LIVING IN GOD’S FAVOR
GOD IS A GOD OF GRACE
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. … From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
-John 1:14 & 16-17
LIVING HOPE IS CONFIDENTLY EXPECTANT OF GOD’S GRACE & FAVOR
Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal to make us EXPECTANT of Grace & Favor when we TURN to Him.
We are to be in AWE of it, be THANKFUL for it but never be SURPRISED by it!
FAVOR & GRACE ARE NOT GIVEN ACCORDING TO OUR BEHAVIOR, BUT ACCORDING TO OUR IDENTITY
“…and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.
-Luke 3:22-23
“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
-Romans 8:14-16
AS SONS & DAUGHTERS WE NOW HAVE A PLACE IN FAMILY & CARRY THE FATHER’S FAVOR
FAVOR & GRACE ARE NOT GIVEN ACCORDING TO OUR BEHAVIOUR, BUT IT SHOULD MOLD, FORM, & TRANSFORM OUR BEHAVIOR.
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
-Luke 19:8
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.
-John 8:10-11
GOD’S GRACE HAS TRANSFORMED ME MORE THAN MY WILLPOWER!!!
BEST WAY TO GET A DOG TO DROP A BONE OS TO OFFER IT A STEAK!
GOD DESIRES THAT WE LIVE FROM OUR IDENTITY!!
Every time GRACE & FAVOR comes recognize that it is because you are HIS!!
Let that transform you more into His likeness.
- When have you experienced God’s favor?
- How expectant are you for God’s favor?
What can you do to be MORE EXPECTANT? - What would it look like if you “Lived from your identity” as a Son or Daughter of God? How would that change your thoughts, speech, behavior, relationships?