Sermons on Least Expect It:

Realistic Expectations Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 6, 2019

The RYR approached Jesus with some expectations. Jesus also had expectations of him. The application for us is that we have expectations from God (some realistic and some unrealistic) and He has expectations of us which he will not alter.

1. Obsession There was a preacher who was an avid golfer. Every chance he got, he could be found on the golf course swinging away. It was his obsession. One Sunday was a picture-perfect day for golf. The preacher was in a quandary as to what to do. The urge to play golf overcame him. He called his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Great Expectations Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 15, 2016

We will discover expectations we have of God. We will discover expectations God has of us.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS 1 JOHN 2:1-6 #expectations INTRODUCTION… Expectations An expectation is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. An expectation is a belief that someone will or should achieve something. We can have expectations about An expectation is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Expectations Of Ambassadors Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Jan 15, 2014

We are called to be ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of Christ; what can we expect as ambassadors?

Expectations of Ambassadors 2 Cor. 6:1-13 The US presently has appointed around 225 ambassadors throughout the World to represent the interests of our country in those places. Throughout the history of the US, only 8 ambassadors have died while serving, the latest we are all very aware: ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Not What They Expected Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

How much do you remember about John the Baptist? Camel hair clothing, locust diet, or loaner lifestyle? While those are memorable, John is arguably one of the most significant people in Jesus’ life and ministry. See how the unexpected surrounded John's birth.

While at the children’s hospital this summer in California, my wife Nikky and I were sitting in the atrium to the main entrance one day when I noticed a man in a black suit and an ear piece walking around. He was looking all over the place and talking to people. As I watched him I leaned over to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Lutheran

Expect Opposition Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 17, 2020

Don't be surprised when people push back.

Expect Opposition Acts 6:8-15 Rev. Brian Bill February 15-16, 2020 Play Clip from “Bible Project” That clip comes from “The Bible Project.” If you’d like to watch the entire video covering the first twelve chapters of Acts, you can find it on Sermon Extras on our app. Have you ever been ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15, Matthew 5:17

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Expectations Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

There is no other holiday like Christmas, where expectation is so much a part of it's celebration. We look forward to Christmas, longer, and with greater anticipation, then all other holidays combined.

Henry McCushy, of the Texas Employment Commission, said they had a hard time getting men to be department store Santa Clauses, one year. The reason was, the high percentage of children who were kicking Santa in the shins for not coming through the year before. They expected Santa to live up to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-32

Expect The Unexpected

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 27, 2022

Life is full of unexpected moments—it would be boring without them. But what happens when that unexpected moment is huge? It affects you personally, and it’s something that seems unbearable. It causes you to doubt. That’s what we find in Luke 7 with John the Baptist.

Has something unexpected ever happened to you? —you find a 20 dollar bill in between the cushions on your couch —you bump into someone at the store that you haven’t seen in 5 years —the forecast says it’ll be sunny, but it pours —the dog decides to bring you a gift from the outside world, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Asking With Expectation Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 9, 2022

Prayer is the greatest tool the Christian has. It is through prayer that we make our petitions known unto God. We will never be any stronger spiritually than our prayer life allows.

Asking with Expectation Matthew 7: 7-11 We have come to a very familiar and favorite portion of the Sermon on the Mount. We have considered the importance of prayer in previous studies, and yet once again, Jesus emphasizes its importance in these verses. Our Lord understood the importance of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Reasonable Expectations

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 25, 2022

Life has become very frustrating for many professing Christians, primarily because their EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT REASONABLE.

Illus: Reaching the end of a job interview, the Technical Recruiter asked a young Engineer fresh out of college, "And what starting salary were you looking for?" The Engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The recruiter ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Expectation: It Is Well

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Feb 17, 2022

In the crucible of your suffering you can find new powerful dreams. God has promised his people: IT SHALL BE WELL!

EXPECTING? IT SHALL BE WELL! IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL… WHAT AM I EXPECTING? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com ACCIDENT? IT IS WELL? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A MAN NAMED CLIFF BARROWS? Cliff Barrows was born in 1923 and lived to be 93 years old. Barrows was born in California, his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-26, Luke 18:27, Zechariah 9:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Your Expectation

Contributed by Mike Rickman on May 8, 2020

Your understanding of God's nature will influence your expectation of Him

May 9, 2020 Title: Your Expectation I have been retired for over two years now. This “Pandemic” that we have all fallen victim to is changing the landscape of our faith and our church experience. I saw a recent report on the Internet that said there is a “Pandemic” Revival taking place around the ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

An Exhortation Of Expectation Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Dec 16, 2020

Having shared his heart and burden for the church, Paul now shifts his focus to the lives expected of believers. They were no longer their own, and were expected to live in a way that honored and glorified the Lord.

An Exhortation of Expectation 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8 In the previous chapter Paul devoted a substantial portion of this letter revealing his heart and desire for ministry. In case there was any doubt, Paul assured them of his love and devotion for the Lord and His church. He presented a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Expect Opposition Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Apr 16, 2024

Based on 2 Kings 18:13 & other Scriptures - Reminds hearers that those who live for the Lord & serve Him can expect opposition & should take it to the Lord.

“EXPECT OPPOSITION” 2 Kings 18:13 FBCF – 4/14/24 Jon Daniels INTRO – Isaac Watts – pastor, theologian in 1700’s. Also hymnwriter – wrote 750 hymns including “Joy to the World”, “O God Our Help in Ages Past, our hope for years to come,” & “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Ian Bennett shared ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:13

Denomination: Baptist

Expecting Miracles

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Apr 8, 2023

We are not unsuspecting people who came to Jerusalem and walked into a miracle. We are already part of an ongoing miracle - and don’t want to miss a minute of it!

Three times a year, every Jewish man was supposed to come to Jerusalem to give thanks. Their Thanksgiving, like ours, was in the fall. They called it the Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths, though, because people built temporary shelters out in the fields to sleep in overnight, that is if they slept ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Pitfalls Of Expectation Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 27, 2025

Here are biblical examples that illustrate the importance of tempering our expectations with reality.

Expectations can be a double-edged sword in relationships. While they can inspire hope and anticipation, they can also lead to disappointment and heartache. The Bible offers valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships and the dangers of unchecked expectations. Here are biblical ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39-40, Matthew 26:33-35