Series: Finding Favor With God [#3]
RESPONDING TO GOD’S FAVOR
Genesis 8:1-22
Introduction:
Tonight, we are going to study a powerful theme rooted in God's unmerited favor- "Responding To God's Favor." We see God's faithful provision and mercy after the great flood, reminding us that His favor is always present, even in our darkest moments. As we reflect on God's grace, our hearts are called to respond in gratitude, recognizing that His favor is not something to be taken lightly but to be embraced and celebrated. Our response to God's favor shapes how we live, worship, and serve Him daily, inviting us to deepen our relationship with Him through sincere gratitude and trust.
Responding to God's favor involves more than words; it requires faith in His provision, obedience to His commands, heartfelt worship, and a commitment to live righteously. These responses are not mere reactions but intentional choices that align our lives with God's divine purpose. May this message inspire us to cultivate a posture of thankfulness, unwavering faith, and unwavering obedience, so that our lives may truly reflect the favor of God and bring glory to His name.
Genesis 8:1-2
Respond with…
1. Gratitude for God's favor.
This reveals God's unwavering favor toward Noah and creation, as He remembers His covenant and causes the floodwaters to recede. This demonstrates God's mercy, faithfulness, and sovereignty- His favor is rooted in His character and His promises. Recognizing God's favor leads us to worship and trust in His divine plan, understanding that His grace sustains and restores us even after times of judgment or hardship.
In response to God's favor, we are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude daily. Just as Noah responded with obedience and gratitude after God's salvation, we should intentionally acknowledge God's blessings in our lives- Big and small. Practically, this can involve daily prayers of thankfulness, journaling God's blessings, and serving others out of appreciation for His grace. Gratitude transforms our perspective, strengthens our faith, and motivates us to live in a way that honors God's favor and reflects His kindness to others.
Genesis 8:3-14
Respond with…
2. Faith in God's provision.
We see God's faithful provision as He causes the waters to recede and provides a safe space for Noah and his family to begin anew. This passage reminds us that even in the midst of life's storms and uncertainties, God's provision is unwavering. Theologically, this teaches us that God's care is rooted in His covenant love and sovereignty. Practically, it challenges us to trust in God's timing and provision during our own periods of waiting or hardship. When we face difficulties, we can respond with faith, knowing that just as God provided for Noah, He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Cultivate a trust that God's provision is always present, (even when unseen) by reflecting on His past faithfulness, praying for patience and trust, and actively choosing to rely on His promises rather than our own understanding. This deepens our faith and reinforces our response of gratitude and obedience, acknowledging that God's favor includes His generous provision for our lives.
Genesis 8:15-19
Respond with…
3. Obedience to God's commands.
After the flood, God told Noah to leave the ark and start new life on the Earth. This shows that God keeps His promises and is trustworthy. Obeying God in this moment means recognizing that He is in charge, trusting His plan, and accepting the new beginning He gives us. Obedience isn’t just about doing what God says; it comes from a heart that appreciates His goodness and responds with faith and thankfulness. When we obey God like this, our relationship with Him grows stronger, and we live in a way that matches His purpose for us.
Practically, this story teaches us that we should quickly and sincerely follow God's commands, especially after we see His blessings in our lives. Just as Noah obeyed God's instruction to leave the ark and start over, we are called to respond to God's guidance in our daily lives- Whether in decisions, routines, or helping others. Obeying God means trusting Him even when it’s hard or uncertain. It’s about living a life of surrender to Him, so we can be part of His plans and show His goodness to the World. When we respond to God's favor with obedience, we help fulfill His promises and join in His work on Earth.
Genesis 8:20-21
Respond with…
4. Worship and dedication.
Worship and dedication naturally come when we see God's kindness and mercy. After the flood, Noah shows his thankfulness to God by building an altar and offering sacrifices. This shows he worships God from his heart and trusts in God's goodness. In our lives, a good way to respond to God's favor is to keep worshiping Him through prayer, singing, and helping others. Dedication means choosing to follow God's plan every day, making sure our thankfulness shows in how we live and obey Him.
Spiritually, worship and dedication help us grow closer to God and show that He is in charge of our lives. When we see God's kindness, it encourages us to give Him our time, talents, and resources to honor Him. Doing this not only shows our love for God but also changes our hearts to be more like His. We can do this by going to Church, praying alone, helping others, and using what God gives us wisely. These actions show that we are committed to living in thankfulness for God's mercy and grace. When we do this, our faith grows stronger, and we become more like Jesus, always responding to God's goodness with love and respect.
Genesis 8:22
Respond with…
5. Commitment to live righteously.
This verse reminds us that God's promise to keep the World going, (seasons, planting, and harvesting) stays true because of His mercy and power. When we see how much God has blessed us, it should motivate us to live in a way that pleases Him. Practically, this means choosing to obey His Word, showing kindness, honesty, and holiness every day. Just like God's promise gives us hope and stability, our choice to live right shows we trust and thank Him for His grace.
Spiritually, responding to God's favor with righteousness means making a daily decision to honor Him in everything we do. It calls us to be good stewards of His creation, to love others, and to seek justice. Living right isn’t just a one-time choice, but a lifelong habit of reflecting God's character in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live righteously, we show others how powerful God's favor is to change lives. Our actions can inspire others to see God's goodness and want to know Him better. Living in this way honors God's promises and helps others experience His love and grace through us.
Conclusion:
As we conclude, let us remember that responding to God's favor calls us to a heartfelt gratitude that recognizes His goodness in our lives. Just as Noah expressed thankfulness through obedience and worship after the flood, our response should be one of sincere appreciation for His grace. This gratitude fuels our faith in His provision, trusting that He will sustain us through every challenge and blessing. By placing our confidence in His promises, we align ourselves with His divine plan, reaffirming that His favor is both a gift and a call to deeper trust.
Finally, our response must be one of active obedience and committed worship. As Noah obeyed God's commands and dedicated himself to living righteously, so too are we called to follow His instructions wholeheartedly, dedicating our lives to His glory. Living righteously is not merely a momentary act but a continual journey of surrender and devotion. Let us, therefore, respond to God's favor by living in obedience, worship, and unwavering commitment, ensuring that His grace transforms every aspect of our lives and points others to His everlasting love.
