Introduction:
We are still in the Year of Increase & Filling. Today I want us to see how this increase takes place by understanding the favour of God. Mary was highly favoured because she was called according to God’s Purpose; that favour resulted in her being overshadowed by God’s Presence and favour led to her experience God’s Performance. We can all experience the favour of God.
I Based on God’s Purpose
i) God’s purpose to send a Messiah: Promised to Eve this had to happen in the fullness of time. Jesus had to have a mother. There were many virgins but God’s favour came on Mary – why? Really don’t know – God does not give detailed reasons but we know Mary was: of the tribe of Judah, a virgin, humble, willing to pay the price, was the Lord’s servant, treasured the Word,
ii) God’s purpose has timing: In the sixth month! God is outside of time but works in our time – history. Gal 4:4. His favour has timing (2Co 6:2).
iii) To have God’s favour flow in His purposes: Find out what is on God’s heart (Eph 5:10). His favour attends his purpose. Today His purpose is to save India. Devote yourself to this purpose and you will experience His favour.
iv) The converse: To know the purpose (will) of God, find out where His favour lies. What is God blessing, where is he moving? That’s what God’s purpose is.
II Comes with God’s Presence
i) The Holy Spirit will come upon you: You cannot separate God’s favour from His presence. God did not expect Mary to do His will on her own. It is God’s presence that will accomplish His purpose! Not by might or power but by my Spirit (Zec 4:6)
ii) A common mistake: After beginning in the purpose of God, experiencing His presence, we then try to fulfill His purpose in our own strength (c.f., Gal 3:1-3). It must be by faith from first to last (Rom 1:17). Mary could not produce the Messiah on her own no matter how hard she tried.
III Results in God’s Performance
i) May it be to me as you have said: God’s favour leads to increase – the performance of His purpose. Mary got pregnant! God’s favour finally helps to fulfill His purpose. The Messiah was born.
Biblical Examples of Knowing God’s Favour:
Purpose Presence Performance
o Noah Saving lives Wisdom for Ark Built Ark/Saved
o Joseph Saving lives Potiphar/Prison PM/Food/Saved
o Ruth Gentile in J line In Boaz fields Boaz/Obed
o David Kingship/Judah Anointing Giants/ King
Conclusion:
What have we learnt of God’s Favour?
o God’s favour has a purpose
o The path of favour is the will of God
o God’s favour is accompanied with His ability (anointing)
o God’s favour will lead to increase – fulfillment of His purpose
