The Friendly Fire Room Presents

“THE FAVOR OF THE LORD, Part One”

 

See Questions and Draft Answers Handout Friday June 24, 2022

Series: THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

Message: “THE FAVOR OF THE LORD, Part One”
June 10, 2022
Dr. Mary Craig, Mary Craig Ministries, Inc.

Answers compiled by Wanda B. based on the lesson by Dr. Mary Craig.


1. Look up Hebrews 4:12-16.

12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace G5485; that we may obtain mercy, and find graceG5495 to help in time of need. KJV

What is the definition of the Hebrew OT term 2580 and the NT term 5485? https://biblehub.com/greek/5485.htm
Student Answer
Cognate: 5485 xáris (another feminine noun from xar-, "favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit") – properly, grace. 5485 (xáris) is preeminently used of the Lord's favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is "always leaning toward them").
Greek (NT) term 5485 /xáris ("grace answers directly to the Hebrew (OT) term 2580 /Kaná ("grace, extension-toward"). Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.

Comment on your findings relative to God’s favor.
Student Answer
God freely extends Himself, His favor, His grace. He is inclined to people, reaching and leaning towards people to share benefit because He is disposed to bless us. Deep down where we live, we have little hearts inclined to evil, but God seeks to make crooked places straight and freely extends His favor by giving of Himself. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Jesus was sent by the Father to save a people, the people given to Him by His Father.
Jesus finished the work He was sent to do. Jesus is our Great High Priest. He ever lives to make intercession for the elect, the saints, for those who belong to Him and who believe in Him.

2. People find favor with God.
Identify ten things a person can do that might lead to obtaining the Lord’s favor.
Student Answer
(1) watching,
(2) waiting,
(3) praying,
(4) keeping the
commandments of Jesus,
(5) walking in kindness and
(6) in truth.
(7) Understanding and
(8) growing in the knowledge of
God, and His nature and ways produce favor.
(9) Finding a good wife is God’s favor.
(10) Even suffering for
righteousness’ sake, for doing the right thing, can lead to God’s favor.

3. Why is brokenness most often a necessary step in finding favor with God?
Student Answer
Brokenness stands out as a step in the process of finding favor with God, perhaps to stem the tide of pride when God’s favor comes. God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Discuss the danger of pride and selfish ambition in the pursuit of favor with God.
Student Answer
Favor is an endowment, a gift. Some think of it as an anointing. Pride and selfish ambition make it about us. We are trying to take credit for God’s unmerited favor.

2Co 12:7 And lest I [Paul] should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

Discuss the objective of desiring to do the will of the Father with the mind of Christ and with the heart of the Holy Spirit as He empowers.
Student Answer
If we want to come closer to having God give us the desire of OUR hearts, it’s going to take coming into full
alignment with the Word of God, the mind of Christ, and the heart of the Holy Spirit with the sole purpose of doing the will of God. If that sounds like it’s all about Him, it is. 4.Question: Throughout the Bible, it is said that we will not find anyone who had a mission from God who did not also have God’s favor.

Look up Luke 1:28-35. Birth of Jesus Foretold
28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was
30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

What did the angel Gabriel say to Mary?
Student Answer
The angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

How did Gabriel address Mary?
Student Answer
As “highly favored one”.

With what was she endowed?
Student Answer
Mary was endowed with grace. She found favor with God. God was with her. She was highly favored.

What was Mary’s mission to be?
Student Answer
She was to conceive and have a Son and call His name JESUS. He would be great and be called the Son of God. God would give Him the throne of his earthly father, David. His kingdom would be everlasting.

What reason did Gabriel give in answer to any fear?
Student Answer
“Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God.”

What was Mary’s response to all this?
Student Answer
Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

How did she view herself?
Student Answer
Mary viewed herself as a humble servant of God.

How did she demonstrate her submission to God’s will?
Student Answer
Mary gave birth to and nurtured the Son, Jesus Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

5. How might we think of “favor”?
Student Answer
Favor can be thought of as the special affection of God that releases an influence, or an anointing, such that others cooperate with the plan of God for your life and for His purposes.

