Elevating Expectations: The Transformative Power of Hope
Summary
Today, I shared a message on the transformative power of hope and the necessity of raising our expectations to see God's miraculous work in our lives. I began by welcoming everyone to New Life Church, expressing my excitement to worship together and emphasizing the importance of community in our multiple locations. I introduced the theme of hope, highlighting how essential it is for everyone, especially in a world that often drains us of this vital resource.
I shared personal anecdotes and biblical narratives to illustrate how shifting our perspective and expecting the extraordinary can lead to profound changes in our lives. I recounted the story of Nehemiah, who, despite lacking resources and experience, was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days. This story served as a powerful example of how God turns what seems impossible into possible when we trust Him and elevate our expectations.
I also discussed the importance of community involvement and missions, encouraging everyone to participate in foreign trips or local service opportunities. This engagement not only changes the lives of those we serve but also profoundly impacts our own perspectives, enriching our understanding of God's work around the world.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the concept of "blessed hope," the assurance that our future in Christ is secure and glorious, which should invigorate our present reality. I used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate symbol of hope, reminding us that what appeared to be the worst day turned into a victory that offers us eternal hope.
I concluded by inviting the congregation to shift their focus from earthly limitations to divine possibilities. By raising our expectations and trusting in God's power, we open ourselves to see His hand at work in ways we could never imagine. This shift not only increases our hope but also strengthens our faith, enabling us to face life's challenges with a renewed spirit and resilience.
### Key Takeaways
1. Community and Service Transform Perspective
Engaging in community service and missions reshapes our understanding of what's important, broadening our perspective beyond our immediate circumstances. This shift is crucial for sustaining hope, as it aligns our focus with God's work in the world and the needs of others, rather than our own desires or disappointments. [37:29]
2. The Power of Expectation in Faith
Just as Nehemiah's expectations led to the rapid rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, our expectations can set the stage for God's miracles in our lives. When we expect great things from God and step out in faith, we become conduits for His power and grace in both our lives and the lives of others around us. [41:17]
3. Hope Rises When We Focus on God's Capability
Focusing on what God can do, rather than on our limitations, allows us to live with a hope that is not shaken by circumstances. This perspective is vital for overcoming life's challenges and experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. [48:33]
4. Elevating Our View Beyond the Immediate
By raising our expectations and looking beyond the immediate, we open ourselves to the possibilities of God's kingdom. This not only enhances our own faith but also serves as a testimony to others of God's power and faithfulness. [49:06]
5. Prayer and Worship as Foundations for Hope
Our prayer life and worship are foundational to maintaining and increasing hope. As we communicate with God and praise Him, we are reminded of His sovereignty and goodness, which are essential for sustaining hope in a challenging world. [49:51]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
15:37 - Greeting and Introduction
18:12 - The Rollercoaster of Hope
23:14 - Anchoring Hope in Christ
32:08 - Blessed Hope and Future Promises
36:45 - Transforming Perspective through Service
38:22 - Nehemiah's Example: Action Over Despair
41:17 - Rebuilding with Raised Expectations
47:03 - Replacing Fear with Faith
49:06 - Closing Prayer and Call to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 19:26 - "Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.'"
2. Nehemiah 2:17-18 - "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."
3. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 - "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say about the possibility of things with God in Matthew 19:26?
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the news about Jerusalem's condition in Nehemiah 2:17-18?
3. What was David's declaration to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, and what does it reveal about his faith?
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of how raising our expectations can lead to seeing God's miraculous work? ([23:55])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:26 challenge our natural perspective on what is possible?
