1.  Importance of Favor

So many beat up and tottering on the edge of unbelief so we need to know where we stand with Christ to be able to take on the attacks that come against us.

God’s favor on you has to be more than a statement.  Something tangible in our lives.

Galatians 3: 13 Jesus took the curse for me and now I am under the blessing.

Paul stated I am convinced

Seek God’s favor with all my heart I want your blessings.   Be merciful as you promised.  Psalm 119: 58

2. Attacks against faith

Easy to lose heart when different things happen in our lives that we can’t understand.

  1. Trials are not unusual  1 PETER 4: 12 – 13
  2. God’s glory is going to be revealed through each trial.  Satan is always trying to steal this blessing from us.
  3. God will restore what satan steals seven fold (if a thief is caught he is told to restore seven fold) Proverbs 6: 31or 30, 60, 100 fold.

Our minds cannot see what God has prepared for us 1 Corinthians 2: 9

What abundant things God has stored up for those who fear you Psalm 31: 19

EXAMPLE: dream job and you don’t get paid on Friday, you think every other week.  Two weeks go by and nothing, you think, once a month.  Three months go by and you begin to feel neglected that the boss is abusing you and not even mindful about you.  The next day you don’t get three months wages, but 30 years wages.  It’s outrageous.  I could never earn all of this.

3. What will he withhold?

Blessings are not always material or physical, it is Him.  He wants to humble us with his blessings

Romans 8: 31, 32 If God didn’t spare Jesus for us, will he give us the $20 we need?   Can’t you see how easy it is for God to give you everything you need?

I don’t get everything.  God will not in his loving kindness fulfill our lusts, but we will look more at that next week, Now trust he will provide what you need.

I didn’t withhold my son from you, I will not withhold my power to work in your life.

4. Only Good Christians…

We feel God only blesses those who have better faith than theirs.  Romans 8: 33, 34, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ 35 – 37

I am convinced…Vs 38  This is the key to being set free from every doubt about God’s favor toward us.

What if we doubt?  Thomas doubted yet Jesus came to him and showed himself to him.  He wants to show you his scars in the midst of your doubt.  He wants the power of the resurrection to raise you to life in a way you could never do for yourself.  He comes to convince you of his eternal Word  Nothing can separate you from the love of God 8: 39

Because of his grace, Thomas believed again.  He went to India and founded churches in seven major cities.  Today India has 30 million Christians.

Jesus withheld nothing from his friend that needed help again.

5. Contend

 

contend = strive against opposition

  1. Physical as in battle  Deuteronomy 2: 9
  2. Horses to do more than you can do on your own Jeremiah 12: 5
  3. Orally Nehemiah 13: 11Temple leaders to do their job