When we make wise decisions that honor and bring glory to God, we find His favor in our lives. Dr. Stanley draws from the story of Noah to explain how to walk in God’s favor. Believers are challenged to examine how we listen to God, align our desires with His will, and live in a way that expands our faith.
Sermon Outline
Do you sense God’s presence and power in your life? The favor of God is meant for every believer, not just people we read about in Scripture. But walking in His favor requires something fundamental: learning to listen to Him. This week, Dr. Stanley explores the essential first step to experiencing God’s favor daily.
Key Passage: Genesis 6:5-8
Supporting Passage: Psalm 32:8-9
What does it mean to walk in the favor of God? It means having His approval and acceptance, His support and provision, His divine energy and joy.
►“God intends for every one of us to sense His favor.”
What is the evidence of God’s favor in our life?
Our character, conduct, and conversation reflect Him.
People around us can see God’s presence in the way we live.
We are learning to listen and can hear Him more clearly.
What does God promise to those who listen (Ps. 32:8-9)?
Instruction—He gives both insight and understanding.
Guidance—He guides us in how to walk in His will.
Counsel—He advises us throughout the day.
How can we know we’re hearing God’s voice? What He says …
Will be consistent with Scripture—God will never tell us to do something that contradicts His Word.
May conflict with human reason—Obedience doesn’t always seem like the “logical” thing to do.
Clashes with fleshly desires—We’ll sense conflict when tempted. That’s the Spirit at work in us.
Challenges our faith—God will sometimes ask us to do things that seem impossible.
Calls for courage—When God commands something to be done, He provides the strength and know-how to accomplish it.
► “God is an awesome, wonderful heavenly Father, who wants the best for us in every area of our life.”
God speaks ...
Quietly—He doesn’t shout; He whispers, “This is the way, walk in it.” (See Isa. 30:21.)
Clearly—God never says, “Figure this out on your own.”
Personally—God speaks to us as individuals, addressing our specific situations.
How can God get our attention? Through …
Restlessness—A sense of disquiet may indicate God wants to say something.
Other people—God may speak to us through someone else’s wisdom or guidance.
Unexpected blessings—Sometimes God’s goodness causes us to stop and listen.
Unanswered prayer—God may use seasons of waiting to prepare us for major changes.
Disappointments—When things don’t go as planned, God may be redirecting us.
Failure—A lack of success isn’t always bad, especially if it drives us to God.
Financial problems—Money troubles can reveal what we’ve been trusting instead of God.
Sickness or injury—Physical setbacks can create space for us to stop and hear what our heavenly Father has been trying to say.
After Watching
This week, try setting aside 10 minutes of quiet time—no phone, no distractions—just to listen to God. Afterward, reflect on the experience: What did you notice? Did anything become clearer?
Is God trying to get your attention right now through restlessness, unanswered prayer, or one of the other methods Dr. Stanley described? What might He be saying to you?
