INTRO:

Called to build an overcoming atmosphere as individuals & as a church body.

1st must understand why we are called to overcome?

Reason – we are under assignment in a fierce battle for our neighbours, workmates,  partners,  family members and their eternal future – there is a lot at stake

Pr 24:11
11Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Ac 26:18
18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

We Will Face Huge Opposition in this Task

1 Th 2:18
18Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

However,  we can overcome these hindrances in our lives by building an atmosphere of EXPECTANT HOPE!

Two dominating Forces at work in the world today:

a.      Expectancy

b.     Disappointment

Expectancy (def.) = a state of anticipation,  hopefulness,  eagerness,  looking forward tp.

Caleb and Joshua – a  ‘different spirit’

Numbers 14:24

I .   Expectancy

Expectancy is the spiritual force that compels us to achieve God’s call upon our lives.

Expectancy is the strong attitude of faith,  having a different spirit that will not allow the frustrations of disappointment to ground us down to ineffective living.

Expectancy is the breeding ground for miracles.

Matt 17.20  If you have faith the size of a mustard seed and you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Expectation is based on the Divine energy of God at work in us.

Philippians 2:13

13 for it is God who works[energeo] in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

AMP – 13  for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energising and creating in you the power and desire],  both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

1 Co 16:9
9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

These are the doorways that a HOPEFUL EXPECTATION in God’s purposes will open for us!

II.    Force of Disappointment

This is the frustration of expectancy.   The failure to achieve something you have hoped for.

Hope =  joyful expectation

Colossians 1:23

23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Romans 5:5

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 15:13

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick   - Prov 13.12

Repetitive Disappointment

This produces negative expectancy.   We become conditioned to lethargy [lifelessness,  sluggishness,  inactivity],  apathy and unbelief.

Disappointments will come

They can be very subtle and the devil makes sure they come at opportune times for his subtle plans.

Luke 4:13

13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Conclusion

Psalm 62:5,6  [AMP]  My soul,  wait only upon God and silently submit to Him;  for my hope and expectation are from Him.    6  He only is my Rock and my Salvation;  He is my Defense and my Fortress,  I shall not be moved.