Lesson from 02-03-17
BLESSED BY GODS FAVOR
When Gods
blessings are released and the windows of heaven are open over you, Gods
blessings begin to pour out on you that you cannot contain. They will be
overflowing
Malachi
3:10 10 Bring
ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts,
if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that
there shall not be room enough to receive it.
These blessings are more than spiritual bumps on your arms, and feeling
good about your relationship with God. When God manifests his blessings, it is
a visible sign of favor to those observing your life.
If you intend to follow Christ Jesus and serve him, I believe it is the
will of God that you walk in the favor of the Lord. Divine favor is the ability
to walk under an open window of heaven.
Having a window open and keeping a window open are two different things.
Getting a window opened happens because of Gods redemptive grace, but keeping
it open is a result of Gods covenant favor.
It may
surprise you to know that the same word translated and used for grace is the
same word for favor in Hebrew text, spelled favour.
While Greek
and Hebrew meanings are the same, there is one major difference between grace
and favor. Grace is unearned and a free Gift from God: But favor may be
deserved or gained.
24 Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
We have all
sinned and fell short of Gods glory, but Gods mercy and his grace, through the
redemption in Christ Jesus we’re justified by his amazing grace.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But
where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death,
even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal
life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
By Adams disobedience, we were made sinners, but because grace reigns
through Christ our Lord we are made righteous unto eternal life.
Romans 6:14 14 For sin shall not have
dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Sin has no dominion over the believers, for we are not under the law but
under grace.
The basic meaning of grace of God is: Gods free gift of mercy and
salvation given to believers. God is indicated when grace is multiplied or
added and called “more grace” or highly favored.
James 4:6 6 But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
The difference between simple grace and multifield grace or favor is
this, saving and redemptive grace is unearned. Favor can be earned by obedience
to God.
Both are free gifts of God, Grace is the reward for believing upon Christ
Jesus and believing his word. Favor is a reward for acting upon the promises of
God.
The question of favor often baffles ministers in the ministry. Some build
larger congregations than others, yet the smaller ministries are just as
effective.
Some teachers have a gift of communication and knowledge. I don’t believe
God randomly selects favorites, maybe it’s because some may not be tapping into
Gods favor.
Favor can be obtained from God though acts of kindness and obedience and
following Gods will for your life.
God selects people who will use every gift they have for the kingdom of
God.
Mathew 6:33 33 But
seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.
Job’s blessing was lost by a battle, but regained by divine favor. In
fact, the increases after the battle came in the form of a double portion.
Luke 6:38 38 Give,
and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same
measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Favor can be obtained with God and man, God’s word speaks of it.
1 Samuel 2:26 26 And
the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.
Luke 2:52 52 And
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Why is it important to obtain favor with God, and with man? Your entire
life revolves around dealing with people. God uses men to give unto your bosom.
Therefore, favor with God and man is important. Favor can open the door
you need to see the works of your hand blessed. The bible is filled with
promises of favor for the believer.
It is just as important to understand what favor is not, as it is to
understand what favor is. Favor does not involve good looks or physical
attraction.
Your physical beauty, for, or appearance do not determine your level of
favor with God. Favor is not charisma or polished personality.
In the secular world, people use their charm or personality as a plus.
Real favor does not involve either. Favor is a supernatural action from God
that enables Him to receive the glory, when he works on our behalf.
If it was our gift, ability or personality, then we would accept the
praise of men, and think our personal gifts obtained the favor.
Favor doesn’t exempt you from trials. People feel that if they are in
Gods will they are exempt from problems. Others believe that if they have the
favor of God, everything will always go right.
This is not true, sometimes, even with favor we will experience troubles.
The reason I know believers are blesses is not because they are exempt from
trouble, but because they keep making it through the storms.
Favor is the assurance that God is with you and will see you through, in
spite of these attacks. When things seem to fall apart and trouble surrounds
you, don’t believe the lie of Satan, that God has forsaken you and His favor
can’t be found.
Favor does not exempt you from tribulation. However favor will enable you
to always come out on the other side with the victory.
Trouble, disaster, and difficulty are not signs of lack of favor. They
are only signs that you are still alive and living on Earth. That you are not
exempt from difficulty; always remember, when it comes to favor, if God is for
us, who can be against us.
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