Discuss what it means that God is with someone.
Student Answer
God’s favor rests upon those who go after Him and the dreams or visions or obedience that He places in their hearts trusting in Him to do the work in and through them. They believe the Living God. They desire with their whole heart to obey what God has purposed for them. They desire to do His will with the mind of Christ empowered by the heart of the Holy Spirit.

What does it not mean?
Student Answer
God does not owe us a favor for what we do. God has no favorites and is not partial and things are not “fair” and “equal”, because of God’s favor.
James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. NAS

In the face of all opposition to the mission of God, what must be our confidence?
Student Answer
God loves but is also just. He wants the best for us, and He is holy and sovereign. He distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. No one is righteous except those justified in Christ, the Just One. Psalm 7:11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

If we really believed that the Living God is “with us,” how would it affect our thoughts, our will, and our emotions?
Student Answer
Understanding the favor of God can change one’s life. It’s not something we are to use to manipulate God or the bend Him to our ways and desires and will. It’s there because of who God is; and God is no fool.

“Other NT meanings: The divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness. Grace of speech. What is due to grace. The spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace.” (THE FAVOR OF THE LORD Jerry Vargo Sermon Central, December 12, 2003.)

6. Review Genesis 6:5-14.
Noah: Genesis 6:5-22.
5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.
7So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping
things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Noah and the Flood
9These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
10And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.
12And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
13And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.
15This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits.
16Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks.
17For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die.
18But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.
19And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female.
20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive.
21Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.”
22Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. ESV

What reasons are given for the Lord’s regret and grief of heart?
Student Answer
The earth was corrupt and filled with violence, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

What did He purpose to do?
Student Answer
He determined to make an end of all flesh and destroy them with the earth.

Noah found favor with God. Identify three aspects about Noah that brought favor to him and his family.
Student Answer
Noah was given the mind of God, namely what God willed.
(1) Noah obeyed all that God commanded him,
(2) being in complete agreement with the will of God and
(3) in despite of opposition.

After telling Noah the plan and giving Noah his obedience, what did God promise Noah as to what would happen? (v.17-18)
Student Answer
(1) He would bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh that breathed under heaven and everything on earth would die.
(2) He would establish His covenant with Noah.

Reflect on the fact that “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” (v. 22).
Student Answer
Noah by faith believed God, feared the flood, and by the power of God over many years obeyed the instructions he was given to build the huge ark for his family, gather the many living creatures and provide food for all in the presence of ridicule from his neighbors.

What seems remarkable about this level of obedience and the apparent lack of rebuttal, resistance, anxiety, excuses, etc. on Noah’s part?
Student Answer
Noah, in the will of God, foreshadowed Christ who will save His people from the wrath to come in the last days.

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

7 Noah was counted righteous, blameless. He walked with God. God promised to establish His covenant with Noah.
What was Noah surrounded by?
Student Answer
Noah was surrounded by corruption, violence and evil opposition to his efforts to obey.

What does this tell us about “resolve,” “focus,” etc.?
Student Answer
Noah was granted grace/favor through faith and resolved and focused on doing the will of the Father empowered by the Holy Spirit of God.

Ultimately, what was Noah’s mission?
Student Answer
Noah’s mission was to save a remnant of humankind and living creatures from the destruction that was to come on the earth to replenish the earth.

Class Discussion
It is remarkable the way anger, violence and corruption seem to be increasing during our time.
1Peter 3:20-21
20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

How does “favor” factor into the empowerment of such a level of obedience?
Student Answer
God’s favor rests upon those who go after Him and the dreams of visions of obedience that He places in their hearts. They believe the Living God. They desire to do His will with the mind of Christ and empowered by the heart of the Holy Spirit.

8.Question: Read Genesis 39:1-12. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph: Genesis 39:1-12.
1Now Joseph had been broughtdown to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.
2The Lord was with Joseph, and [so] he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.
3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.
4So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.
5From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.
6So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the
food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
7And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.”
8But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge.
9He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
10And as she spoke to Joseph, day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.
11But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house,
12she caught him by his garment, saying,“Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. ESV

Trace the aspect of suffering (or being punished) for doing right in this passage about Joseph’s life.
Student Answer.
Although Joseph honored God and Potiphar by fleeing from the temptations of Potiphar’s wife, he was imprisoned due to her false accusations.

