RR Some Favorite Verses (3) Favor in Speaking and Knowledge By David Harwood

Shabbat Shalom,

God’s unique favor towards the Corinthians was revealed through the wealth of their spiritual gifts.

I always thank my God for you because of God’s favor (charis/grace) that was given to you in Messiah Yeshua. For in Him you were made rich in every way—in all speaking and all knowledge— just as the evidence of Messiah was confirmed among you. So you are not lacking in any spiritual gift (charisma – a manifestation of favor/grace)... (1 Corinthians 1:4–7a)

The Corinthians were immature and carnal. Their motives and morals were messed up, their eschatology needed correction, their hope needed adjustment.

They were also extraordinarily gifted.

Despite their problems, I would have liked to have been there. I would not want to dwell there, but I would have liked to visit them for a season.

Paul was grateful for the favor (charis/grace) they had received. This favor empowered their capacity to communicate (all speaking) and informed the content of what they spoke (all knowledge). They were enriched in the knowledge of God’s purposes, ways, and presence.

God’s favor was manifest in the plethora of the manifestations of grace. They were made rich in every way. The Greek word for rich is the origin or our term, plutocrat. How wealthy were they? They were not lacking in any charisma (manifestation of favor). Imagine that.

Divine favor was copiously poured out and received by these disciples. It was evident in the spiritual manifestations the community was privileged to experience. Their wealth of spiritual experience was the result of remarkable active grace/favor.

Why did they receive favor?

Well, when God looked at them, He liked who He saw. They had favor in His eyes. Again, why? Consider this: they lived in a wealthy, notoriously amoral city. Despite their flaws they were loyal to Yeshua, were correctable, and sought to shine despite the pagan darkness. They found favor in God’s eyes.

What type of favor was this? Lavish favor demonstrated through the great variety of spiritual manifestations.

Now there are various kinds of gifts (charismaton – manifestations of favor), but the same Ruach. There are various kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:4–5)

Here’s an example of inspired instruction that demonstrates enabling favor.

In Romans 12 Paul called his readers to irrevocably (aorist active infinitive) dedicate themselves to God. Then he discussed the diversity of charismata active within the Messiah’s body. He wrote:

We have gifts (charismata – manifestations of favor) that differ according to the grace (charis/favor) that was given to us—if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6–8)

Not all of these charismata appear to be supernatural. Along those lines I want to point something out. The origin of this inspired exhortative instruction was God’s enabling favor. Paul wrote that he spoke through the active favor he had received.

For through the grace (charis/enabling favor) given me, I say ... (Romans 12:3a)

This is an example of communication aided by a charisma. It illustrates a believer who was “made rich in every way—in all speaking and all knowledge.” Paul spoke while he was empowered by the enabling charis/favor he received.

This was not a non-relational unction. It was relational favor.

All charis/favor is relational.

Are you aware of the Spirit’s active enabling favor in your daily life? Don’t just look for demonstrations of the overtly supernatural. His charis can be seen in your natural proclivities and relational opportunities.

Be favored. Recognize grace.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat14-Mar-2026 25nd of Adar, 5786
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei Shabbat HaChodesh
Ex 40, Ex 12:1-20Ez 45:16-46:18Mt 21:12-17