DIVINE FAVOUR VS MAN'S APPROVAL

DIVINE FAVOUR VS MAN’S APPROVAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Supporting Texts: Psalm 5:12, Proverbs 29:25, Galatians 1:10, Luke 2:52, Acts 7:9-10

INTRODUCTION:
One of the most defining distinctions in the life of a believer is the difference between divine favour and human approval. While man’s approval is often based on appearance, status, or performance, divine favour comes from God’s sovereign choice, irrespective of public opinion. In the story of David’s anointing, we see a profound contrast between what man sees and what God chooses.

When the prophet Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, even he was tempted to choose based on outward appearance. But God interrupted his assumption and declared that “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” This single statement reveals the stark difference between human evaluation and divine favour.

This teaching explores the difference between seeking man’s approval and walking in divine favour. It is a call to stop living for applause and start living for God’s affirmation. The goal is not popularity but purpose. And when God favours a man, no rejection can stop him from rising.

1. DIVINE FAVOUR SELECTS WHOM MEN OVERLOOK
God’s choice is not bound by human preference or position.

a) Jesse Didn’t Even Present David to Samuel (1 Samuel 16:10-11)
David was so disregarded by his father that he wasn’t even called to the initial lineup of candidates.

b) God Had Already Chosen David in the Field (1 Samuel 16:12)
Divine favour locates people even in obscurity. Where man forgets you, God remembers you.

c) God Corrected Samuel’s Assumptions About Eliab (1 Samuel 16:6-7)
Man's approval is based on looks, stature, and credentials. God’s favour is based on heart and purpose.

d) David Was Anointed in the Presence of His Brothers (1 Samuel 16:13)
The same people who were preferred by men watched divine favour rest upon the least expected.

Biblical Example: Joseph was rejected by his brothers, but God’s favour made him a ruler in Egypt (Acts 7:9-10).

2. MAN’S APPROVAL IS FICKLE, BUT GOD’S FAVOUR IS STEADFAST
People’s opinions change, but God’s decision stands.

a) Saul Approved of David Initially, but Later Tried to Kill Him (1 Samuel 18:2, 8-9)
Man can applaud today and attack tomorrow.

b) God’s Favour Remained With David Even in Exile (1 Samuel 23:14)
Even when men turned against him, the Lord preserved him.

c) Trying to Please Man Can Lead to Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:24)
Saul confessed that he disobeyed God because he feared the people.

d) Divine favour is not swayed by circumstances or opinions
It is grounded in covenant, not in convenience.

Biblical Example: Jesus was praised on Palm Sunday but crucified days later. Yet God's favour raised Him from the dead (Philippians 2:9–11).

3. DIVINE FAVOUR ESTABLISHES DESTINY, NOT JUST POPULARITY
God’s favour is about purpose, not public approval.

a) David Was Anointed Long Before He Was Crowned (1 Samuel 16:13)
Favour speaks ahead of fulfilment—it affirms identity before manifestation.

b) God’s Favour Prepared Him for the Throne Through Tests
Battles, betrayals, and caves were part of the divine pathway.

c) Man’s approval may give you a position, but only God gives a throne
Favour sustains what man’s applause cannot uphold.

d) Popularity fades, but purpose remains when rooted in divine favour
Lasting leadership flows from favour, not flattery.

Biblical Example: Esther found favour with the king, not because of beauty alone, but because of divine purpose (Esther 2:15-17).

4. SEEKING MAN’S APPROVAL LEADS TO COMPROMISE
Pleasing people often requires disobeying God.

a) Saul’s Downfall Was Tied to People-Pleasing (1 Samuel 15:24)
He admitted, “I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”

b) Leaders Who Seek Approval More Than Obedience Lose Divine Covering
When God’s voice is replaced with public applause, power is lost.

c) Divine favour cannot coexist with fear of man (Proverbs 29:25)
The fear of man brings a snare, but trusting God brings safety.

d) God honours those who fear Him more than public opinion
True influence comes from heaven, not human applause.

Biblical Example: Peter compromised by withdrawing from the Gentiles to please the Jews, and Paul rebuked him (Galatians 2:11-14).

5. DIVINE FAVOUR LEADS TO SUPERNATURAL ELEVATION
When God favours you, He opens doors no man can shut.

a) David Moved From the Field to the Palace by God’s Hand (1 Samuel 16:18-21)
Divine favour arranged for him to play the harp in the king’s presence.

b) Favour Gave Him Victory Over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50)
He didn’t win by skill or strength, but by covenant confidence in God.

c) David Rose Gradually, But Surely—Because the Lord Was With Him
Favour brings progressive promotion that man cannot deny.

d) When God lifts you, no man can bring you down
The favour of God sets a man apart and ahead.

Biblical Example: Daniel was favoured in Babylon and promoted in a foreign land (Daniel 6:3).

CONCLUSION:
There is a clear difference between divine favour and man’s approval. Man looks at status, strength, and success, but God looks at surrender, faithfulness, and heart. Saul was the people’s choice; David was God’s choice. One reigned by approval and fell by rejection. The other was favoured by God and ruled by covenant.

Seek the favour of God above the praise of men. Man’s approval is temporary, but divine favour is eternal. When God selects, empowers, and anoints, no rejection can stop His purpose. Let your prayer be: “Lord, I’d rather have Your favour than the world’s applause.”