Insure Your Expectations are from Him ~ Psalm 62:1-8, Proverbs 13:12
Pastor John Opferman
11:00 AM
November 3, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Opening Scripture Reading
Proverbs 13:12
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
Setting the stage for the theme of hope and expectations.
Psalm 62:1-8
A call to place trust and hope in God alone as our refuge and salvation.
Introduction to the Theme: The Nature of Hope and Expectation in the Christian Life
Reflection on the importance of hope in the life of a believer.
Hope as anticipation and expectation, especially regarding Christ’s return.
The role of hope in sustaining joy and resilience through difficult times.
Proverbs 13:12 explored:
The emotional impact of “hope deferred” (hope delayed or not fulfilled).
The contrast between deferred hopes and fulfilled desires.
God’s Expectations and Hopes in Us
God Himself has hopes and expectations for His creation.
Psalm 7:11 – God's anger with the wicked due to unfulfilled hopes in humanity.
The parallel between our own feelings of disappointment and God’s response to unfaithfulness.
The Effect of Deferred Hope on Believers
Personal examples and common scenarios of “deferred hope” leading to disillusionment:
Stories from family gatherings and personal experiences to illustrate the emotional weight of deferred hope.
Biblical examples of deferred hope and the reaction it can produce:
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20) – Hired workers with unmet expectations becoming discontent.
The lesson: Aligning our hopes with what God has promised rather than what we assume or desire.
Understanding and Aligning Our Expectations with God’s Promises
The Danger of Misplaced Expectations
How our misunderstandings of God’s promises can lead to feelings of disappointment.
Examples of false or misplaced hopes:
Believing that a life of faith means a life free from suffering.
The prosperity gospel's focus on material blessings as the sign of God’s favor.
Biblical Reality of Life's Afflictions
Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Understanding God’s deliverance as help through afflictions, not necessarily avoidance of them.
God’s Healing and Deliverance in His Timing
Exploring the example of Exodus 15:26 – God as our healer, often working through our struggles for a higher purpose.
Jesus’ own words and miracles revealing that healing and deliverance come on God’s terms and timeline.
Eternal Hope vs. Temporal Expectations
The ultimate hope in Christ:
Assurance of salvation and eternal life.
The security of our hope when it is grounded in Christ’s promises.
The contrast of fleeting, earthly hopes with eternal, God-given promises:
Proverbs 10:28 – “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 62:5 – "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him."
Practical Application: Aligning Our Hopes with God’s Truth
Seek Assurance of Salvation
Without salvation, our hopes are temporary and ultimately perish.
Emphasis on the eternal, unfading hope found in Christ.
Deriving Expectations from God’s Word
Cultivate hopes based on what God has actually promised rather than personal desires.
Examples of legitimate, biblically-based hopes:
Eternal life
A future home in heaven
The return of Christ, either through the rapture or our personal calling to Him.
Church as a Place of Affirmation
Attending church to hear God’s promises reinforced, helping us hold fast to true, lasting hope.
Psalm 62:8 – Encouragement to “trust in Him at all times” and seek refuge in God, especially in moments of deferred hope.
Closing Reflections and Call to Trust in God Alone
The assurance that God, as our rock and salvation, will fulfill His promises.
Trusting only in Him prevents the heart from sickness and bitterness when hopes are deferred.
A final call to place all hopes and expectations in God’s capable hands, grounded in His word and promises.
Prayer and Invitation
Prayers for faith and trust in God’s promises, and for realigning any misplaced hopes.
An invitation for those without assurance of salvation to trust in Christ today, finding lasting hope in Him.
Biblical References
Proverbs 13:12 – "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."
Psalm 62:1-8
Verse 1: "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation."
Verse 2: "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."
Verse 3: "How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? Ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence."
Verse 4: "They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah."
Verse 5: "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."
Verse 6: "He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved."
Verse 7: "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."
Verse 8: "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Psalm 7:11 – "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."
Psalm 9:17 – "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
Psalm 34:19 – "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
Malachi 3:10 – "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Proverbs 10:28 – "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish."
Proverbs 11:7 – "When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth."
Exodus 15:26 – "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee."
Psalm 62:5 – "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."
John 11:4 – In the context of Lazarus’s sickness: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (Paraphrased as, "It's for God's glory.")
John 9:3 – "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
1 Timothy 6 – Mentioned regarding the dangers of wealth and temptation (specific verses are implied rather than directly quoted).
John 3:16 – Implicit in references to God’s love in sending His Son, though not directly quoted here.
John 14:2 – "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you."
Reflection Questions
What expectations or hopes have you placed on God that may be rooted more in personal desires than in His promises? How can you realign these with what Scripture teaches?
How do you handle times when your hopes feel “deferred” or delayed? Reflect on how God might be working in those waiting seasons to strengthen your faith.
Psalm 62:5 states, “My expectation is from Him.” In what ways do you seek God’s guidance for the expectations you set for your life?
Proverbs 13:12 warns that “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” When have you experienced a “heart-sick” season, and what helped you hold onto faith during that time?
Consider God as your “rock” and “refuge” as described in Psalm 62. How can you cultivate a daily reliance on Him as your foundation, especially when facing uncertainty?
Reflection Questions
Daily Reflection and Prayer Journal:
Activity: Each morning, write down one expectation or hope you are currently holding onto.
Application: Reflect on whether this hope is rooted in God’s promises or personal desires. Pray and ask God to help you align your expectations with His will and to give you patience for any deferred hopes. Conclude by recording any insights you feel God is sharing with you.
Scripture Meditation and Memorization:
Activity: Choose one verse from the sermon, such as Psalm 62:5 ("My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him") or Proverbs 13:12 ("Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life").
Application: Memorize this verse throughout the week, and meditate on its meaning. Reflect on how it applies to situations in your life where you may feel disappointed or need patience.
Identify and Release Misplaced Expectations:
Activity: Take 15–20 minutes to list specific expectations you have in different areas of life (e.g., work, family, finances, health).
Application: Evaluate which ones are not promised by God in Scripture or may be based on personal desires. Pray for the strength to release these misplaced expectations and instead trust in God’s provision and timing.
Community Sharing and Encouragement:
Activity: Reach out to a friend or family member who may be going through a time of deferred hope or disappointment.
Application: Share with them some of the promises in Psalm 62 and Proverbs 13:12, and encourage them to place their expectations in God. Offer to pray together and ask for God’s comfort and guidance in both of your lives.
Hope and Gratitude List:
Activity: Set aside time to write a list of God’s promises that you are holding onto, such as His faithfulness, salvation, presence, and strength during trials.
Application: Follow this by listing things you are grateful for in your life that God has already provided. Keep this list somewhere visible, and refer to it whenever you feel discouraged or experience deferred hopes.
