions speak louder than our words. People watch how we treat service workers, how we drive in traffic, how we handle money, and how we respond when things don't go our way. These everyday moments are where we either build respect or lose it. When our lives consistently reflect our faith, people start to trust what we say about God because they can see it's real in how we live.
Point 2: Put Others First (Philippians 2:3) "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves."
Comment: This verse goes against everything our culture teaches about success and happiness. But when we genuinely put others first and treat them as more important than ourselves, something powerful happens. People notice. They're surprised when someone listens more than they talk, serves without being asked, and celebrates others' success without jealousy. This kind of humility doesn't make us doormats – it makes us like Jesus, and that's incredibly attractive to people who are tired of selfishness.
Point 3: Live Quietly and Mind Your Own Business (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."
Comment: Paul isn't telling us to be anti-social or never share our faith. He's saying that our best witness often comes through faithful, honest living rather than loud arguing or constant preaching. When we work hard, pay our bills, keep our promises, and treat people kindly day after day, we earn the right to be heard. People respect those who take care of their responsibilities and don't create drama or depend on others to fix their problems.
Culture Connection
Influence
on Life Today:
Today’s
world often defines worth by visibility—be loud, be seen, be
admired. But the Christian life calls us to live
differently:
to be people of substance, not show. A life marked by humility, hard
work, and grace doesn’t always get headlines, but it has deep
influence. Especially for believers in later seasons of life, this is
a powerful reminder: your
faithfulness speaks volumes, even in quiet moments.
Devotional Allegory
Title: "The Quiet Lantern"
In a village nestled at the edge of the forest, there lived a man named Thomas. He wasn’t a preacher or a leader. He wasn’t loud or especially gifted. But every evening, without fail, he lit a lantern outside his home and placed it on a post by the path.
Some said he did it for travelers. Others thought it was a habit from his days in the city. But Thomas never explained—he just kept lighting that lamp.
Years passed. Children grew up watching him. Neighbors took notice. On stormy nights, people found comfort knowing the path would be lit. And one evening, when Thomas had passed away, someone else quietly lit the lantern in his place.
Later, someone asked, “Why do you do it?”
And the neighbor replied, “Because he showed us what faithfulness looks like.”
A life of respect isn’t built in grand gestures, but in quiet, faithful choices. When we live humbly and consistently, we light the path for others to see Christ.
Take-Home Thought
Living a life worthy of respect isn't about being perfect or pretending we don't have problems. It's about being consistent. When we mess up, we admit it and make it right. When we succeed, we give God the credit. When people hurt us, we respond with grace instead of revenge. When we have opportunities to help, we serve without looking for recognition. This kind of living takes time to build respect, but once we have it, people listen when we talk about what really matters.
The beautiful thing about this calling is that we don't have to be famous or wealthy or incredibly talented to live this way. God uses ordinary people who simply choose to follow Him faithfully in small, daily decisions. The grandmother who always has a kind word, the coworker who can be trusted with confidential information, the neighbor who helps without being asked – these people often have more influence than celebrities or politicians because their lives have earned the respect of the people around them.
When we live this way, we're not just making our own lives better – we're showing the world what God's kingdom looks like. We're proving that following Jesus actually works, that His way of living leads to peace, joy, and meaningful relationships. In a world full of broken promises and disappointed hopes, a life of integrity becomes a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of God.
Quotes
D.L. Moody: "The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation. A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine."
Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."
Biblical Connections
Matthew 5:16 - "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see" connects with being an example to others
1 Peter 2:12 - "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors" echoes the theme of earning respect through conduct
Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good" encourages consistency in right living
Romans 12:17 - "Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone" supports living with integrity before all people
How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?
When we commit to living with integrity and putting others first, we discover that God's way of living actually works better than the world's way. We sleep better at night because our conscience is clear. Our relationships are stronger because people trust us. We have peace even in difficult times because we know we're living according to God's design. This builds our faith as we see that God's commands aren't meant to restrict us but to bless us. When we trust Him enough to live His way, we find that His way leads to the life we've always wanted.
Bible Study Class — “Cultivating a Life of Respect”
"learning to praising God with our hearts and actions."
Series Overview
This six-week Bible study explores what it means to live a life of true respect—rooted in reverence for God and expressed in our relationships, choices, and daily conduct. Respect is more than politeness; it is a posture of the heart that honors God, values others, and reflects Christ in every aspect of life.
1, We begin by grounding respect in reverence for God, recognizing that our view of Him shapes how we treat others.
2, Because every person bears God’s image, believers are called to value one another with dignity and honor.
3, We reflect on how trusting in God’s design includes respecting leaders and structures of authority.
4, We affirm our God-given worth and identity, discovering that respect for self grows from knowing who we are in Christ.
5, Respect begins at home, where God calls families to live in love, honor, and mutual encouragement.
6, We conclude with a challenge to live with consistency, humility, and integrity, demonstrating Christ in the way we conduct ourselves.
Series Purpose — to hope believers see how to cultivate respect as a lifestyle—honoring God above all, valuing others, respecting themselves, nurturing their families, and living in a way that points people to Christ.
Subjects of Interest
Throughout six sessions, we will discover the rich blessing of a life marked by respect:
Honoring God first, as the true foundation of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
Recognizing every person’s worth as one created in God’s image.
Trusting God’s order in respecting authority.
Seeing ourselves through the eyes of our Creator, who made us with care and purpose.
Bringing
honor into our homes and families, nurturing respect across
generations.
From these themes, we are reminded that a
Christ-centered life of respect is not just about following rules but
about living in harmony with God’s beautiful design.
Timeless Wisdom for Today
The historian Will Durant once famously said, “Civilization is built upon respect for law, tradition, and one another.” Long before Durant, Scripture proclaimed this truth in deeper form. From the ancient words of Moses to the teachings of Jesus, God’s Word calls His people to walk in humility, love, and mutual honor. In our day—when disrespect often tears at the fabric of families, communities, and faith—the wisdom of respect offers healing, peace, and strength.
Practical Applications in Christian Living
This study will help us see how respect touches every part of life: from how we speak to others, to how we treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), to how we care for parents and grandchildren. Respect is not an abstract idea but a daily practice of love. By applying these truths, we follow Paul’s instruction: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). When lived out, respect becomes a testimony to the watching world of Christ’s presence in our lives.