People have great expectations for things like hotels, restaurants, movies, and more. People even have expectations when it comes to God. But, how often do we consider the expectations God has of us?
God expects His people to be faithful in worship to Him.
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Christians in the first century were consistent in their worship to God. They were devoted to the authority of the apostles and scriptures. They gathered on the first day of the week to worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper. They were committed to worshipping together. We are to be faithful as well. Yet sometimes, this can be hard for some Christians. Why? For some, they may have been taught incorrectly about the necessity and importance of gathering with the saints. There were some things Apollos needed to be taught more accurately, Acts 18:26. For some it may be that they fail to plan accordingly. They plan for everything in the week except gathering with the saints on Sunday! That’s wrong. Some may not be interested gathering with the saints until calamity or need hits. That’s wrong as well. The biggest problem for Christians is the failure to understand who God is, and that He is worthy of worship!John recorded in Revelation 4:11 the following words:
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."
God expects His people to be a family.
"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 2:44-45
The early church was not a “Sunday” only group. They spent time with one another. They shared with one another. They knew each other well enough to understand the needs of others. This is what God expects of His people. Love. Care. Concern. It’s easy to become isolated and distanced from others. We’re all busy. We all have stuff to do. But we must make a concerted effort to connect, to encourage, and to assist when necessary.
God expects His people to be grateful.
"Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47
The Christians in Jerusalem were thankful to God. Throughout Acts we find many disciples rejoicing and being grateful for the cause of Christ, Acts 5:40-41; Acts 11:18; Acts 13:48.
We are to be thankful as well for what God has done for us! This is what God expects of us, Luke 17:17-19.
I Can Do…So Can You
Benjamin Lee