UNDERSTANDING AND WALKING IN DIVINE FAVOUR

UNDERSTANDING AND WALKING IN DIVINE FAVOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 5:12

"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:3-4, Luke 2:52, Genesis 39:21, Esther 2:17, 2 Corinthians 9:8

INTRODUCTION:

Divine favour is the supernatural grace of God that positions a person for blessings, promotions, and breakthroughs beyond human ability and effort. It is not merely the approval of men, but the manifestation of God’s kindness, which causes doors to open, burdens to be lifted, and impossibilities to turn into testimonies. Many believers desire to walk in divine favour, yet they lack the understanding of how to receive and sustain it.

Throughout Scripture, we see that favour distinguishes God’s people and sets them apart for greatness. Men like Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Mary were all recipients of divine favour, and their lives were never the same. In this sermon, we will explore the meaning of divine favour, the keys to attracting it, the benefits it brings, and how to walk in it continuously.

1. WHAT IS DIVINE FAVOUR?

Divine favour is the supernatural influence of God upon a person’s life that grants them preferential treatment and access to opportunities that they would not ordinarily have. It is a distinguishing factor that sets one apart from others and causes them to experience God’s goodness in remarkable ways.

a) Unmerited Grace – Divine favour is not something that can be earned through human effort alone; it is an expression of God’s grace and mercy upon His people (Ephesians 2:8-9). Though a person may be diligent and hardworking, it is ultimately the favour of God that brings them into extraordinary blessings.

b) Supernatural Help – Divine favour attracts God’s help in times of need. When a person enjoys God’s favour, they receive divine assistance beyond human capability (Psalm 44:3). This help could come in the form of unexpected breakthroughs, divine connections, or miraculous provisions.

c) Divine Elevation – Favour has the power to lift a person from the lowest position to a place of prominence. God’s favour elevates a person above natural limitations, as seen in the life of David, who moved from being a shepherd boy to the king of Israel (1 Samuel 2:8).

d) Access to Open Doors – When a person walks in divine favour, they receive access to places and opportunities that others are denied. God’s favour opens doors that no man can shut and makes ways where there seem to be none (Revelation 3:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Mary (Luke 1:28) – The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." It was divine favour that set Mary apart to be the mother of Jesus.

2. KEYS TO OBTAINING DIVINE FAVOUR

Favour is not something that happens by chance; it follows specific spiritual principles. If a believer desires to walk in divine favour, they must align their lives with God’s instructions.

a) Righteous Living – God delights in those who live righteously, and His favour surrounds them like a shield (Psalm 5:12). Living in obedience to God’s commands positions a person to enjoy divine favour.

b) Obedience to God’s Word – The Bible teaches that obedience brings divine blessings and favour. When a person submits to God’s instructions, they position themselves for supernatural favour (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

c) Faithfulness in Small Things – Many desire divine favour in great matters, but they neglect faithfulness in the little things. Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10). When a person proves faithful in the small assignments given to them, God grants them greater responsibilities and favour.

d) A Lifestyle of Prayer and Seeking God – Prayer is a key that unlocks divine favour. Those who seek the Lord diligently and maintain a strong prayer life attract God’s attention and favour (Daniel 6:10, Acts 10:4).

e) Biblical Example:
Noah (Genesis 6:8) – At a time when the world was filled with wickedness, Noah found favour in the sight of God because he lived righteously and walked in obedience to God’s instructions.

3. BENEFITS OF DIVINE FAVOUR

When a person walks in divine favour, their life becomes marked by supernatural blessings and testimonies.

a) Promotion and Honour – Divine favour is a key factor in promotion. While human connections may fail, God’s favour lifts a person into places of honour (Psalm 75:6-7).

b) Divine Protection – Those who carry divine favour enjoy supernatural protection. God shields them from harm, just as He did for Lot when He delivered him from Sodom (Genesis 19:19).

c) Supernatural Provision – Favour attracts divine provision, even in unlikely situations. The Israelites received gold and silver from the Egyptians because of divine favour (Exodus 12:36).

d) Victory Over Adversity – Divine favour guarantees victory in battles. Even when enemies rise against a person, God’s favour ensures they overcome (Romans 8:31).

e) Biblical Example:
Esther (Esther 2:17) – Though she was an orphan and a foreigner, divine favour caused her to be chosen as queen over many others.

4. HOW TO SUSTAIN DIVINE FAVOUR

It is not enough to receive divine favour; it must be sustained through a lifestyle of obedience and gratitude.

a) Maintain a Heart of Gratitude – Favour multiplies in the life of those who are thankful. The leper who returned to thank Jesus received an additional blessing (Luke 17:15-19).

b) Stay Humble Before God – Pride drives away favour, but humility attracts it. God resists the proud but gives grace and favour to the humble (James 4:6).

c) Continue Walking in Righteousness – Sin is a major hindrance to divine favour. Those who compromise their faith risk losing the favour of God (Isaiah 59:2).

d) Be a Blessing to Others – When a person becomes a vessel of blessing to others, they create an atmosphere for continuous divine favour (Genesis 12:2).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph (Genesis 39:21) – Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph maintained his integrity and found favour in the sight of Potiphar and later Pharaoh.

5. WALKING IN DIVINE FAVOUR DAILY

To experience divine favour continuously, one must be intentional in their spiritual walk.

a) Speak Words of Faith – The words we speak influence our reality. Speaking in alignment with God’s Word activates divine favour (Proverbs 18:21).

b) Seek Wisdom in Decisions – Wisdom attracts favour, as it enables a person to walk in discernment and divine direction (Proverbs 3:3-4).

c) Trust God Completely – Relying on God rather than human strength brings divine favour (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Be Diligent in Your Assignments – Hard work and excellence attract divine favour and recognition (Proverbs 22:29).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel (Daniel 1:9) – Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained faithful to God and was rewarded with divine favour.

CONCLUSION:

Divine favour is a gift from God that sets His people apart and grants them access to supernatural blessings. By walking in righteousness, prayer, and obedience, a believer can activate and sustain divine favour in every area of life.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, let Your favour rest upon my life.

2. Every obstacle blocking my favour, be removed in Jesus’ name.

3. Lord, give me the grace to live righteously.

4. I receive divine promotion and honour.

5. O Lord, let doors of opportunity open for me.

6. Every mark of disfavour in my life, be erased by the blood of Jesus.

7. Father, let my destiny helpers locate me.

8. I declare supernatural breakthroughs in all areas of my life.

9. Lord, increase my wisdom to walk in favour.

10. I walk in divine favour all the days of my life!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. The favour of God will locate you wherever you go!

2. Every closed door is opening for you now!

3. You will enjoy supernatural promotion!

4. Your destiny helpers will remember you this season!

5. You will not struggle where others struggle!

6. The favour of God will make a way for you!

7. No power of darkness will stop your rising!

8. Your name will be mentioned for good!

9. Your life will attract divine opportunities!

10. You shall walk in unending favour from today!