ENDUED WITH A SPECIAL HONOR

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Setting the Context of Favor
2. Mary’s Encounter with Divine Favor
3. Understanding “Highly Favored” and Special Honor
4. Is This Favor Only for Mary?
5. Discovering the Same Favor Given to Believers
6. Ephesians 1:6 and the True Meaning of “Accepted.”
7. Resting in the Truth of Our Special Honor
8. Closing Encouragement
9. Introduction: Setting the Context of Favor

Introduction: Setting the Context of Favor

Pastor Leonard opens by greeting the audience and sharing the joy of bringing God’s Word, noting the beauty of the snowy morning and the privilege of ministering to the people. He explains that this teaching builds on a prior Sunday message and introduces a two-part focus: favor and faith. This session centers on favor, specifically the phrase spoken to Mary that she had found favor with God.

The foundational Scripture comes from Luke chapter 1, where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. Pastor Lori reads the passage aloud to bring the congregation back to the heart of the message.

Mary’s Encounter with Divine Favor

Pastor Lori reads from Luke 1, describing Gabriel’s visit to Mary and the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

Luke 1:28–30- And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

The pastors emphasize how striking this greeting is. Mary is called “highly favored,” and she is told plainly that she has found favor with God. This moment sets the stage for understanding favor not as human approval, but as God’s declaration.

Understanding “Highly Favored

Pastor Leonard explains that the word translated as “favored” is not the common word for grace. He shares that the original Greek word used here means “to endue with special honor.” This goes beyond general grace. It means being singled out by God for a position of honor.

Mary is not merely shown kindness; she is endowed with a special honor. This revelation causes Pastor Leonard to ask a personal and important question: Is this special honor unique to Mary, or does it apply to believers today?

Is This Favor Only for Mary?

The pastors acknowledge that Mary was indeed special as the mother of Jesus. However, Pastor Leonard challenges the idea that she is more special than any believer in Christ. He explains that the entire Bible reveals Jesus, and since Jesus lives in believers, they inherit all that He is and has.

They remind listeners that believers are glorified with Christ, risen with Him, perfected, and made one with Him. These truths support the assumption that believers share in God’s favor. But Pastor Leonard insists on finding Scriptural proof that uses the same word of special honor applied to Mary.

Discovering the Same Favor Given to Believers

After studying Scripture, Pastor Leonard finds that the same word used to describe Mary’s favor appears one other time, applied directly to believers. He explains that translations can obscure this truth by using different English words, making it harder to recognize. He emphasizes that knowing the original meaning allows believers to see that God has placed them in a position of special honor, just like Mary.

Ephesians 1:6 and the True Meaning of “Accepted

The key verse is revealed. Ephesians 1:6- To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Pastor Leonard explains that the word translated as “accepted” is the same word meaning “endued with special honor.” He contrasts the common understanding of “accepted” as mere tolerance or allowance with the deeper meaning intended in Scripture.

Using everyday examples, such as accepted forms of payment, he explains how “accepted” can sound neutral or impersonal. But God’s Word means something far richer. He restates the verse with its full meaning: believers are highly favored, endued with special honor, in the Beloved. This reveals a much deeper and more precise truth about the believer’s position in Christ.

Resting in the Truth of Our Special Honor

Pastor Leonard connects this truth to the believer’s place within the Godhead.

John 17:22- And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.

He explains that this means believers share a position of honor with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just as Mary was endowed with special honor, so are all believers. This truth is meant to bring comfort and rest.

Pastor Lori adds that believers are God’s children and His beloved, making them family. God loves all His children equally, just as He loved Mary.

Closing Encouragement

The pastors conclude by reassuring viewers that they, like Mary, have been endued with special honor and are highly favored by God. This truth is meant to be rested in, believed, and cherished. They thank the audience for joining them and share that the next teaching will focus on faith.

We hope this article blessed you and brought clarity to the truth of your identity in Christ. Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect on this teaching. Please consider sharing this message with others so they too can rest in the assurance that they are highly favored and endued with a special honor by God.