Sermon: Showing Favor

SHOWING FAVOR
(2 Samuel 9:1-13)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 18 April 2010

I.  SHOWING FAVOR: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S FAVOR

DAVID: A KING WHO SHOWED FAVOR

5He sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, “The LORD blesses you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” (2 Sam. 2:5-7)

“Now David said, is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  (2 Sam. 9:1)  

“Then David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me…” (2 Sam. 10:2)

This is so characteristic of David, a man who experienced grace (favor), and who was gracious.

“And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” “… That I may show the kindness of God unto him?” (2 Sam. 9:1, 3)

kindness = “Hesed” – grace, favor, lovingkindness.
It is extending favor to a person who does not deserve it, hasn’t earned it, and cannot repay it.

FAVOR IS NOT ALWAYS APPRECIATED

2 Sam. 2:1-7
2 Sam. 16:1-4; 19:24-26
2 Sam. 10:2

II.  SHOWING FAVOR IS NOT PLAYING FAVORITES (James 2:1-13)

The Ratonale for Avoiding Favoritism

God commands it: “do not show favoritism” (2:1)

God demonstrates it: God does not show favoritism (Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25). It is an attitude of Jesus (Mat. 22:16; Luke 20:21)

Faith and Favoritism does not mix!

III. THE FLAVOR OF FAVOR: EXPRESSING KINDNESS, EXTENDING GRACE

Greek: chrestos = KIND; christos = CHRIST
followers of Christ; followers of kindness

The Kindness of God
Neh. 9:17; Psa. 36:6-7; 63:3; Titus 3:4; Eph. 2:7

The Kindness of believers
2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12; 2 Pet. 1:6-7; Eph. 4:32; 1 Cor. 13:4; Luke 6:35-36

Kindness is for men –
“The measure of a man is his kindness (Prov. 19:22) “A good man shows favor…” (Psa. 112:5)

Kindness is for women –
“In her tongue is the law of kindness;” (Prov. 31:26)

Flavor of Favor: How Can Favor be Expressed?

In 100’s of little ways – in words and actions…

Direct your favor towards those who cannot repay you

Do it in Jesus’ Name!

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” (Prov. 3:3, 4)
Proverbs teaches, “he who waters, shall be watered himself” (Prov 11:25)

If you have indeed received the grace of God return the favor to others.