The Favor Factor | Week One
Main Idea: The Power of “There”
God doesn't command the blessing "everywhere." He commands it where we are united with Him together.
"There" is the coordinate where brothers and sisters dwell in unity. To experience the full weight of God’s favor, we must understand the distinction between Grace and Favor:
Grace: God’s unconditional "Yes" to us through Jesus; it is our rescue.
Favor: God’s partnership with us. It is what happens when God’s "Yes" meets our "Yes." It is raising our sail to catch the wind of His blessing.
Scripture Focus: Psalm 133
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!"
Key Observations
Behold: A shout of "Look at this!" Unity is both functional and delightful.
Dwelling as Engagement: Unity isn't just getting along; it is "Unified Engagement." God waits for us to be united before He moves.
The Flow of Favor: Using the image of anointing oil on the High Priest Aaron, the vision (oil) flows from the head down to the robes.
The Role of the "Robes": In this transition, the "robes" are the staff, world-changers, and givers. If the fabric is disconnected or tattered by disengagement, the favor gets stuck and never reaches the ground (the neighborhood).
Group Discussion
The Three Groups of Transition
Ambassadors: Those being released to new assignments beyond our doors. How can we bless those moving on while remaining unified in spirit?
Adopters: Those energized by the new season and fresh vision. If you are an "Adopter," how are you bringing vital energy to the "next layer" of our history?
Anchors: Those staying to hold the line and keep the mission stable. How do "Anchors" provide the necessary scaffolding for both those leaving and those arriving?
The Silent Threat
Disengagement: The sermon warns that pulling back to "wait and see" makes you a "clog" in the pipe of unity. Have you felt the temptation to disengage during this transition?
Application: Mending the Robes
The Favor Factor is activated by engagement. Stability in Christ drives us to stay "all in" even in the "in-between".
Three Calls to Action:
Clear the Clog: Repent of any skepticism or "wait-and-see" energy. Decide today to be "all in" on the future vision.
Close the Gap: If you have paused your giving or stepped off a serving team, restart today. Do not wait for leadership to "earn" your engagement; provide a house that is already overflowing with favor.
Commission your Circle: Intentionally ask three people this week to join you in giving and serving.
Prayer Focus
Purity of Unity: Ask the Spirit to purify your heart of transition-fatigue or offense.
Stewardship: Acknowledge that our service and generosity are fueled by the Spirit’s strength, not our own surplus.
The "There": Pray that Waymaker Church would be the specific coordinate of unity where God commands His blessing and life forevermore.
Response Challenge
Re-engage: Look at your calendar and your finances. If you moved away from "There" (the location of unity), move back today by resuming your commitment to the house.