Lesson 06 — The Expectancy Principle

University Objectives… (Reviewed)
_________ the Word!
___________ the Word!
_________ the Word!

Semper Vivus: __________________   ____________

“This __________ is ___________!”

“University” Defined:
“An institution of ________________ at the highest ____________.” 

Principle Six (of 12)
The ___________________ Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of expectancy and endurance in light of Christ’s planned return to earth for His Church. I must live each day consciously expecting His immediate return, though planning carefully the events of my life should He delay His coming. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)

Foundational Premise…

“Premise” Defined:
“A proposition upon which an ___________________ is based or from which a ___________________ is drawn.”

Premise…
The believer’s effectiveness in __________________ God’s total ________________ for his or her __________ on earth is directly proportional to that believer’s understanding that all we do in life must ____________ ultimately on _______________.

In Anticipation of Eternity! (A Biblical Foundation)

Scripture:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. — Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. — Romans 8:18-23 (NIV)

Since we have such [glorious] hope (such joyful and confident expectation), we speak very freely and openly and fearlessly. — 2 Corinthians 3:12 (AMPC)

 For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end. — Hebrews 3:14 (AMPC)

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. — Colossians 1:3-5 (NLT)

Living a Life With a View Toward Eternity
(Six Imperatives)

1. Imperative One:
I must develop a _______________ recognition of the ________________ of ________.

Scripture:
One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. — Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

The Prophetic Declaration of Moses Over the Tribe of Benjamin

Scripture:
Benjamin: “God’s beloved; God’s permanent residence. Encircled by God all day long, within whom God is at home.” — Deuteronomy 33:12 (MSG)

2. Imperative Two:
I must develop a daily __________________ habit in _____________, praise and the _____________ of God’s __________.

Scripture:
As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17 (NIV)

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. — Psalm 5:3 (NLT)

3. Imperative Three:
I must develop a keen ______________ for the ____________ and __________________ of this ___________.

Scripture:
But take heed to yourselves, and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with… worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose… — Luke 21:34 (AMPC)

4. Imperative Four:
I must develop a new commitment to ___________ in and strengthen Christ’s ___________.

Scripture:
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober… Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 6, 11 (NIV)

5. Imperative Five:
I must develop a fresh _________________ of the multitudes who have ___________ heard about _____________!

Scripture:
Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. — John 4:35 (NIV)

6. Imperative Six:
I must develop a deep ___________________ for the _____________ of God’s __________.

Scripture:
Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit… — 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (AMPC)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. — Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
What do you think it means to suggest that a believer can only pursue God’s full purposes for his or her life on earth by focusing all one does on eternity? In what ways do you think a believer can achieve this objective in life?                                                                             

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Ask God to give you a better understanding of how you might live your life with a greater view toward eternity. Pray for those you know who do not grasp the significance of eternity and have yet to receive Christ into their lives.

Expectancy… In Anticipation of Eternity
(Four Facts on the Destiny of the Believer)

Scripture:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. — 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)

1. Our Eternal Destiny — Fact One:
God ______________ all things — therefore His _______________ is composed of the whole of _______________.

Scripture:
Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine. — Job 41:11 (NKJV)

The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. — Psalm 103:19 (NKJV)

2. Our Eternal Destiny — Fact Two:
Jesus is God’s only _________ and is the rightful __________ to the ___________ of all God’s creation.

Scripture:
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. — Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)

3. Our Eternal Destiny — Fact Three:
Each believer is a _________ of God by ________________ with full __________ rights along with __________.

Scripture:
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. — Romans 8:15-17 (NIV)

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. — Revelation 21:6-7 (NIV)

4. Our Eternal Destiny — Fact Four:
Scripture provides an abundance of __________________ to substantiate the believer’s eternal _____________.

Scripture:
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” — Matthew 25:34 (NLT)

Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. — Titus 3:7 (NLT)

Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. — Galatians 4:5-7 (MSG)

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? — James 2:5 (NIV)

The Four Phases of Our Eternal Authority

Scripture:
But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever. — Daniel 7:18 (NLT)

Our Eternal Authority — Phase One:
The ____________ will overcome ____________ once and for _______.

Scripture:
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. — Revelation 20:10 (NIV)

Our Eternal Authority — Phase Two:
The saints will be __________________ into the image of ____________ to become ______________ of eternal _____________.

Scripture:
But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own. — 1 John 3:2-3 (MSG)

There shall no longer exist there anything that is accursed (detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful, or horrible). But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall worship Him [pay divine honors to Him and do Him holy service]. — Revelation 22:3 (AMP)

Our Eternal Authority — Phase Three:
The saints will receive ____________ of authority.

 Scripture:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. — 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. — James 1:12 (NIV)

Our Eternal Authority — Phase Four:
The saints will _________ the __________ and ________________ with Christ.

Scripture:
And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. — Revelation 22:5 (NLT)

What on Earth Is God up to in Heaven?

Scripture:
“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing… Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. — Isaiah 40:25-26, 28 (NLT)

Heading Heavenward… A Journey Into Eternity!
(Five Facts)

 Fact One: 1.3 seconds into our journey!
Fact Two: 5 hours into our journey!
Fact Three: 4 years into our journey!
Fact Four: 2 million years into our journey!
Fact Five: 300 million years into our journey!

Heaven… Don’t Miss It for the World!

Scripture:
Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this! — Titus 3:6-8a (MSG)

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? — Mark 8:36-37 (NKJV)

Look up these passages in your Bible, underline key phrases or put a box around them. Put a number “6” in the margin of your Bible by that passage and circle it. Then, go back to your primary passage (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) and in the margin write these verses beside it or at the bottom of the page. In this way you will begin to cross-reference your Bible.

• Colossians 3:1-4
• Romans 8:17-23
• 2 Corinthians 3:12
• Hebrews 3:14
• Colossians 1:3-5
• Psalm 27:4
• Deuteronomy 33:12
• Psalm 55:16-17 
• Psalm 5:3
• Luke 21:3-36 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8, 11 
• John 4:35 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19 
• Ephesians 4:30
• 1 Peter 1:3-10
• Job 41:11
• Psalm 103:19
• Hebrews 1:1-2
• Romans 8:15-17
• Revelation 21:6-7
• Matthew 25:34
• Titus 3:6-8
• Galatians 4:5-7
• James 2:5
• Daniel 7:18
• Revelation 20:10
• 1 John 3:2-3
• Revelation 22:3
• 2 Timothy 4:7-8
• James 1:12
• Revelation 22:5
• Isaiah 40:25-26, 28
• Mark 8:36-37
• Matthew 24:4-13
• Matthew 24:40-46
• Mark 13:9-13
• Luke 12:35-46
• Luke 17:34-36
• Luke 19:9-13
• Philippians 3:13-21
• Colossians 1:20-22
• 2 Peter 3:10-14
• Revelation 21:1-3

Principle Six Reviewed: The Expectancy Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of expectancy and endurance in light of Christ’s planned return to earth for His Church. I must live each day consciously expecting His immediate return, though planning carefully the events of my life should He delay His coming. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
What most excites you when you think about spending eternity in heaven? What are your greatest unanswered questions about heaven? Other than wanting to see and talk with Jesus in heaven, who is the first person you would like to sit and talk with in heaven and why?                                                                                                                                    

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Pray that the Church in our nation and globally will have a renewed interest in the reality of Christ’s second coming. Pray also that there will be a greater urgency to gather in the harvest of souls from every tribe, tongue, people and nation.