Opening Discussion Questions
- When people talk about someone having “it,” what do they usually mean?
- Who are some people today that have the “it” factor?
Devotional Study: The “It” Factor — Biblically Speaking
1. God’s Favor — The True Foundation
Genesis 39:2–4
“The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man… His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.”
Explanation:
Joseph’s “it factor” was the manifest presence of God. Sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph’s success was not circumstantial — it was covenantal. Enduring Word points out that God’s favor was visible even to a pagan Egyptian because Joseph’s character and faith reflected divine integrity.
Historical Context:
This took place during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom period (around 1900–1700 B.C.), when slavery was common, and Hebrews were considered foreigners. Despite cultural prejudice, Joseph rose to influence — evidence that God’s favor transcended social and ethnic boundaries.
Question:
- How do you respond when your circumstances don’t match your calling? Do you still believe the Lord is “with you”?
2. Esther’s Grace — Divine Positioning
Esther 2:15–17
“And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her… and the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight.”
Explanation:
Esther’s favor came from divine providence, not personal ambition. Her humility and courage positioned her as a vessel for God’s redemptive plan. BibleRef notes that God’s unseen hand orchestrated events even though His name is never directly mentioned in the book.
Historical Context:
This occurred under King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) of Persia, around 480 B.C. Persia was the global superpower, ruling from India to Ethiopia. A young Jewish woman, exiled in a foreign empire, became queen — a testimony to how God elevates His people even in exile.
Question:
- When has God positioned you in a place of influence unexpectedly? How can you use that for His purposes?
3. David’s Anointing — Empowered by the Spirit
1 Samuel 16:13
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
Explanation:
David’s anointing marked the beginning of a divine calling. Though he would wait years before becoming king, God’s Spirit was already shaping him into a leader. Enduring Word highlights that this was the first time in Israel’s history the Spirit came permanently upon a future king.
Historical Context:
Around 1050 B.C., Israel transitioned from a theocracy under judges to a monarchy. David’s anointing in Bethlehem was a private act of God’s choice, contrasting Saul’s public selection. The shepherd boy from Judah was chosen over the elite — a preview of how God values the heart over appearance.
Question:
- How can you walk in God’s calling even before you see the results?
4. Jesus’ Anointing — The Ultimate Example
Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor…”
Explanation:
Jesus declared His mission by quoting Isaiah 61:1–2. This moment in the synagogue of Nazareth launched His public ministry. His “it factor” wasn’t human charisma — it was divine empowerment by the Holy Spirit. BibleRef observes that Jesus’ authority flowed from perfect unity with the Father.
Historical Context:
This event took place around A.D. 28 in Nazareth, a small and often despised town in Galilee. Jewish custom allowed visiting teachers to read from the scrolls in the synagogue. When Jesus claimed this prophecy as fulfilled, He identified Himself as the long-awaited Messiah — a shocking declaration to His hometown.
Question:
- If Jesus relied on the Spirit’s anointing, how much more should we depend on the Holy Spirit for our daily purpose?
5. The Fruit of the Spirit — The Aroma of Christ
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Explanation:
Paul contrasts the “works of the flesh” with the “fruit of the Spirit,” showing that true character comes from transformation, not performance. Enduring Word notes that fruit grows naturally when rooted in the Spirit — it cannot be manufactured.
Historical Context:
Paul wrote Galatians around A.D. 48–50 to the churches of Asia Minor, warning against returning to legalism. The region was influenced by Greek philosophy and Roman law, yet Paul emphasized that the Spirit produces moral power beyond human discipline.
Question:
- Which fruit of the Spirit do you most want others to see more clearly in your life this week?
6. Moses’ Cry — The Presence That Distinguishes Us
Exodus 33:15–16
“Then Moses said to Him, ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.’”
Explanation:
After Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses interceded for God’s presence to remain with His people. He understood that no victory or land would matter without God Himself. BibleRef explains that Moses valued relationship over results — the true mark of leadership.
Historical Context:
This took place around 1440 B.C., during Israel’s wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan. Ancient nations measured divine favor by military success, but Moses recognized that Israel’s distinction came solely from Yahweh’s presence — not politics or power.
Question:
- Are you more focused on God’s gifts or God’s presence in your daily life?
7. The Source of the “It” Factor — God’s Spirit in Us
Zechariah 4:6
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
Explanation:
God reminded Zerubbabel that rebuilding the temple would not succeed through human strength but by divine enablement. Enduring Word calls this “a declaration of dependence” — every spiritual victory is powered by God’s Spirit.
Historical Context:
This prophecy came around 520 B.C., during Israel’s post-exilic restoration. The Jews had returned from Babylon but faced discouragement and opposition. God’s word to Zerubbabel revived hope that divine power would complete what human effort could not.
Question:
- Where in your life do you need to stop striving and start trusting the Spirit’s power?
8. The Result — A Life That Reflects His Glory
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Explanation:
Jesus calls His followers to live as visible witnesses of God’s kingdom. The light is not self-promotion but reflection — Christ’s light shining through us. BibleRef notes that the goal of good works is not attention, but worship: that others glorify the Father.
Historical Context:
Spoken during the Sermon on the Mount (around A.D. 30), Jesus addressed a crowd under Roman occupation. His teaching redefined greatness — not through power or wealth, but through spiritual influence rooted in humility and obedience.
Contrast: Cultural vs. Biblical “It Factor”
| Culture’s “It” | Bible’s “It” |
| Charisma | Character |
| Influence | Integrity |
| Platform | Purpose |
| Confidence in self | Confidence in God |
| Self-promotion | Spirit-led humility |
What about you? With this study in mind, can you have the “it” factor?
Not all who have the “it factor” stand on a stage. Many are quiet servants who carry God’s peace wherever they go.
- The coworker who brings calm and prayer into every situation.
- The dad who models Christ-like patience and humility at home.
- The small group leader who prays with authority and compassion.
- The elder in church whose wisdom is rooted in years of faithfulness.
These men and women reflect Moses’ desire for God’s presence: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).
Closing Reflection
The world calls it charisma.
The Bible calls it favor.
The “it” factor is not about being impressive — it’s about being indwelt.
What sets a man apart is not his power, but God’s presence.
Group Challenge for the Week
- Spend time each morning asking God to make His presence your priority.
- Pray specifically for the Spirit’s anointing in one area of your life — leadership, marriage, or witness.
- Journal where you see God’s favor at work, even in small ways.
- Share one testimony next week of how you saw God’s “it factor” show up in your daily life.