What does it mean to find "favor in Your sight" today? Key Passage “Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, so that I may know You and find favor in Your sight.” (Exodus 33:13) Defining Favor • Hebrew word “ḥēn” means graciousness, acceptance, kindness freely given • Not earned by merit, yet it invites a response of trust and obedience • Implies personal relationship—God sees, notices, delights, and acts for one He loves Favor in the Old Testament Pattern • Noah: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8) – preserved in judgment • Joseph: “The LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.” (Genesis 39:21) – prospered in adversity • Esther: “She found favor in his sight more than all the virgins.” (Esther 2:17) – positioned to save a people Common thread: humble faith plus God’s sovereign choice brings protection, provision, and purpose Favor Realized Through Christ • “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) • “He made us accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6) Because Jesus is the perfectly favored Son (Luke 2:52), those united to Him share that favor Marks of Walking in God’s Favor Today • Saving faith – trusting Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Sincere pursuit of God’s ways – ongoing discipleship (John 14:21) • Humility and repentance – God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) • Obedient stewardship of gifts and opportunities – favor multiplies faithfulness (Matthew 25:21) • Bold access in prayer – “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) Practical Outworking in Daily Life 1. Identity: Rest in being chosen and beloved rather than striving for human approval 2. Guidance: Expect the Spirit’s direction as Moses did—“Teach me Your ways” (Exodus 33:13) 3. Protection: Trust God’s covering in trials, like Noah’s ark amid judgment 4. Influence: Use positions and relationships for Kingdom impact, as Esther did 5. Joyful Witness: Reflect God’s kindness to others, “so you will find favor and good repute” (Proverbs 3:3-4) Assurance for the Journey • God’s favor is for a lifetime (Psalm 30:5) • It cannot be severed from His steadfast love (Romans 8:38-39) • Continual renewal comes by abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5) Finding “favor in Your sight” today means living under the smile of God—secured by Christ, nurtured through obedience, and evidenced by His gracious work in and through our lives. |
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