Expecting God's Faithfulness: Miracles Through Faith and Service
Summary
In my sermon, I began by emphasizing the faithfulness of God in remembering and rewarding the efforts of His people. I reminded the congregation that God is not a cheat and that He will settle us for our faith and works in His name. I encouraged everyone to come to church with expectations, just as the righteous are expected to have expectations according to the scriptures. I pointed out that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and even without us asking, He still blesses us out of His own volition.
I then delved into the story of Peter and John in Acts chapter 3, where they encountered a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. This man, despite his lifelong condition, positioned himself in an environment of prayer and expectation. I highlighted the importance of being in the right environment and expecting from the right source, which in this case, is God. When Peter and John told the man to look at them, they were able to offer him something greater than the alms he sought— they offered him healing in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
I drew parallels between the lame man's story and the woman with the issue of blood in Mark chapter 5. Both individuals had expectations and when they encountered Jesus, their expectations were not only met but surpassed. I stressed the importance of not waiting until all options are exhausted before turning to God, but rather turning to Him early to preserve resources and receive His blessings.
I continued by encouraging the congregation to serve God with the right heart and attitude, assuring them that their service is not in vain. I reminded them that God is not forgetful and that everything we do is recorded in heaven. I reassured them that delays are not denials and that God's timing is perfect.
I concluded by praying for various needs within the congregation, including health, financial breakthroughs, and immigration processes. I prayed for the children and families, asking God to meet their expectations and establish their plans. I also led the congregation in a time of giving, emphasizing the privilege of advancing God's kingdom through our tithes and offerings.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our expectations as believers are crucial in our walk with God. Just as the lame man and the woman with the issue of blood had expectations, we too must approach God with the anticipation that He will move in our lives. Our expectations should be aligned with God's will, and when they are, miracles happen. ([40:58])
2. The environment we place ourselves in can significantly impact our faith journey. The lame man was at the gate called Beautiful, an environment of prayer, which positioned him for his miracle. Similarly, we must surround ourselves with prayer and the right people to foster an atmosphere where God can work in our lives. ([18:00])
3. God uses people to meet our needs and fulfill our expectations. Peter and John were divine connections for the lame man. We should pray for and seek out godly relationships that can help propel us towards our God-given destiny. ([37:16])
4. Serving God with the right heart and attitude is essential. Our service to God is not overlooked, and He rewards those who serve Him faithfully. We must guard our hearts and serve with sincerity, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. ([55:18])
5. Finally, we must trust in God's timing and faithfulness. Delays in our lives do not equate to denials from God. He is too faithful to fail us, and He will meet our needs in His perfect timing. We must keep our faith active and alive, trusting that God will do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. ([35:13])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 3:1-10 (NKJV)
> "Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us.' So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."
2. Mark 5:25-34 (NKJV)
> "Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, 'If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.' Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, 'Who touched My clothes?' But His disciples said to Him, 'You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, "Who touched Me?"' And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.'"
3. Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV)
> "Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the lame man at the temple gate expecting from Peter and John, and what did he receive instead? ([20:12])
2. How did the woman with the issue of blood demonstrate her faith when she approached Jesus? ([38:21])
3. According to Hebrews 10:35-36, what are believers encouraged not to cast away, and why?
4. What was the reaction of the people when they saw the lame man healed and walking into the temple? ([23:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the lame man at the temple gate illustrate the importance of having expectations aligned with God's will? ([20:12])
2. In what ways do the stories of the lame man and the woman with the issue of blood show that God can exceed our expectations? ([38:21])
3. What does it mean to serve God with the right heart and attitude, and how does this impact our faith journey? ([55:18])
4. How can delays in receiving answers to our prayers be understood in light of God's perfect timing and faithfulness? ([35:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had expectations from God. Were they aligned with His will, and how did He respond to those expectations? ([20:12])
2. The lame man positioned himself in an environment of prayer. What steps can you take to place yourself in environments that foster faith and expectation? ([18:00])
3. Think about a situation where you turned to God only after exhausting all other options. How can you change this pattern and turn to God earlier in your challenges? ([39:55])
4. Serving God with the right heart and attitude is crucial. What are some practical ways you can ensure your service to God is sincere and wholehearted? ([55:18])
5. Delays are not denials. Share an experience where you had to wait on God's timing. How did this period of waiting strengthen your faith? ([35:13])
6. Identify a person in your life who has been a divine connection, like Peter and John were for the lame man. How can you nurture and appreciate this relationship? ([37:16])
7. How can you actively keep your faith alive and trust in God's faithfulness, especially during times of uncertainty or delay? ([35:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Expectation Invites Divine Intervention
Expectation is a powerful force in the life of a believer. It is the confident anticipation that God will act, and it is rooted in faith and understanding of His character. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals whose expectations were met by God's miraculous intervention. Just as the lame man and the woman with the issue of blood approached Jesus with the expectation of healing, believers are called to approach God with the certainty that He will move in their lives. Expectation should not be a passive waiting but an active faith that prepares one to receive God's promises. It is the fertile ground in which the seeds of faith can grow and produce a harvest of miracles. [40:58]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What specific expectation do you have in your relationship with God, and how are you actively preparing to receive His response?
