The Favor of God
The Potential Principle
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series
Introduction: Today we are continuing with a very important series that will absolutely transform and revolutionize your life if you can get it. This really is one of the most important messages I could share with you. You see, all of us want the favor of God but you must understand that God’s love for you and His favor are related but yet are two completely separate things. God loves us all the same, He is no respecter of persons; and that love is deep and intense. The favor of God is another thing entirely.
? Review:
? Part 1- Use it or lose it
o Session 1 – Vashti
o Session 2 – 7 Princes
Now, as we begin this week’s word, let’s look at Esther. I will be primarily using the New King James Version this week.
After the King basically banished Queen Vashti, he was looking for a new queen and this was a very big deal.
Esther 2:1-4 NKJV, “After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's servants who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; 3 and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, custodian of the women. And let beauty preparations be given them. 4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." This thing pleased the king, and he did so.
Esther 2:2 NKJV
Then the king's servants who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king;
? From all 127 Provinces
? Scholars tell us there were somewhere between 400-1500 contestants
Esther 2:4 NKJV
Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." This thing pleased the king, and he did so.
? God is looking for a church
? People He can use in His Kingdom for His purposes
The first qualification was that the candidates must have POTENTIAL!
Of course, the candidates must be virgins. And in this case, this parallel for us between Queen Esther and us, virginity means unstained and unspoiled by the world, by the flesh. This means the first thing God looks for is people who are completely committed and absolutely faithful.
Some people wonder why God doesn’t seem to bless them with His favor. But, when you begin to evaluate things, not everyone is as faithful, as obedient, and as spiritually pure as they need to be. And, God cannot fully use people like that or bless people like that, as much as he would like. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
All the candidates were beautiful and gifted. They had talents and abilities or they would not have been considered to start with. But, talent, beauty, giftedness and abilities are not always enough. We must take this thing farther.
All the Young Virgins were put in care of Hegai
? His job was to Prepare them
Esther 2:8-9 NKJV
So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.
Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.
Esther stood out
? Had a quality beyond natural beauty
? She had a quality or “Spirit” of Godliness
? Christian women are the most beautiful
All day spa treatments for a year
? Potential without Preparation creates disappointment
? Potential without Preparation creates dysfunction
? Potential without Preparation creates embarrassment
? Potential without Preparation creates disunity and confusion
? Potential without Preparation creates failure
Hegai = Type of the Holy Spirit
? To develop you in everything, to be all you can possibly be
? God uses prepared Vessels
If you want to be useful in the Kingdom, you must be doing everything you can to be prepared for your destiny and calling; it doesn’t just happen.
It takes much more than being called, you must also be commissioned. Between the two there is a thing called preparation.
When Potential & Preparation come together….
? It creates OPPORTUNITY and FAVOR
We are to be Prepared for ….. God’s Eternal Heavenly Kingdom
? The Kingdom… The here and now!
? Remember the Lord’s Prayer? Thy Kingdom Come
Esther 2:15
Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.
Think about how you pray. There are lots of different ways to pray. One way to pray is what I call petition prayer. And there is certainly a place for petitions. But in order to obtain God’s favor, w must focus on his plans, will and purposes rather than our own.
In Esther’s situation, it was completely unnecessary for the King to know what she wanted. What was more important was the King’s needs, desires, and plans.
If you are not careful, you will tell God what you need
? Ask the Holy Spirit what you should Ask for = FAVOR
? If you want my favor, ask me what you can do for me.
? If you want God’s favor, tell Him how “Father, How can I please you?”
? It’s not about You ? It’s about the Father
? Repeat back to Him what he’s already said. Let your prayer be an echo of His voice.
As part of the preparation, all the candidates would BATH in and with Special Perfumes. And, in our preparation, bathing is also important.
Bathing represents several important things.
1. Bathing represents cleansing
2. Bathing represents purifying
3. Bathing represents softening
4. Bathing represents fragrance
5. Bathing represents getting rid of the past
Here is a good place to pause for a minute to stop and look at the guy who served the ladies.
His name was Hegai = means…. Truthful meditation
? When the thoughts of your mind are finally filled with God’s Word, you are getting there.
? In the “Place of Meditation” you will see your future come into Focus
? Truthful Meditation softens the hardness of heart
? Truthful Meditation Transforms the makeup of your Personal Identity
Now let’s talk about the Myrrh she soaked in. Myrrh is a spice that is an odor-eater, an air freshener and was very costly. There were several times where it is connected to the life of Christ.
Several times in the Life of Christ we see Myrrh
? Birth, Baptism, Cross, and at the tomb
When Joseph was in the bottom of the Pit he was sold to Ishmaelites
? They were carrying the Spice of Myrrh
POINT: Even in the Toughest area’s of life there is a Sweet Smell there
o God has a Plan
o No matter how messed up things seem to be
o I can smell the fragrance of God in your Life
So now let’s shift over to the life of David. Remember when David was facing the giant, Goliath? Do you remember what he told the King?
