Have A Spirit Of Honor | Joel Osteen | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Have A Spirit Of Honor

Joel Osteen

Lakewood Church • Nov 5, 2026 • 27 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this encouraging message, Joel Osteen teaches that showing honor to others is a powerful seed that always returns as God's commanded blessing in your life. When you intentionally set out each day to lift up your family, co-workers, leaders, and even strangers, you open the door for divine favor, promotion, and breakthroughs. By cultivating a spirit of honor—speaking well of others behind their backs and serving with a willing attitude—you activate God's goodness for yourself and future generations.

Themes

HonorSowing and ReapingFavor and PromotionGenerosityRelationshipsWork Ethic

Key Points

1.
Anytime you show honor to others, you are sowing a seed that will return to your life as favor, promotion, and breakthrough.
2.
When you pour out the oil of honor on those around you, God releases a commanded blessing that flows directly back to you.
3.
Make it a daily priority to set out intentionally to honor your spouse, children, parents, leaders, and co-workers.
4.
The amount of honor you show to others is directly connected to the amount of favor and increase God brings into your life.
5.
Cultivate the habit of speaking well of people behind their backs, because second-hand compliments carry great weight and sow seeds of honor.
6.
Honoring your leaders and employers means doing your work with a willing heart and a positive attitude, serving as unto the Lord.
7.
Faithfully working behind the scenes to make others look good prepares you for God's future promotion and blessing.

Sermon Moments

“The illustration of the woman pouring expensive oil on Jesus' feet as a symbol of pouring out honor that brings favor.”

“Joel's friend taking time at a restaurant to tell the manager what an outstanding waiter served them.”

“Joel sending an encouraging text to a fellow minister after Victoria mentioned enjoying his teaching CD.”

“Joel's parents attending a reception uninvited to support young Police Chief Lee Brown, which built a relationship that years later led to acquiring the Compaq Center.”

“Pastor Kevin Gerald buying dinner and writing an encouraging note of gratitude for Bill and Melinda Gates.”

“The warning of Miriam criticizing Moses behind his back, illustrating how sowing dishonor brings negative consequences.”

“Joel serving 17 years behind the scenes ensuring his father looked good on television, which later returned to him as immense support when he became pastor.”

This Week

Set out intentionally every morning with a mission to honor at least one person you encounter throughout your day.

Compliment a supervisor or manager about a co-worker or service worker who performed their job exceptionally well.

Express specific appreciation and affection regularly to your spouse, children, and parents.

Practice speaking positively about friends, colleagues, and family members behind their backs when their names come up.

Take five minutes to send an encouraging text, email, or written note to someone who has blessed or influenced you.

Perform your job duties with a willing heart and a positive attitude, serving as unto God rather than just pleasing people.

Refuse to participate in gossip or tearing down family members, choosing instead to cover faults with honor and protect reputations.

Remember This

When you intentionally pour out the oil of honor on others, God releases a commanded blessing of favor, promotion, and breakthrough in your own life.

A Challenge for You

My challenge, set out each day to honor someone. Look for opportunities to be good to people. Take time to write the note, to send the text, to make them feel better about themselves.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.