Expectations
Micah 6:1-8
* One of my favorite Pastor/speakers is Dr. Fred Lowery, pastor of FBC Bossier City, LA. Bro. Fred has the gift of communication like few people that I know. Several years ago in a series of messages on marriage I have him make a statement which will stay with me until I die. He stated that one of the culprits which destroy marriages is a thing called “unrealistic expectations.” Watch this; a man marries a woman and expects her to act like and respond like all the women in his household and the woman expects her new husband to act & respond like all the men in her household. The problem is, neither really knows that much about those people.
* Interestingly enough, this problem of “unrealistic expectations” seems to permeate our society. Think about it; do we really expect everything and everyone to do things our way? Is what you expect of me and what I expect of you, unreal? We can carry this question into every aspect of life, vocation, marriage, friendship, and even matters of faith.
* Several weeks ago my newspaper column referenced the A. W. Tozer book "The Knowledge of the Holy". In the first chapter he begins with these words, "what comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing to us." Our concept of God controls who we are, what we do, and what we expect. So tonight think with me about EXPECTATIONS. Let’s ask ourselves 3 basic questions;
1. What do I expect from God?
2. What does God rightfully expect from me?
3. What can I expect from God?
* Turn with me to the Old Testament prophet Micah, Micah 6, verses 1-8. Micah is an interesting little book. Theologians suggest it is divided into 3 sections (Ch. 1-2, 3-5, 6-7). Here is the practical truth I share with you; Each section begins with “Charles Stanley style, “listen up””. It is obvious to me that God has anointed Micah with a needed message. READ TEXT
a) What “DO” we expect from God? Do we expect to be rich and good looking? Do we expect to have a great family, a good job, or a blessed life? How about good health, no problems, or some other “fill in the blank” expectation? When we ask the average person what they expect of God they may even suggest that God should just watch and not take part or conversely, that he should keep all of his children safe from difficulties and trouble. Like the name it generation.
b) All me to remind us of a few facts: First, some of the most spiritual people in history were killed and/or hurt because of their faith. Most all of the “Fathers of our Faith” (I.E Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, etc) have documented proof that troubles come to us all.
c) What DO YOU expect from God? With our mouths we may “say” we don’t expect God to give us all the good things in life and keep us protected from the bad, yet when the difficulties come, we get mad at God, abandon His Church, and leave Him out of our lives. Think about it. Be honest. Why? God already knows.
2) What does God expect from ME? (as believers)? May I simply give us a few thoughts about this?
a) He expect us to read and study the Bible. Please notice the combination of “study with read.” Perhaps one of the ways the church became so weak was that we would “read” our Bible just enough to mark our “envelope” that we did our daily Bible reading. We need to pay more attention to letting the Bible mark us. Psalm 119 has much to say about this; you word is a lamp and a light. One thing about these two instruments is they need a power supply. We must KNOW the word of God if we are to keep it and apply it to our lives.
i) There were some divorced young people who were dating. As time went on they slept together. Not just once, but it was ongoing until one said, “this must stop.” “Why” was the response. Because the Bible teaches this is wrong. Show me.
ii) Candidly, we need to KNOW the Bible. I could give many illustrations of this need, but let’s move on.
b) God also expects us to Pray. He desire to have lines of communication open at all time. That is why Paul wrote I Thessalonians 5:17. Communication is a big deal in a relationship. Marriages fail, companies fold, government crumble because of this. Or better said the lack thereof. We are to commune with God in prayer.
i) Some people don’t pray because “I don’t feel like it.” If you wait until you ‘feel like it’ to pray, it wont ever happen. Don’t wait until you feel like it, but rather PRAY until you feel like it.
ii) Through this type of honest and open prayer some incredible things will happen. First, you’ll get to know God better, understand God more, and recognize His voice. Next, through these times, God will point out problem areas in your life so you won’t pray “amiss.” Next, you’ll become comfortable in “taking everything to God in prayer.” God expects us to pray.
c) He expects us to “Be Faithful in Corporate Assembly.” Hebrews 10:25 tells us to never forsake getting together and then compares it to the truth that “some do forsake it.” In Acts 2 we are given the example of being together every day. He not only expects us to get together, He believes we should enjoy our time together. We are family.
d) He expects us to Speak Properly – Col 4:6/Eph 4:15. Of all the things we are called to do, the most difficult is to overcome our tongue. The book of James teaches us that the “tongue” cannot be trusted. It hurts people, it harms churches, and it hampers the gospel. Just because you KNOW something does not give you the right or obligation to share it. Additionally, how we address each other is either in the affection or affliction mode.
e) He expects us to Act Right – Eph 4:17-32
i) Reading 2 Corinthians 5:17 we come to understand that having a reformed life leaving the old behind is all about behavior. It is the second step in the process of faith. Acting right is a must.
f) He expects us to Love God with all our “heart”, “soul”, “mind”, and “strength.” Let us never forget that these are Christ’s Words. Let’s think about it for a minute. We say we love Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit, but does our life back up our words? I wonder sometime if we are like this young lady.
* Once a young man proposed to his girl as they sat looking over the beautiful lake. "Darling, I want you to know that I love you more than anything else in the world. I want you to marry me. I’m not wealthy, I’m not rich. I don’t have a yacht or a Rolls Royce like Johnny Green, but I do love you with all my heart." She thought for a minute & then replied, "I love you with all my heart, too, but tell me more about Johnny Green."
* Wonder if our loving Jesus with our “heart”, “soul”, “mind”, and “strength”, is like hers. We love him until something which sounds better comes along.
g) He also expects us to Love our neighbor as our self. I submit these two could revolutionize our church, our culture, and our country. The bottom line is that God expects much of us. He requires us to act justly, to LOVE faithfulness, and to walk humbly.
3) What CAN you expect from God That question is not “what do you expect, but rather “what can you expect?” First, you can expect Him “To Keep His Word”. He is truth and is the same yesterday today and forever. In this vane, we can expect Him to fulfill His promises. Whatever He says He will do. He will bless us or discipline us, depending on our response.
One final thought; As a child I remember mom and dad leaving home with instructions left to US (Kids). One time dad told me to cut the grass. I started but got hot & stopped to rest. We started a “baseball game” to rest and I forgot the yard.
Seeing the truck coming I ran and started mowing again. But it was too late, Dad had seen. He had planned for us to go fishing, but we couldn’t because I hadn’t fulfilled his expectations. Thus, we missed the blessing, the fun, the joy, and the fellowship.
* Do I have to draw the parallel? God has left us here with great expectations and hope. The question is this; are we meeting those expectations?