Discuss the significance of verse 2?
Student Answer
Joseph was successful with God and also with man because the Lord favored him.

What cause is given for Joseph’s success in verse.3?
Student Answer
Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed.

How did the Lord’s favor, and being “with Joseph,” become evident to Potiphar and then the Chief Jailer and then Pharaoh?
Student Answer
His masters saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So they trusted him to be steward and trustee over their possessions.

9. While Joseph was being honored for his faithful service as steward and trusteeship, his responsibilities also increased.
As this was going on, however, how did God prepare Joseph to be in the position of prime minister?
Student Answer
Joseph was a man who went through the process of brokenness. He did the right thing regardless of adverse circumstances and he extended favor to others (Genesis 39:5). Some warn, however, that favor can be something dangerous when a person begins to embrace everything that comes his/her way. Brokenness prepares us to be able to handle the favor of the Lord.

Genesis 39:5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field
1Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

In this regard, consider Joseph’s handling of temptation, remaining an Israelite in Egypt, staying faithful to God and his human overlords, dying to self.
Student Answer
Joseph found favor with God and also with man as God was with him. Joseph refused temptation saying it would dishonor his master and be a sin against God. He remained a faithful servant to his Egyptian masters, even though he suffered injustice, and he remained a faithful Israelite in Egypt by the favor/grace of God. Joseph foreshadowes Jesus as the suffering servant.

10. Look up Genesis 41:16.
Joseph Rises to Power
Genesis 41:16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” NKJV.
Unto Pharoah Joseph humbly stated God was his source
Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it."

Reflect on the forging of Joseph’s character from his boyhood and the time of his coat of many colors unto his time before Pharaoh.
Student Answer.
(1) Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery as they hated and envied him because their father favored him more and made him a coat of many colors. And because he also told him his dreams that he would rule over them. They sold him and told his father he was dead. (Genesis 37:1-35)
(2) Joseph became a faithful servant to Potiphar and was put in prison unjustly. While in prison Joseph interpreted dreams of two prisoners and humbly gave credit to God, yet Pharoah’s
chief baker forgot to help Joseph for some time after he was released. But Joseph humbled himself, praised God and forgave all as indicated by the names he gave his two sons born in Egypt and what he told his brothers who came to him for food in Egypt.

Gen 40:8 And they [prisoners] said to him, "We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it." So Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please."
Gen 40:23 Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

Gen 41:51-52
51Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh:"For God has made me forget all my toil and all my
father's house."
52 And the name of the second he called Ephraim: "For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Gen 50:20
But as for you [his brothers], you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Look up Genesis 41:39-41.
39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as
you.
40You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.":
41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

What did Pharaoh see in Joseph?
Student Answer
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and gave him counsel, humbly relying on God as his source. Pharaoh acknowledged God and said that no one was as discerning and wise as Joseph. Then Joseph was advanced as ruler of Egypt under Pharoah. His promotion came from God.

Why do you think so many Christians say, “The way up is down.”?
Student Answer
They have learned James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord (in all circumstances), and He will lift you up.

11. Look up Psalm 30:5-7; Proverbs 16:1-9.
Joy Comes with the Morning
Psalm 30:5 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." NAS
Psalm 30:6-7 "Now in my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved. “LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled." NKJV
Proverbs 16: 1-9
1The preparations [plans] of the heart in man, and [but] the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits [motives].
3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right [justice].
9A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps. KJV

What strikes you in these verses as you think about them relative to the favor of the Lord, His empowering grace, His holiness, and His sovereignty?
Student Answer
God is sovereign over all. God is holy, good, just and cannot look on sin. We as sinners are spiritually dead. God loves us and provides to send His only beloved Son to atone of our sins. Jesus willingly dies for our sins for the joy set before Him. Those who truly believe and receive Him by faith through grace which is a gift (unmerited favor) of God, receive everlasting life empowered by the Holy Spirit. God is in them and with them to grow in grace and find favor in His kingdom, with God and man.

Man should not trust in the temporal but in God who created all things for His glory as objects for His favor or wrath. He alone can turn hearts from proud to humble.

And remember, having the favor of the Lord is a progressive process.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men

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