What do you Expect?

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV 1900

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Our Expectancy of God Compared to His Expectancy of us

Scripture References:

• Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

• Hebrews 11:6 (KJV): “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

• Matthew 5:48 (KJV): “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Introduction

As believers, we often contemplate what we should expect from God and, conversely, what God expects from us. Today we will explore the balance between our expectancy of God’s promises and blessings, and His expectancy of our faith, obedience, and holiness.

Our Expectancy of God

1. God’s Promises and Blessings

• Jeremiah 29:11: God’s plans for us are for peace and a hopeful future. We can expect His guidance and provision.

• Philippians 4:19 (KJV): “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God promises to meet our needs.

2. God’s Faithfulness

• Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” We can trust in God’s consistent and enduring faithfulness.

• 1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV): “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” God’s faithfulness assures us of His continuous presence and support.

3. God’s Guidance and Wisdom

• James 1:5 (KJV): “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” We can expect God to provide wisdom generously when we seek it.

• Psalm 32:8 (KJV): “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” God promises to guide us in the right path.

God’s Expectancy of Believers

1. Faith and Trust

• Hebrews 11:6: Faith is fundamental to pleasing God. He expects us to believe in Him and trust His promises.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God expects us to trust Him completely.

2. Obedience and Holiness

• Micah 6:8: God expects us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV): “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” God calls us to live holy lives.

3. Love and Service

• Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV): “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” God expects us to love Him and others sincerely.

• Galatians 5:13 (KJV): “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” We are called to serve others in love.

4. Spiritual Growth and Maturity

• Ephesians 4:13-15 (KJV): “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” God expects us to grow into spiritual maturity.

• 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV): “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Continuous growth in grace and knowledge is expected.

The Balance

1. Aligning Our Expectations with God’s Will

• Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Our primary expectation should be to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness.

• 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV): “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” Our requests should align with God’s will.

2. God’s Expectancy for Our Lives

• Romans 12:1-2 (KJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” God expects us to live sacrificially and be transformed by renewing our minds.

• John 15:8 (KJV): “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” God desires that we bear fruit in our lives, glorifying Him.

Application

1. Prayer and Dependence on God

• Regularly seek God’s guidance and provision through prayer.

• Depend on His faithfulness and promises in every aspect of life.

2. Obedience and Holiness

• Strive to live in obedience to God’s Word and commands.

• Pursue holiness in thoughts, words, and actions.

3. Love and Service

• Love God with all your heart and love others as yourself.

• Engage in acts of service and kindness, reflecting God’s love.

4. Spiritual Growth

• Commit to studying the Bible and growing in the knowledge of Christ.

• Seek opportunities for spiritual growth through fellowship, discipleship, and personal devotion.

Something To Think About

1. How do our expectations of God align with His promises in the Bible?

2. What are some practical ways we can meet God’s expectations in our daily lives?

3. How can we ensure that our prayers and desires align with God’s will?

Conclusion

Understanding the balance between our expectancy of God and His expectancy of us is essential for a thriving Christian life. While we can trust in God’s promises and faithfulness, we are also called to live in faith, obedience, holiness, and love. By aligning our lives with God’s will and meeting His expectations, we fulfill our purpose and glorify Him in all we do. Let us commit to seeking God’s kingdom first, trusting in His provision, and living lives that reflect His glory.

Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.

Andrew Murray