Recap Sunday Message - Dr. Sharon Lowe 10.26.25

Honoring Leadership: Esteem, Love & Divine Favor

Scripture References

•1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

•Psalm 5:12

•Ephesians 4:11

•Galatians 6

•Jeremiah 3:15

Introduction

Dr. Lowe invites the congregation into a “sweet word of love,” centering on the annual celebration of pastors and ministers. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, the message charges believers to “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake,” while linking this honor to the promise of God’s divine favor (Psalm 5:12).

Key Points / Exposition

1. What It Means to “Esteem in Love”

•Esteem: to regard as valuable, hold in high respect, think well of.

•Love: warmth, kindness, genuine affection—not perfunctory or cold.

•Together: a heartfelt recognition of a leader’s worth and service from the heart; appreciation that glorifies God and blesses people.

2. Divine Favor & Divine Covering

•Divine favor: special grace and approval resting on a person’s life, opening doors, granting protection, positioning them for kingdom impact.

•When a congregation honors leaders who carry divine favor, that favor “rolls over” and becomes a corporate covering—strength, breakthroughs, and answered prayer for the body.

3. Background of 1 Thessalonians

•Thessalonica: commercial, multicultural, and idolatrous center of Macedonia (modern Greece).

•Church planted by Paul, Silas, and Timothy amid persecution (Acts narrative).

•After forced departure, Paul writes to:

1. Praise their steadfast faith, hope, and love (ch. 1)

2. •Defend his ministry of gentleness (ch. 2)

3. • Rejoice at Timothy’s encouraging report (ch. 3)

4. • Instruct on holy living and future hope (ch. 4–5)

5. • Conclude with practical exhortations—including honoring leaders (5:12-13).

4. Portrait of God-Given Leaders

•Labor diligently: preach, counsel, intercede—often unseen sacrifice.

•Lead and correct with grace (Galatians 6).

•Teach with wisdom, unveiling “mysteries of Christ.”

•Serve faithfully, sometimes at personal cost.

•Biblical parallels:

• Moses—interceded and guided a rebellious nation.

• Barnabas—“Son of Encouragement,” mentoring Paul & Mark.

• Paul—tireless missionary, writing from hardship.

•Today’s pastors mirror these patterns, carrying divine favor for their flock’s divine covering.

5. The Mandate to the Congregation

•Recognize and appreciate leaders’ sacrifices.

•Uphold peace and unity—love leaders and one another; the two are inseparable.

•View honoring leaders as worshipful obedience to God, not mere courtesy.

Major Lessons & Revelations

•Love is the essence of the gospel; honoring leadership is a tangible expression of agapē.

•Divine favor on leaders becomes divine covering for those under their care.

•True greatness in the Kingdom is measured by servant-hearted ministry, not titles.

•Perseverance under persecution is fortified by godly leadership and congregational unity.

Practical Application

•Pray regularly for pastors’ strength, health, and continued favor.

•Express gratitude tangibly: words, notes, acts of service, financial blessing.

•Refuse gossip or division; actively pursue peace within the body.

•Emulate leaders’ example of unconditional love—serve when inconvenient, forgive quickly, seek reconciliation over revenge.

•Stand confident in God’s covering; face challenges knowing intercessors are lifting you.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The congregation is urged to stand, verbally thank their pastors, and walk out “tall,” conscious of the divine covering resting on them because of their leaders’ favor. Esteeming leaders becomes both a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a commitment to unity, love, and perseverance until Christ returns.

Prayer

“Lord, we thank You for the men and women of God You’ve placed over us. Bless them for their labor, surround them with Your favor as a shield, and touch every heart today with an atmosphere of praise, love, and appreciation. Grant every petition laid before You, and keep us in peace as we honor those who watch over our souls, in Jesus’ matchless name.”