Day 2: The Right Environment Cultivates Faith
The environment one chooses to inhabit can significantly influence their faith journey. The lame man's decision to position himself at the temple gate called Beautiful—an environment of prayer and worship—was instrumental in his miraculous healing. This teaches the importance of surrounding oneself with an atmosphere that is conducive to faith and expectation. Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in prayer, fellowship with other believers, and the study of God's Word. These practices help to foster an environment where faith can thrive and where one is more likely to experience God's power and presence. [18:00]
Luke 5:31 (ESV)
"And Jesus answered them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'"
Reflection: How can you more intentionally cultivate an environment of faith in your daily life, and what practical steps will you take to do so?
Day 3: Divine Connections Fulfill God's Purposes
God often uses people as conduits of His blessings and answers to prayer. The encounter between Peter, John, and the lame man illustrates how divine connections can lead to the fulfillment of expectations. Believers are encouraged to seek and nurture relationships with those who can provide spiritual support and guidance. These divine connections are not coincidental but are orchestrated by God to help individuals advance towards their destiny. Praying for and being open to such relationships can be a critical component in seeing God's plans come to fruition in one's life. [37:16]
1 Corinthians 12:24b-25 (ESV)
"But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
Reflection: Who are the divine connections in your life, and how can you strengthen those relationships to better support each other's faith journey?
Day 4: Sincere Service Secures Heavenly Reward
Service to God is not about fulfilling obligations or earning favor; it is an act of worship and devotion. When service is rendered with the right heart and attitude, it is pleasing to God and does not go unnoticed. The Bible assures that God is not forgetful of the work done in His name and that He rewards those who serve Him faithfully. This service should be characterized by sincerity, love, and a desire to glorify God, not by seeking personal gain or recognition. The assurance that one's labor in the Lord is not in vain should inspire a steadfast commitment to serving God and others. [55:18]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you serve God and others with a more sincere heart, and what might need to change in your current approach to service?
Day 5: Trusting God's Timing Reveals His Faithfulness
Delays in life's journey are often mistaken for denials, but in the economy of God, timing is everything. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, especially when circumstances suggest that hope is lost. Believers are encouraged to maintain an active faith, trusting that God is working behind the scenes and that He will fulfill His promises at the perfect moment. His faithfulness is unwavering, and He is known to do exceedingly abundantly above all that can be asked or imagined. This trust in God's timing is not passive but involves a continuous, active reliance on His character and His word. [35:13]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)
"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: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to trust more in God's timing, and what steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His faithfulness?
Quotes
1) "God will never forget any of it. He rewards those who diligently seek Him. So I am a candidate for one of His rewards. Therefore, I will not get tired. I will not give in to discouragement. I will keep pressing. I will keep pressing forward to do what God has called me to do." [49:17]
2) "Every lameness in any area of our life. We pray the Lord in Jesus' name. May we rise up in the name of Jesus. May we receive our breakthrough. In the lameness in our finances. In the lameness in our health. In the lameness in our family situations." [50:48]
3) "Their expectations were properly aligned. You know. Aligned with the will of God. Their expectations were rightly placed. And their miracle happened. When your expectation is rightly placed. Your miracle will happen. Hallelujah." [40:58]
4) "The sacrifices that you make will be rewarded. The time you spend with Him in prayer and worship will be rewarded. Pray for the grace not to give up. Pray for the grace to exceed even the expectation of God." [47:53]
5) "God will always meet you at that expectation. The only thing is that, make sure that your expectation is well placed and properly targeted. Your expectation must be well placed and properly targeted." [15:31]
6) "God uses people to meet our expectations. God uses people to meet our need. Praise the Lord. And so this man happens to be at the right place. And got connected with the right people." [25:27]
7) "Whatever you have done for the Lord, God will be sure to remember it. He will settle you for it in the name of Jesus. Today I just want us to look at this scripture, Acts chapter 3." [17:10]
8) "God will always come through. Because he has promised. The expectations of the righteous will not be cut off. My expectation, because the Spirit of God is in you. So your desires, the things that you so desire must align or will align with the will of God." [27:23]
9) "And entered the temple with them. Walking, leaping and praising God. You know, the man's problem. The man had a problem. Something that hindered him from going into the temple. And we know that he desired to be in the temple." [30:32]
10) "So your expectations are met through prayer. Through being in the right atmosphere. Right environment. It's very important. You know, your expectations are met. You know, with the right heart. And with the right attitude." [31:59]
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