GRACE VS FAVOR
by Pastor Kobus Massyn
Walk in the favor of God
Grace and favor might sound the same, but there are some key differences.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 – 1As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Let us first look at Grace’s meaning from:
Hebrew:
Khen = Grace is anything that induces a favorable response or something we find ourselves drawn to. Stong’s concordance from 2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):–favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.
Ratson = Favor to be acceptable, delight, desire, favor, good pleasure, own, self, voluntary will, asor ratson {raw-tsone’}; from ratsah; delight (especially as shown) — (be) acceptable (-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as…(what) would.
Ratsah = be acceptable, accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with a primitive root; to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt — (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please (-ure), reconcile self.
Greek:
Charis: grace, kindness Original Word: χάρις, ιτος, ἡ Part of Speech: Noun.
Eunoeó: Strong’s Concordance eunoeó: to think kindly of, i.e. to be favorable Original Word: εὐνοέω
Eisdechomai: Strong’s Concordance eisdechomai: to admit, to receive (into one’s favor) Original Word: εἰσδέχομαι
What is the differences of Grace and Favor?
God’s grace is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. We count on God’s grace and the bridge he built in our relationship with Him.
Favor means God stepping into one’s situation to make a worthwhile difference. Favour is the highway to connect your destiny.
Lets look at some practical examples from the Bible
Moses
Exodus 33:12-13 – 12Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’
13If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
Esther
Esther 5:7-8 – 7Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: 8If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them.Then I will answer the king’s question.”
David
1 Samuel 16:18 – One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”
Noah
Genesis 7:1 – The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
Stephen
Acts 6:3 – Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
We will turn this responsibility over to them
How can I remain in the Favor of God?
1. Am I Born again?
John 3:3 – Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Am I growing in faith?
Mark 16:16-18 – 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
3. Am I bearing fruit?
John 15:1-4 – 1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
