God’s Grace | Finding Favor
Grace
A Very Big Topic
Many ideas behind grace
Grace we can give to others
Grace we receive from others
Grace we receive from God:
Today we will tackle the concept of
Divine Grace
General definition of grace:
Peace with God, unmerited favor
Grace is not a static attribute of God but rather a dynamic expression of God’s activity
First mention in the bible
5 bThe Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every cintention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And dthe Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it egrieved him to his heart. 7 So 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.” 8 But Noah ffound favor in the eyes of the Lord.
b Ps. 14:2, 3
c ch. 8:21; Job 14:4; 15:14; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:23
d 1 Sam. 15:11; 2 Sam. 24:16; Joel 2:13; [Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29]
e Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30
f ch. 19:19; Ex. 33:12, 13, 16, 17
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 6:5–9.
Verse 8 states that Noah found ‘favor’
Favor can also be translated as Grace
(Hebrew word for favor is khane; literally translates to grace)
Verse 5 says that the Lord saw the wickedness of man was great but then verse 8 says Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord
Do you think this means Noah was sinless and perfect?
I don’t think so
I think God chose Noah and bestowed grace on Him
If you continue reading,
These are the generations of Noah. gNoah was a righteous man, hblameless in his generation. Noah iwalked with God
g ch. 7:1; Ezek. 14:14, 20; 2 Pet. 2:5
h Job 1:1, 8; Luke 1:6
i ch. 5:22, 24; [Heb. 11:7]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 6:9.
The bible only tells us that Noah is righteous after he found “favor” in God’s eyes.
It says he was blameless, but we need to understand this word in its original context. It can mean lots of things
Hebrew word for righteous is sadiq, translates to just, righteous in conduct and character
Hebrew word for blameless is tamim. Interestingly, in this verse, it translates to complete/sound…Definition of sound is: reliable, in good condition, or based on valid reasoning. It describes something secure, healthy, or thorough (e.g., sound advice, a sound structure, or sound sleep). It implies stability and trustworthiness.
The OT idea of “blameless” does not mean perfect or perfection
The OT does not support the idea of total perfection
“Those who make claims of blamelessness do not profess to be absolutely sinless, but they do disclaim all fellowship with the wicked, from whom they expect to be distinguished in the course of Providence” (A. F. Kirkpatrick, Cambridge Bible, Psalms, I, p. lxxxvii).
J. Barton Payne, “2522 תָּמַם,” in Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 974.
This passage may be indicating that Noah was not in fellowship or agreement with the wickedness of man not that Noah was perfect or sinless
But God’s act of giving Noah favor or grace not only saved Noah but all of humanity
This is the idea of divine grace that we see in Scripture
Divine grace is God moving towards man with compassion and empathy in our poor and sinful state
Now let’s jump to Romans 5:2
aTherefore, since we have been justified by faith, bwe1 have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also cobtained access by faith2 into this grace din which we stand, and ewe3 rejoice4 in hope of the glory of God.
a ch. 3:28
b [ch. 15:13; Heb. 12:28]
1 Some manuscripts let us
c Eph. 2:18; 3:12; [Heb. 10:19, 20; 1 Pet. 3:18]
2 Some manuscripts omit by faith
d 1 Cor. 15:1
e ver. 11; Heb. 3:6; [ch. 12:12]
3 Or let us; also verse 3
4 Or boast; also verses 3, 11
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 5:1–2.
We have been granted access into grace by faith
God has given us a full VIP backstage pass to enter into His kingdom with Him
It is up to us if we choose to accept that invitation
Divine Grace means that God knows we are sinners and yet He still chose to die for us
God moves towards our darkest parts
Are you willing to open up your darkest parts to God?
Savor Moment
Steamed then fried potatoes
- Prep & Steam: Place whole russet potatoes in a Dutch oven with enough water to touch the bottom of the potatoes. Add a sprig of rosemary cover, and steam over medium heat for 20 minutes until just fork-tender.
- Dry: Remove lid and allow any moisture to evaporate. Pat dry if necessary. Break potatoes into bite sized pieces.
- Fry: Add oil/lard to the Dutch oven, bringing the temp to 375∘F. Fry the steamed potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
- Finish: Season immediately with salt.
