A Season of Expectations

Malachi 3:1-2

Our scripture, a beautiful description of the first and second coming of Christ, is valed from such a distinction here. This proved quite problematic for the Jews of Jesus’ day, not to mention His own disciples.

We, as twenty first century Christians are in a season of expectation. On the one hand we celebrate Advent, (the first coming of Christ born as a baby in Bethlehem) and with anticipation wait for His return in Glory!

Our celebration of Advent is a blissful time for us. It is filled with excitement, wonder, feelings of joy and peace, etc.

For some however, it is a season of gloom and depression! And these unwanted feelings probably stem from a spirit of hopelessness, lack of faith, etc. and not from the Spirit of God.

WE ARE IN A SEASON OF EXPECTATION.

I.            EXPECTATION OF THE BLESSING OF HIS COMING. VS.1

            A. The blessing of a new covenant. (Heb.10:16 comp to Jer.31:33; Heb.13:20)

            B. The blessing of the peace of His Lordship.

Acts 2:36 (KJV)36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

II.            EXPECTATION OF A RENEWED LIFE. VS.1

            A. Because of which we delight in Him.

Psalm 119:16 (KJV)16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalm 109:17 (KJV)17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Psalm 119:24 (KJV)24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

Psalm 119:35 (KJV)35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

Psalm 119:47 (KJV)47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

Psalm 119:70 (KJV)70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

Psalm 119:77 (KJV)77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

Psalm 119:92 (KJV)92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

Psalm 119:143 (KJV)143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

Psalm 119:174 (KJV)174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

            B. We are made to be His Holy Temple.  (2 Cor.6:16)

III.            EXPECTATION OF PRESERVATION AND GLORY. VS.2

            Only those who are His will stand at His coming.