GREAT EXPECTATION

EXPECTING GREAT THINGS

Hebrews 11:1

Definition and Meaning: The term "expect" in the biblical context often refers to the anticipation or hope for something to occur, grounded in faith and trust in God's promises. It involves a confident waiting for God's intervention, fulfillment of His word, or the manifestation of His will.

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

In the OT “expectation” always means that which is expected, as Prov 10:28, “The expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. “earnest expectation”), which describes the stretching forth of the head toward an object that is anticipated

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 Expect, Expectation

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 Expect, Expectation

EXPECT, eks-pektʹ, EXPECTATION, eks-pek-tāʹshun: Of the three Gr words, trd in the NT by “expect,” prosdokáō, meaning to look forward toward what will probably occur, whether in hope or dread (

expectation — noun. belief or hope about the future; especially regarding coming events.

to cause to hope — verb. to cause to be full of hope; have hopes.

hopefulness — noun. full of hope.

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.” Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is an end; And thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

Micah 7:7 “Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: My God will hear me.”

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Psalm 39:7 “And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.”

Noah: He built the ark in expectation of the flood, trusting God's word even when it must have seemed unlikely at the time (Genesis 6:13-22).

Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned unjustly, Joseph remained faithful and lived in expectancy of God's plan for his life. He eventually became a key figure in saving Egypt and his family during a famine (Genesis 37-50).

Joseph's life is an extraordinary example of living with expectancy in God's promises and purposes, even in the face of adversity. Here’s a closer look at his journey of faith and expectation:

Dreams of Greatness: As a young man, Joseph had dreams that symbolized his future position of authority, where even his family would bow to him (Genesis 37:5-11). Though these dreams created tension with his brothers, they instilled in Joseph a sense of divine purpose.

Trials and Trust: Joseph's life took several unexpected turns. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, wrongly accused by Potiphar's wife, and imprisoned unjustly (Genesis 37:18-28, 39:6-20). Despite these trials, Joseph maintained his faith and trust in God.

Faithful in Small Things: Even in difficult circumstances, Joseph lived with expectancy, believing that God was with him. He excelled in every situation, from being a servant in Potiphar's house to managing the prison and interpreting dreams (Genesis 39:2-6, 40:6-19).

Fulfillment of God’s Plan: Joseph's ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams led to his rise as second-in-command over Egypt. His faith and wisdom were instrumental in saving Egypt and surrounding nations from famine (Genesis 41:37-57).

Reunion and Forgiveness: When Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking food, he forgave them and recognized God's hand in his life. He acknowledged that God had used his suffering to bring about good and to preserve life (Genesis 45:4-8, 50:20).

Joseph's story is a powerful reminder to remain faithful and expectant, even when circumstances seem dire. His unwavering hope in God's plan, despite years of waiting and hardship, inspires us to trust that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

Joshua and Caleb: Among the twelve spies sent to Canaan, Joshua and Caleb stood out for their unwavering faith, expecting that God would deliver the Promised Land into their hands despite the challenges ahead (Numbers 13-14).

Elijah: He confidently expected God's power when he challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20-39).

Job: Even amidst immense suffering, Job held on to his faith and lived in hope of God's justice and restoration (Job 19:25-27).

Esther: She approached the king, risking her life, with expectancy that God would use her to save her people from destruction (Esther 4:13-16).

Paul (formerly Saul): After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul lived in steadfast expectancy of God's grace and power to spread the Gospel across the known world (Acts 9:1-22).

The Disciples: After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples lived in expectancy of the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. Their wait was fulfilled on Pentecost (Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:1-4).

Anticipating the Promise: Walking in Hope and Faith"

"Living on Tiptoes: Expecting God’s Best"

"Eyes on the Horizon: Trusting in God’s Timing"

"Faith in the Waiting Room: Embracing Divine Expectancy"

WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF US?