PROVOKING DIVINE FAVOUR

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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 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.
WEB STAR A friendly disposition or regard shown towards another especially by a superior
OXFORD TALKING DICT. – kindness beyond what is usual

A. PROVOKING DIVINE FAVOUR
1. Desire Favour – Prov.18:1, Psm.119:58
‚ Hebrew: entreats means 2things Viz
– Seek or go after
– Be rubbed or worn even to a point of being wounded i.e inconveniences associated with seeking God – Isa.64:7. Impling 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 – Exo.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 – e.g 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

Dr. Udoh
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