Based on the message by Paul Johnson
OVERVIEW
In this message, Paul Johnson teaches a clear Kingdom progression: the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, wisdom leads to humility, and humility leads to honor. This is not just something to understand—it is a path to live. The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God, but recognizing that He is holy, that He is in authority, and choosing to live with reverence, surrender, and accountability before Him. When this becomes real in your life, you become teachable, you grow in wisdom, you walk in humility, and honor becomes the result. This shows up in everyday life—in how you respond to your parents, how you handle correction, how you treat people at school, and how you live when no one is watching. This message is a call to stop living casually with God and start walking in alignment with Him.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Hear → Answer → Act
- Start with the focus
- Open your Bible and read the Scripture
- Let God’s Word answer the questions
- Then live it out
This is not about information.
This is about transformation.
SECTION 1 — THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE START
Focus
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.”
READ
Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 8:13, Matthew 10:28
RESPOND
- According to Proverbs 15:33, what comes from the fear of the Lord, and what comes before honor?
- In Proverbs 8:13, how does God define the fear of the Lord?
- In Matthew 10:28, what does Jesus teach about who we should fear—and how does that challenge living for people’s opinions?
- What are real ways students “play games with God” instead of living in reverence?
- Where do you feel pressure to care more about what people think than what God says?
REFLECT
- Do I take God seriously, or have I become casual with Him?
- Am I more concerned with being accepted or being obedient?
- Where do I need the fear of the Lord restored in my life?
SECTION 2 — THE FEAR OF THE LORD MAKES YOU TEACHABLE
Focus
“When we fear God, we become teachable—and teachable people grow.”
READ
Proverbs 9:10, James 1:5, Psalm 119:9–11
RESPOND
- According to Proverbs 9:10, where does wisdom begin?
- What does James 1:5 say God will do if you ask for wisdom?
- According to Psalm 119:9–11, how does God’s Word help you live a clean and steady life?
- Why is “I already know that” a dangerous mindset for growth?
- Where do students usually resist being teachable (parents, coaches, leaders, Scripture, correction)?
REFLECT
- Do I listen to learn, or do I listen to defend myself?
- Where do I resist correction the most?
- Am I letting God’s Word shape me—or just hearing it?
SECTION 3 — HUMILITY SEES CLEARLY
Focus
“As we see God rightly, we see ourselves rightly.”
READ
James 4:6, Philippians 2:3–8, Micah 6:8
RESPOND
- According to James 4:6, how does God respond to pride vs humility?
- In Philippians 2:3–8, what does Jesus show us about humility?
- According to Micah 6:8, what does God require of us?
- How does pride show up in student life (comparison, social media, needing to be right, attention)?
- Why does pride make it hard to grow, apologize, or receive correction?
REFLECT
- Do I focus more on my own heart or other people’s flaws?
- Where is pride affecting my relationships?
- What would humility look like in a real situation this week?
SECTION 4 — HONOR IS THE RESULT, NOT THE GOAL
Focus
“Before honor comes humility.”
READ
Proverbs 15:33, Romans 12:10, Exodus 20:12
RESPOND
- According to Proverbs 15:33, what comes before honor?
- In Romans 12:10, how are we told to treat others?
- According to Exodus 20:12, what does it look like to honor your parents—and why does it matter?
- How is biblical honor different from popularity, attention, or clout?
- Why is it difficult to honor people you don’t agree with?
REFLECT
- Do I want honor—or do I give honor?
- Who do I struggle to respect right now?
- How can I choose honor even when I don’t feel like it?
SECTION 5 — HONOR BUILDS HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Focus
“Honor is healthy—it strengthens people and relationships.”
READ
Hebrews 13:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
RESPOND
- According to Hebrews 13:7, how should we respond to leaders?
- In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, what attitude should we have toward those who lead us?
- Why is it easy to take people for granted (parents, pastors, coaches, teachers)?
- How does honor change a friend group, team, or family?
- What happens when honor is missing?
REFLECT
- Am I thankful for the people God has placed in my life?
- Do I recognize faithfulness—or overlook it?
- How can I show honor in a real way this week?
UNIFIED PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
A Path of Formation: From Fear of the Lord to a Life of Honor
This week is not about trying harder. It is about aligning your life with God and letting Him form something real in you.
Move through these steps slowly. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.
STEP 1 — TAKE INVENTORY WITH GOD
READ
Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 8:13
ASK
- “God, what are You doing in me right now?”
- “Where am I not taking You seriously?”
- “Where am I living more for people than for You?”
Let God show you:
- where you’ve become casual with Him
- where pride is resisting humility
- where you’ve been doing what you want instead of what He says
Then ask:
- “What would this look like transformed?”
- “What would it look like to walk with You in this?”
Stay here until something becomes clear.
STEP 2 — SUBMIT TO THE WORD (BECOME TEACHABLE)
READ OUT LOUD
Proverbs 15:33, James 4:6, Psalm 119:9–11
ASK
- “Where am I ignoring what God has already said?”
- “Where do I say ‘I already know that’ but don’t live it?”
DO THIS
Choose one truth this week and return to it daily.
Let it:
- correct your thinking
- shape your responses
- guide your decisions
STEP 3 — WALK IN HUMILITY
ASK
- “What would humility look like today?”
TAKE ONE ACTION
- apologize without excuses
- receive correction without arguing
- listen instead of interrupting
- choose not to prove yourself right
This is where real growth happens.
STEP 4 — PRACTICE HONOR
READ
Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17
ASK
- “Who have I overlooked or taken for granted?”
- “Who do I need to honor?”
DO THIS
Choose one person and:
- encourage them
- thank them
- show respect intentionally
STEP 5 — REFLECT WITH GOD
ASK
- Where did I grow this week?
- Where did I choose humility over pride?
- Where did I give honor?
- What is God still working in me?
Take time to thank Him for: growth, conviction and change
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about becoming someone who:
- fears the Lord
- stays teachable
- walks in humility
- and lives a life that produces honor
Honor isn’t something you chase — it’s something that follows a life aligned with God.