FAVOUR BEYOND LABOUR

Title: FAVOUR BEYOND LABOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Genesis 39:21 – "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison."

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 5:12
Proverbs 3:3-4
Luke 2:52
Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION:
In life, we often equate success with hard work and diligence. However, there exists a divine element that transcends our efforts: favour. Favour beyond labour is a grace that enables us to achieve what seems impossible through our human efforts alone. It is God's unmerited kindness that opens doors and creates opportunities that labour cannot secure. This sermon explores the nature of favour, how it operates in our lives, and how we can position ourselves to receive it.

1. UNDERSTANDING DIVINE FAVOUR
Divine favour is a supernatural endorsement from God that grants us privileges, opportunities, and blessings that we do not deserve.

a) Definition of Favour: Favour is God's goodwill extended towards us, resulting in blessings and opportunities (Psalm 5:12).

b) Scriptural Examples: The favour shown to Noah (Genesis 6:8) highlights that it can lead to divine protection and purpose.

c) Favour vs. Works: While hard work is essential, favour often brings about results that surpass our efforts (Proverbs 3:3-4).

d) The Role of Grace: Favour is rooted in God's grace, not in our merits; it is a gift freely given (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Biblical Example:
Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace exemplifies how favour can elevate us beyond our circumstances (Genesis 37-41).

2. ATTRACTING DIVINE FAVOUR
Certain attitudes and actions position us to receive God’s favour in our lives.

a) Living Righteously: Integrity and righteousness attract favour from God (Proverbs 11:27).

b) Cultivating Humility: God gives grace to the humble, enabling us to receive His favour (James 4:6).

c) Seeking God: Pursuing a relationship with God through prayer and His Word brings us closer to His favour (Matthew 6:33).

d) Serving Others: Acts of service and kindness create pathways for divine favour (Galatians 6:9).

Biblical Example:
Esther found favour with the king through her humility and willingness to serve her people (Esther 2:17).

3. THE MANIFESTATION OF FAVOUR
When God’s favour is upon us, it manifests in various forms, leading to remarkable outcomes.

a) Uncommon Opportunities: Favour brings us before people of influence who can help us (Luke 2:52).

b) Divine Connections: God orchestrates encounters that lead to significant breakthroughs (Proverbs 18:16).

c) Supernatural Provision: Favour can result in unexpected resources and support (Philippians 4:19).

d) Peace in Adversity: Even in challenging situations, God’s favour provides peace and assurance (Romans 8:28).

Biblical Example:
David received favour from God that led him from shepherd to king, demonstrating how divine endorsement can change one’s life trajectory (1 Samuel 16:13).

4. MAINTAINING DIVINE FAVOUR
Once we experience God’s favour, it is essential to maintain it by living in accordance with His will.

a) Continued Obedience: Walking in obedience to God's commands keeps us in His favour (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

b) Gratitude: Thankfulness for His blessings ensures we remain humble and reliant on Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Growing in Faith: Strengthening our faith through trials helps us recognise and appreciate God’s favour (2 Corinthians 5:7).

d) Sharing His Blessings: Testifying of God’s goodness can draw more favour into our lives (Revelation 12:11).

Biblical Example:
Solomon maintained his favour with God by walking in obedience and building the temple, which brought further blessings (1 Kings 3:14).

5. SHARING THE FAVOUR WITH OTHERS
Favour is not just for our benefit; it is also meant to be shared with those around us.

a) Encouraging Others: Use your favour to uplift and encourage those who may be struggling (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

b) Extending Grace: Just as we receive favour, we should extend grace to others in their times of need (Ephesians 4:32).

c) Empowering Others: Use your position of favour to empower and help others achieve their goals (Philippians 2:4).

d) Creating a Legacy: Sharing favour leads to a legacy of kindness and generosity that can impact future generations (Proverbs 13:22).

Biblical Example:
The Good Samaritan used his resources and favour to help someone in need, illustrating the power of sharing favour (Luke 10:33-34).

CONCLUSION:
Favour beyond labour is a powerful force in our lives, enabling us to achieve what we cannot accomplish on our own. By understanding its nature, attracting it through righteous living, recognising its manifestations, maintaining it, and sharing it with others, we position ourselves to experience God's abundant blessings. Let us trust in His favour to lead us into new realms of blessing and opportunities that surpass our efforts.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for Your unmerited favour in my life.

2. Father, help me to live righteously to attract Your favour.

3. Lord, grant me humility to receive Your grace.

4. Father, I commit to seeking You daily for guidance and favour.

5. Lord, help me to serve others selflessly and be a vessel of Your favour.

6. Father, I declare uncommon opportunities shall come my way.

7. Lord, orchestrate divine connections in my life.

8. Father, let Your provision flow into every area of my need.

9. Lord, I will remain grateful for all Your blessings in my life.

10. Father, may I share Your favour and blessings with those around me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will experience favour beyond your labour.

2. God will position you for uncommon opportunities this week.

3. I decree that you will attract divine connections that will change your life.

4. Your efforts shall yield results beyond what you can imagine.

5. I declare that God's provision shall overtake you.

6. You will find peace in adversity through God's favour.

7. I decree that you will walk in continuous obedience and maintain God's favour.

8. You will testify of God's goodness and draw others to His favour.

9. I declare that your life will be a channel of blessing to others.

10. You will leave a legacy of kindness and generosity through God's favour.