In what ways can we seek God's favor in our daily lives? Opening Verse “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) What “Favor” Means • Favor is the smile of God—His gracious approval resting on a life. • Throughout Scripture, it appears where people align their thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His revealed will. • Favor is never earned by works alone; it flows from walking in humble, obedient relationship with the Lord. Patterns in Jesus’ Growth 1. Wisdom – loving and applying God’s truth. 2. Stature – developing body, habits, and responsibilities with integrity. 3. Favor with God – wholehearted devotion and obedience. 4. Favor with men – trustworthy conduct that blesses others. Practical Pathways to Seek God’s Favor Today • Saturate your mind with Scripture. Regular reading, memorizing, and obeying God’s Word cultivates wisdom. (Psalm 1:1-3; Joshua 1:8) • Choose humility. “God … gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Lay down pride, serve quietly, and let Him lift you up. • Walk in loving devotion and faithfulness. “Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you … Then you will find favor.” (Proverbs 3:3-4) Keep commitments; show steadfast kindness. • Practice justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with God. (Micah 6:8) These three qualities consistently draw His pleasure. • Live by faith, expecting His reward. “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Approach each day trusting His goodness. • Work wholeheartedly for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23-24) Excellence done for Him attracts His favor. • Nurture healthy relationships. Speak truth in love, forgive quickly, and pursue peace, so favor with people grows alongside favor with God. (Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:29-32) • Guard moral purity. Wise choices in entertainment, speech, and relationships keep conscience clear and witness strong. • Cultivate thankfulness. Gratitude honors God and keeps the heart sensitive to His blessings. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Encouraging Snapshots • Samuel’s life mirrors Luke 2:52: “The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26) • Ruth showed steadfast love and found favor: “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD.” (Ruth 2:12) • Esther combined courage and humility and “won the favor of everyone who saw her.” (Esther 2:15) Daily Takeaway Wisdom, disciplined growth, God-focused devotion, and gracious dealings with people—these four strands, woven together by steady obedience and humble faith, position any believer to enjoy the same kind of favor Jesus displayed. May “the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17) |
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