Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with divine grace, blessing, and empowerment. For the saints, or the faithful followers of God, His favor is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling them to endure trials, fulfill their divine purposes, and live righteously.Old Testament Examples 1. Joseph: Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a prime example of a saint strengthened by God's favor. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph found favor in the eyes of God and man. Genesis 39:21 states, "The LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." This divine favor ultimately led to Joseph's rise to power as the second-in-command in Egypt, where he was instrumental in saving many lives during a severe famine. 2. Moses: Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, was also strengthened by divine favor. In Exodus 33:17 , the LORD said to Moses, "I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." This favor empowered Moses to perform miracles, confront Pharaoh, and guide the Israelites through the wilderness. 3. David: King David, a man after God's own heart, experienced God's favor throughout his life. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , when Samuel anointed David, "the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." This divine favor provided David with the strength to defeat Goliath, lead Israel, and establish a kingdom that would endure through his lineage. New Testament Examples 1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was highly favored by God. In Luke 1:28 , the angel Gabriel greets her with, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." This favor gave Mary the strength to accept her role in God's plan, despite the societal challenges she faced as an unwed mother. 2. The Apostles: The early apostles were strengthened by God's favor as they spread the Gospel. Acts 4:33 notes, "With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all." This favor enabled them to perform miracles, endure persecution, and establish the early Church. 3. Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently spoke of the strength he received through God's favor. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , he recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This divine favor empowered Paul to endure hardships, spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, and write much of the New Testament. Theological Implications The favor of God is not merely a passive blessing but an active empowerment for the saints. It is a manifestation of God's grace that equips believers to fulfill their divine callings and live in accordance with His will. This favor is often accompanied by the presence of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance, wisdom, and strength. The favor of God is a testament to His faithfulness and love for His people, ensuring that they are never alone in their spiritual journey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 30:7LORD, by your favor you have made my mountain to stand strong: you did hide your face, and I was troubled. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches ... A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! God's Love to Fallen Man The Sovereignty of God in Operation Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church. Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable. The Priesthood of Christ The Conclusion Sets Forth what Appears to be Our Lord's Principal ... Resources What is the favor of God, and how can I get it? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God have favorites? | GotQuestions.org Why are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Favour of God is the Source of Mercy The Favour of God is the Source of Spiritual Life The Favour of God: Christ the Special Object of The Favour of God: Disappointment of Enemies an Assured Evidence of The Favour of God: Domestic Blessings Traced To The Favour of God: Given in Answer to Prayer The Favour of God: Mercy and Truth Lead To The Favour of God: Plead, in Prayer The Favour of God: Saints: Encompassed By The Favour of God: Saints: Exalted In The Favour of God: Saints: Obtain The Favour of God: Saints: Preserved Through The Favour of God: Saints: Sometimes Tempted to Doubt The Favour of God: Saints: Strengthened By The Favour of God: Saints: Victorious Through The Favour of God: Spiritual Wisdom Leads To The Favour of God: The Virgin Mary The Favour of God: The Wicked: do not Obtain The Favour of God: The Wicked: Uninfluenced By The Favour of God: To be Acknowledged Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |