[JJ] [PREACHING LESSON 20:] WHAT FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS EXPECT FROM THE LORD?

 

WHAT FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS EXPECT FROM THE LORD?

(Ano-ano ang Inaasahan ng Matapat na Cristiano sa Panginoon)

(Proverbs 28:20) "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."

Introduction:

* God has promised many blessings to every faithful Christian within the local church, serving as a challenge to every true believer.

* Every faithful Christian has full trust that they will receive success and abundant blessings from the Lord.

* Like the Apostle Paul, the faithful can say they have "fought a good fight" and "finished the course," keeping the faith.

2Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Five Pillars of Expectation

I. ABOUNDING BLESSINGS:

* Faithful Christians expect an overflow of God's provision.

(Philippians 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

* Paul’s prayer for faithful mission supporters was that God would supply all their needs according to His riches in glory.

* God specifically promises that a faithful man will "abound with blessings".

(Proverbs 28:20) A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

II. ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PROMISES

* The certainty of God's Word is a foundation for the believer.

2Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

* Obtained through the righteousness of God.

2Pet 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

* Multiplied through the knowledge of God.

2Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

* Providing everything pertaining to life and godliness.

2Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

III. ANSWERS TO PRAYERS

* Answered prayer is a guaranteed result of abiding in Christ.

(John 15:7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

* Jesus promised that if His words abide in us, we may ask what we will, and it shall be done.

 

* Those who are chosen and ordained to bring forth lasting fruit have the assurance that the Father will give what they ask in Jesus' name.

(John 15:16) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

* God granted the requests of Jabez because of his faithfulness and prayer for protection and blessing.

(1 Chronicles 4:10) And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

IV. ASSISTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

* Guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit in daily walk and ministry.

* The Spirit helps in our infirmities and intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray.

(Romans 8:26) Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

* The Spirit guides the faithful to those whose hearts are open to repentance, just as He guided Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch.

(Acts 8:29-30) Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

V. APPROVAL OF GOD

* Recognition from God for one’s loyalty and separation from the world.

* God promises to be a Father and receive those who separate themselves from "unclean things".

(2 Corinthians 6:17-18) 2Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

2Cor 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

* God will show His approval by awarding a "crown of righteousness" to those who love His appearing.

(2 Timothy 4:8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Conclusion:

Every faithful believer is worthy of God’s crown—an incorruptible crown that does not perish, unlike the earthly rewards pursued by the world.

(1 Corinthians 9:25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.