1 Sam 17:33-37
And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 Moreover David said, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
When David was sheep-herding and the bear attacked the flock, David took care of business. The same happened with the Lion. I am certain that what David did not realize at the time, was that he was actually in Giant-Slaying 101, he was in training. He was going through the training without even realizing it. Nonetheless, God was taking the future king through Giant-Slaying school and beginning his preparation for the throne.
Some of you are going through your preparation and may not even realize it.
NOTE: We ‘under-value’ Preparation
o In the Day of your Performance you will manifest your Preparation
o MMA Fighter B.J. Penn’s poor prep.
Isaiah 40:3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
We live in times where God is Shaking nations
o Dr. Cho about North Korea preparing 50,000 preachers
o Look at the recent earthquakes, tsunamis and such
o Look at what is happening in Egypt, Libya, Syria,
o God’s church will arise in the last days
o Get Ready, something great is ready to happen
Remember, ESTHER only did what HEGAI said
? In when I was younger… I was telling God How to be God
? Now… Whatever you want, I want
? The song, “Where you go I go”
? Favor is better than…. Money, Strength, Popularity
When you do what the Spirit says….
? Please the Father -- Blessing
? Obedience opens heaven
HOW TO OBTAIN FAVOR
I am going to show you some practical ways you can obtain favor. These practical points are simple but their application takes a tremendous focus, personal sacrifice and altered way of thinking and living. But, as you master these ten points, you will see, in your own personal life, how God’s favor will cause you to be selected over others.
1. HARD WORK CREATES FAVOR
Proverbs 22:29 NKJV
Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.
? It’s a Sin that Christians are bad employees
2. FAITHFULNESS & TRUSTWORTHINESS CREATE FAVOR
Matthew 25:21
His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Luke 16:10 NKJV
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
You see, we often have things backwards. We are looking for gifted and talented people and afterwards try to make them faithful. That does not work very often because if those gifted people are riding on their abilities rather than being completely reliant on God, they have missed it.
Being gifted but not completely submitted to God and church leadership always leads to becoming rebellious, rogue and prideful. And, I can tell you there is nothing wholesome or fruitful in that.
On the other side of the coin, there are other people who are not quite as gifted but are completely committed and submitted to God and church leadership who are completely favored and blessed by God. And, because of that, God will supernaturally intensify, anoint and increase their giftedness. Why? Because their faithfulness has created a level of trust that allows them to be highly favored.
2 Timothy 2:1-4 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
3.HUMILITY CREATES FAVOR
Now, humility is often underrated. In today’s world where we are taught to be goal oriented overachievers, and our culture actually worships these so called “successful” people, humility is often downplayed and overlooked. But as you know, the Kingdom operated on different principles.
Humility functions on a whole different system of principles. It is not being weak, or intentionally and piously allowing others to walk all over you. It is simply not thinking of yourself as better than others; of showing respect, and embracing God’s culture of honor.
James 4:6
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:6
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.
4. A GOOD POSITIVE ATTITUDE CREATES FAVOR
Genesis 39:1-5
Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field.
Joseph showed up at Potiphar’s house. He was sold into slavery and found himself in this guy’s house. He got hold of his emotions and submitted himself to God and he kept his attitude right before the man who owned the title deed to his life. When he did, God began to bless Potiphar for Joseph’s sake.
I am sure Joseph did not realize until much later that he was actually going through school to learn how to administrate and become one the highest leaders of Egypt. Preparation comes in many different ways!
5. OBEDIENCE CREATES FAVOR
Joshua 1:7-8
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
1 Samuel 15:22-23
"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being King."
You can’t retrieve through Sacrifice what you Lost through Disobedience
? Giving a gift to someone after you have publically embarrassed them?
? Manslaughter charge after taking someone’s life while driving drunk?
6. FAITH IN GOD’S WORD CREATES FAVOR
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
? God is looking for Faith
? Jesus said 10 times in His earthly ministry…. “According to your Faith”
Matthew 8:5-13
Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
Mark 5:34
And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."
Mark 9:23 NKJV
Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
7. PRAYER CREATES FAVOR
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.
Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
8. GIVING CREATES FAVOR
Acts 10:1-4
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!"
And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?"
So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
Psalms 41:1-3
Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
God blesses Givers.... Missions,..... Hurting people, etc.
9. MARRIAGE CREATES FAVOR
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.
10. WISDOM CREATES FAVOR
Proverbs 8:35
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;
11. LIVING MORAL AND TREATING PEOPLE GOOD CREATES FAVOR
Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
God notices Morals…. Even when no one else does. And, we are supposed to be God pleasers above everything else in life.
FAVOR IS COMING
? Lift your hands & Praise God for it
ESTHER = means “Hidden Star”
? Like Esther, you have been hidden before your moment of Destiny
? You may be like Elijah the Tishbite where nobody knows your history
? Your preparation may be done in public or behind a veil
? But God knows when the right time is to raise you up; you will not be hidden forever.
? After you have been through your
