TEXT: 1Sam.2:26; Lu.2:52
INTRODUCTION
Last week we considered favour being initiated by God. This week we want to look at how we can ensure we are in God’s favour (i.e provoking divine favour) which will definitely result in men favouring us.
FAVOUR DEFINED
Heb: CHEN i.e. Mercy, kindness, goodwill, graciousness, and acceptance
Grk: CHARIS i.e Good decision made by a superior even when not obligated in favour of a junior or someone else.
Thirdly, WEB STAR: A friendly disposition or regard shown towards another, especially by a superior
OXFORD TALKING DICT. – kindness beyond what is usual
A. SERMON ON PROVOKING DIVINE FAVOUR OF GOD
1. Desire Favour
Prov.18:1, Psm.119:58
In Hebrew: entreats means 2 things Viz
– Seek or go after
– Be rubbed or worn even to the point of being wounded, i.e inconveniences associated with seeking God – Isa.64:7. Implying a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort to get the favour of God.
– King Saul did not do this, he found out too late
1Sam.13:7-14 (NIV)
– He lost His kingdom/authority because he didn’t seek God’s favour.
2. Pray For Favour
(a.) Moses sought in prayers God’s favour and got it – Exodus.33:12-17
B/c – It is possible for God to know you and not favour you – v12
– Indicators of Moses finding favour- v14-16
– Divine presence
– Divine rest
– A mark of Distinction
(b.) The children of Israel – Exo.3:9-10; 3:21-22
(c.) Paul the Apostle -1Cor.1:3-11
– Faced with intense violence and certain death, they prayed
– The favour extended was deliverance from pending Danger, sure death and provision of great comfort
3. Submission to the word and will of God
Heb.10:6-7, Psm.45:7, Heb.1:9, James 4:7; Isa.1:18-20.
4. Humility and Diligence
Prov.15:3, James 4:6-7, 1Pet.5:5-6, Prov.13:4,11,15.
5. Purity
Example: Joseph – Gen.39:1-12; Jesus Heb.1:9; Isa.1:19-22; 59:1-2
6. Positioning
– 2 levels before God and before man
– Seeds of favour:
Right words – Prov.18:21
Problem-solving – Dan.2:12-13,16
Obedience to God, e.g -Mal.3:9-11,1Sam.15:22
A good attitude -Lu.23:39-43, The 2 thieves on the cross.
Right Association – Gen.30:27; Gen.39:6;
Uncommon skill – Dan.2:47-48
God causes a remembrance – Est.6:1-3; PSM.5:12
Provoking Divine Favour Quiz
- What To Do While Waiting For Breakthrough - September 26, 2010
- Breakthrough By The Holy Spirit Sermon - September 19, 2010
- Work – Made Productivity - September 12, 2010