2. In what ways did Nehemiah's actions demonstrate a shift from mourning to proactive faith? How can this be applied to our own lives? ([38:22])
3. What does David's confrontation with Goliath teach us about replacing fear with faith? How can this story inspire us in our own battles? ([42:40])
4. How does engaging in community service and missions reshape our understanding of hope and God's work in the world? ([36:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you shift your perspective to see it through the lens of Matthew 19:26? What steps can you take to raise your expectations and trust in God's power? ([23:55])
2. Nehemiah turned his mourning into action by trusting God and taking steps to rebuild Jerusalem. Is there an area in your life where you need to move from mourning to action? What practical steps can you take this week? ([38:22])
3. David faced Goliath with faith rather than fear. Identify a "Goliath" in your life. How can you confront this challenge with faith, believing that God can do the impossible? ([42:40])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of community involvement and missions. Have you participated in any service opportunities recently? If not, what is one local or foreign mission you can get involved in to broaden your perspective and increase your hope? ([36:45])
5. The concept of "blessed hope" was highlighted as a way to invigorate our present reality. How can you remind yourself daily of the secure and glorious future you have in Christ? What practices can you incorporate into your routine to keep this hope alive? ([32:08])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of prayer and worship in maintaining hope. How is your current prayer life and worship practice? What changes can you make to ensure these foundations are strong and consistent? ([49:51])
7. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your perspective influence your experience of that challenge? What can you do to change your perspective in future challenges to align more with God's capabilities rather than your limitations? ([33:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Perspective through Community Engagement
Engaging in community service and missions is not just about helping others; it's a transformative experience that reshapes our understanding of the world and our place within it. When we step out of our comfort zones and participate in activities that focus on the needs of others, we gain a broader perspective that challenges our everyday concerns and priorities. This shift is crucial for sustaining hope, as it aligns our focus with God's work in the world and the needs of others, rather than our own desires or disappointments. This realignment is not just beneficial—it's essential for a hope-filled life that transcends our immediate circumstances and connects us with the larger purpose of God's kingdom. [37:29]
James 1:27, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: How can you engage more actively in your community this week to experience a shift in perspective?
Day 2: Expecting Miracles Strengthens Faith
The story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days is a testament to the power of expectation in faith. When we set our expectations high and step out in faith, we become conduits for God's miracles. Just as Nehemiah's faith and actions led to a seemingly impossible achievement, our own expectations can pave the way for God to work miraculously in our lives. This principle encourages us to look beyond our limitations and anticipate great things from God, fostering a mindset that not only expects miracles but also actively participates in bringing them to fruition. [41:17]
Habakkuk 2:3, "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to elevate your expectations and trust God for a miracle?
Day 3: God's Capability as the Foundation of Hope
Focusing on God's capabilities rather than our limitations allows us to maintain a hope that is resilient in the face of life's challenges. This perspective is crucial for overcoming obstacles and experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. By shifting our focus from what we cannot do to what God can do, we open ourselves to possibilities that we could never have imagined on our own. This hope is not passive; it's an active trust in God's power to do exceedingly above all we ask or think. [48:33]
Isaiah 40:31, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what situation do you need to shift your focus from your limitations to God's capabilities?
Day 4: Seeing Beyond the Immediate
By raising our expectations and looking beyond the immediate, we open ourselves to the possibilities of God's kingdom. This elevated view encourages us not only to dream bigger but also to act in ways that align with God's expansive plans. When we focus on the bigger picture, our daily challenges become less daunting, and our lives begin to reflect the power and faithfulness of God. This perspective not only enhances our own faith but also serves as a powerful testimony to others of what it means to live in the light of God's promises. [49:06]
2 Corinthians 4:18, "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What immediate concerns are you letting limit your vision, and how can you start focusing on God's eternal promises?
Day 5: Prayer and Worship as Pillars of Hope
Our relationship with God through prayer and worship is foundational to maintaining and increasing hope. These practices connect us directly to God, reminding us of His sovereignty and goodness. In moments of prayer and worship, we find the strength to face the uncertainties of life with a hopeful heart. They are not just rituals; they are the means by which we anchor our lives in God's truth and love, finding the hope to persevere no matter the circumstances. [49:51]
Psalm 42:11, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
Reflection: How can you deepen your prayer and worship life to strengthen your foundation of hope this week?
Quotes
"If you want to see God do something amazing in your life, you've got to raise your expectations. You've got to get your eyes off of what your own human eyes see. And you've got to start focusing on the fact that you serve the God of the impossible. And when you do that, hope increases, church, in your life." [49:51]
"First you got to believe that impossible things are possible. That's the first one. You just got, you got to lean in and start believing that. So you've heard it said before that people, you get what you deserve. That's not really, that's not really the best statement." [27:57]
"Let me tell you another one. If you want to increase your expectations and you want to see hope increase as well, you got to believe that God has something better ahead of you. You just have to believe that God has better days ahead." [32:08]
"Humanly speaking, it's impossible, but with God, all things are possible. Let me give you one last one because my time's up. One last one. Raise your expectations and increase your faith. Here's how you do it. You've got to replace what if with why not." [47:03]
"Nehemiah shows up. And in 52 days. The walls were rebuilt and the gates were put back in. Why? Because he showed up with a new perspective. See sometimes that's all you need in your life. You got to raise your expectations and believe that it's not just what I see with my physical eyes, but it's what God can do spiritually." [41:17]
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