Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of seeking favor with both God and man is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God while maintaining harmonious relationships with others. This dual pursuit is exemplified in the lives of several biblical figures and is encouraged through various scriptural teachings. Biblical Examples 1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of one who found favor with both God and man is Jesus Christ. Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This verse highlights the balanced growth of Jesus in spiritual, physical, and social dimensions, emphasizing the importance of holistic development in seeking favor. 2. Samuel: Another notable figure is Samuel, who, as a young boy serving in the temple, "continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men" (1 Samuel 2:26). Samuel's life of dedication and service to God earned him respect and favor among the people of Israel. 3. Joseph: Joseph's life is a testament to finding favor through integrity and faithfulness. Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, his Egyptian master, and later with Pharaoh, as God was with him (Genesis 39:4, 21; 41:39-41). His ability to interpret dreams and manage resources wisely further solidified his favor with both God and man. Scriptural Teachings 1. Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man." This passage underscores the importance of embodying steadfast love and faithfulness as a means to gain favor. 2. Righteous Living: Living a righteous life is central to gaining favor. Proverbs 12:2 states, "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil." Righteousness, therefore, is a key factor in securing divine favor. 3. Humility and Service: Humility and a servant's heart are essential in seeking favor. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Humility attracts God's grace and favor, which in turn can lead to favor with others. 4. Prayer and Dependence on God: Seeking favor with God begins with a life of prayer and dependence on Him. Nehemiah, before undertaking the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, prayed for favor: "O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant... Give Your servant success today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man" (Nehemiah 1:11). His reliance on God resulted in favor with King Artaxerxes. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to seek favor with God and man by living lives marked by integrity, humility, and devotion. Engaging in regular prayer, studying Scripture, and practicing love and faithfulness in relationships are practical ways to pursue this dual favor. By aligning one's life with God's will and demonstrating Christ-like character, believers can experience the blessings of favor in both divine and human realms. Subtopics Seeking God: Afflictions Designed to Lead To Seeking God: Ensures: Being Heard of Him Seeking God: Ensures: Gifts of Righteousness Seeking God: Ensures: His Being Found Seeking God: Ensures: His Favour Seeking God: Ensures: His not Forsaking Us Seeking God: Ensures: His Protection Seeking God: Ensures: Prosperity Seeking God: Ensures: Understanding all Things Seeking God: Imperative Upon All Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Christ Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Commandments Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Face Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Kingdom Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Name Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Precepts Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Righteousness Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Strength Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Word Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Honor Which Comes from Him Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Justification by Christ Seeking God: Includes Seeking: The City Which God Has Prepared Seeking God: None, by Nature, are Found to be Engaged In Seeking God: Promise Connected With Seeking God: Punishment of Those Who Neglect Seeking God: Saints: Characterised By Seeking God: Saints: Desirous of Seeking God: Saints: Earnest In Seeking God: Saints: Engage In, With the Whole Heart Seeking God: Saints: Prepare Their Hearts For Seeking God: Saints: Purpose, in Heart Seeking God: Saints: Set Their Hearts To Seeking God: Saints: Specially Exhorted To Seeking God: Shall be Rewarded Seeking God: should be Evermore Seeking God: should be Immediate Seeking God: should be in the Day of Trouble Seeking God: should be While he May be Found Seeking God: should Be with Diligence Seeking God: should Be with the Heart Seeking God: The Wicked are Gone out of the Way of Seeking God: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Affliction Seeking God: The Wicked: Prepare not Their Hearts For Seeking God: The Wicked: Refuse, Through Pride Seeking God: The Wicked: Rejected, when Too Late In Seeking God: The Wicked: Sometimes Pretend To Seeking God: They Who Neglect Denounced Related Terms |