We Are to Give Preference to One Another (Am I My Brother’s Keeper?) Lesson 3

Brief Review In this series of lessons entitled, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”, we are seeking to discover all the ways in which we are to: Provide for one another’s physical and spiritual needs Protect one another from the evil one Promote the mutual growth of our faith So far, we have discovered that we are indeed to be our brother’s keeper because we have been commanded to: Love one another Be at Peace with one another

Giving Preference to One Another in Honor Our main text for this lesson is found in Romans (12:10): “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” In order to come to an understanding of our responsibility in this matter, we will answer four questions: What does it mean to give preference to one another in honor? 2. What obstacles are there in accomplishing our goal? 3. To whom should we give preference in honor? 4. How can we become the kind of person who gives honor to another?

What Does It Mean to Give Preference to One Another in Honor? Sometimes studying the original language of the text under consideration helps us to come to an understanding of what is being stated. “Giving Preference” (PROGEOMI). It means to take the lead in assigning honor to others. “Honor” (TIME). It means respect or value given to another.

What Does It Mean to Give Preference to One Another in Honor? In putting these two thoughts together, we can discover that “giving preference to one another in honor” means that: We are to take the lead in assigning respect and value to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ rather than selfishly seeking that same honor for ourselves.

What Does It Mean to Give Preference to One Another in Honor? There are three other translations of the Bible that point to this very truth we have come to learn from Romans (12:10). “…outdo one another in showing honor.” (American Standard Version) “…honor one another above yourselves.” (New International Version) “…you should want to give your brothers and sisters more honor than you want for yourself.” (Easy to Read Version)

What Obstacles Are There in Accomplishing Our Goal? Self-Centeredness (“I should be most important!”) Selfish Ambition (“I need to be honored if I am going to get ahead!”) Envy (“It is not fair that someone else is honored and I am not!”)

What Obstacles Are There in Accomplishing Our Goal? The solution to this problem is found in the words of Philippians (2:3,4): “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

To Whom Should We Give Preference in Honor? Our Fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ (Romans 12:10; I Corinthians 12:23-26) Our Parents (Ephesians 6:1,2) The Elders (I Timothy 5:17) Husbands and Wives (Ephesians 5:33; I Peter 3:7) The Lord (Hebrews 3:3-6)

How Can We Become the Kind of Person Who Gives Honor to Another? Those individuals who graciously give honor to another are people who possess a spirit of true humility and selflessness. Truly, those who choose to give honor to another have made themselves into a vessel of honor that is useful to God. (II Timothy 2:20,21)