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. |
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