The Challenge to Respect Others

This morning’s Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Introduction:
Could one of the drawbacks to living in a fast paced society be that we’ve de-emphasized the need for respect? Self-centeredness is the predominate way of thinking. Remember the “me decade?” Christians have been created to respect others. We’re to serve the needs of others—1 Jhn. 4:7-11; Phil. 2:3-5. “When we deny this basic nature and turn inward and act only toward the fulfillment of our own desires—the fabric of society begins to tear apart.” (Henry) So what are we to do? We must put 1 Jhn. 4 and Phil. 2 into practice! We must work to instill these qualities into our children! We must work on being the best example possible.

I. Respect Defined.
    A. Latin: “respicare.” Means to “____________, or look _________.”
        1. Associated with “taking heed; giving attention; careful observation; showing deferential regard; esteem.”
    B. We often associate ________; regard; deference; veneration; and _____________ with respect!
    C. Some misunderstand respect to involve:
        1. Being “___________” of someone. Slavish or servility.
        2. Ignoring the _____________ of others.

II. 1 Peter 2:13-16—respect the _______________ _____________.
    A. Obey the laws of the land; pay taxes. Display respect/honor for civil rulers.
        1. Laws have been put into place ______ ______ _________.
    B. Rom. 13:1-7—surely we can honor those in authority over us today!

III. 1 Peter 2:17—honor _____ _________!
    A. This would include our ________________. See Eph. 6:5-8
        1. Need to do the job that is expected of us. Without ____________; whining!
        2. This behavior is not befitting a Christian! Titus 2:9-10
    B. Our __________ __________. Wasn’t this part of the wedding ceremony?
        1. Seek each other’s higher good—Eph. 5:25, 31, 33; 1 Peter 3:7.
    C. Respect those ___________ than us.
        1. See Lev. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1-2
            a) ________ & _________ attributed to age & wisdom—Pro. 16:31; 20:29
            b) ____________ is condemned! Lam. 4:16; 5:12
        2. Older must try to be ____________ of respect! Titus 2:1-2
        3. Same is true of parents.
    D. Older need to respect the ____________. See 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:15.

IV. In practical terms, how can we respect others?
    A. ____ ate others as valuable as YOU are! See Mk. 12:29-31.
    B. ____ xpress the love God has given you! We must have a ___________ spirit! See Mt. 18:23-25
    C. ____ ee the cross! We’re to be like ___________! His disciple!
    D. ____ rove your beliefs! Put it in __________! Follow through! See Js. 2:9
    E. ____ nter into relationships! Involves __________ _______ of getting hurt.
    F. ____ onfess your failures. 1 Jhn. 1:9. Nobody’s perfect.
    G. ___ reat others as you wish to be treated! Mt. 7:12

Conclusion:
    A. What God makes is precious to Him!
    B. IN matters of respect, it is more blessed to give than receive. See 1 Peter 5:5
    C. Do you live with a proper respect of God?



The Challenge to Respect Others This morning’s Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction: Could one of the drawbacks to living in a fast paced society be that we’ve de-emphasized the need for respect? Self-centeredness is the predominate way of thinking. Remember the “me decade?” Christians have been created to respect others. We’re to serve the needs of others—1 Jhn. 4:7-11; Phil. 2:3-5. “When we deny this basic nature and turn inward and act only toward the fulfillment of our own desires—the fabric of society begins to tear apart.” (Henry) So what are we to do? We must put 1 Jhn. 4 and Phil. 2 into practice! We must work to instill these qualities into our children! We must work on being the best example possible. I. Respect Defined. A. Latin: “respicare.” Means to “____________, or look _________.” 1. Associated with “taking heed; giving attention; careful observation; showing deferential regard; esteem.” B. We often associate ________; regard; deference; veneration; and _____________ with respect! C. Some misunderstand respect to involve: 1. Being “___________” of someone. Slavish or servility. 2. Ignoring the _____________ of others. II. 1 Peter 2:13-16—respect the _______________ _____________. A. Obey the laws of the land; pay taxes. Display respect/honor for civil rulers. 1. Laws have been put into place ______ ______ _________. B. Rom. 13:1-7—surely we can honor those in authority over us today! III. 1 Peter 2:17—honor _____ _________! A. This would include our ________________. See Eph. 6:5-8 1. Need to do the job that is expected of us. Without ____________; whining! 2. This behavior is not befitting a Christian! Titus 2:9-10 B. Our __________ __________. Wasn’t this part of the wedding ceremony? 1. Seek each other’s higher good—Eph. 5:25, 31, 33; 1 Peter 3:7. C. Respect those ___________ than us. 1. See Lev. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1-2 a) ________ & _________ attributed to age & wisdom—Pro. 16:31; 20:29 b) ____________ is condemned! Lam. 4:16; 5:12 2. Older must try to be ____________ of respect! Titus 2:1-2 3. Same is true of parents. D. Older need to respect the ____________. See 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:15. IV. In practical terms, how can we respect others? A. ____ ate others as valuable as YOU are! See Mk. 12:29-31. B. ____ xpress the love God has given you! We must have a ___________ spirit! See Mt. 18:23-25 C. ____ ee the cross! We’re to be like ___________! His disciple! D. ____ rove your beliefs! Put it in __________! Follow through! See Js. 2:9 E. ____ nter into relationships! Involves __________ _______ of getting hurt. F. ____ onfess your failures. 1 Jhn. 1:9. Nobody’s perfect. G. ___ reat others as you wish to be treated! Mt. 7:12 Conclusion: A. What God makes is precious to Him! B. IN matters of respect, it is more blessed to give than receive. See 1 Peter 5:5 C. Do you live with a proper respect of God?