Believers' response to God's favor?
How should believers respond when experiencing God's favor, as seen in Exodus 3:21?

Setting the Scene

Exodus 3:21: “And I will cause the Egyptians to favor this people, so that when you leave, you will not leave empty-handed.”

• Israel is still in bondage, yet God speaks of future abundance.

• The promise is unilateral—initiated and guaranteed by God.

• The favor serves a purpose: resourcing the nation for worship in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 25:1-8).


What Favor Looks Like

• Undeserved kindness that originates in God’s covenant love.

• Tangible blessing—silver, gold, clothing (Exodus 12:35-36).

• Publicly observable; even enemies acknowledge it.

• Timed perfectly—arriving when it will further God’s redemptive plan.


Why God Extends Favor

• To fulfill His word to Abraham (Genesis 15:14).

• To equip His people for service and worship (Exodus 35:4-9).

• To display His glory to the nations (Psalm 105:37-45).

• To foreshadow the richer grace believers receive in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).


Our Heart Posture When Favor Arrives

• Faith—take God at His word before circumstances change.

• Humility—recognize “it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

• Gratitude—“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good” (Psalm 107:1).

• Obedience—use the resources exactly as He directs (Exodus 36:3-7).

• Anticipation—expect future faithfulness because past favor proves His character (Romans 8:32).


Practical Ways to Respond

1. Receive the gift without false modesty

– Israel asked for articles of value; they did not refuse God’s provision.

2. Redirect the blessing toward God’s purposes

– Much of the plunder became materials for the tabernacle.

– Today: channel financial, relational, or vocational favor into Kingdom work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

3. Testify to others

– “Proclaim the virtues of Him who called you” (1 Peter 2:9).

– Share specific stories of how God opened doors or supplied needs.

4. Guard against pride

– Regularly rehearse Deuteronomy 8:10-11 to keep dependence fresh.

5. Keep moving forward

– Israel gathered the gifts while stepping out of Egypt.

– Use favor as fuel for the journey, not an excuse to settle.


Lessons for Today

• God’s favor is gracious, not earned, yet it calls for purposeful stewardship.

• Material blessing is never an end in itself; it is provision for mission and worship.

• Experiencing favor should deepen trust, not self-confidence.

• Refusing or hoarding God’s gifts undermines the testimony He intends to display through us.


Key Takeaways

• Believe the promise before you see the provision.

• Receive with gratitude, steward with obedience, testify with humility.

• Every token of favor is both reminder and preview of the fullness believers enjoy in Christ.

What other biblical instances show God granting favor to His people?
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