Young People's Group

“ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION AND HOPE”

by Pastor Mitch
December 15, 2013

Thanking God For A Most Memorable Youth Conference

This year’s Youth Conference was truly memorable. Not only would we remember the “heart thumping” questions and “rock hard muscle” references made during the Bible study sessions, we were also moved by the honest and open sharing of the camp officers during the worship segments. Many shared most personally about their struggles despite being called by God to salvation and service and how the Lord was there to help them be overcomers. Most of all, our hearts were inspired and renewed by the messages from the early morning and nightly messages from Pastor. Through them, we were challenged to consider Paul’s teachings on being called from the book of Philippians. We want to truly thank God for His blessings on this conference. His grace and mercies really stood out. Let’s take time to thank and adore the Lord for them.

Matching Personal Expectations With Greater Effort And Hope In God

With conference over, our challenge is to follow through with the lessons that we have learnt. One vital lesson that has continued to remain in my heart is Paul’s statement on personal expectation and hope.

“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed” 
Philippians 1:20

Earnest expectations of self in life and ministry are what every Christian should have. These expectations should be responses and determinations of the heart as we reflect on life and ministry. Paul sought to have these personal expectations matched with great personal effort. The word “according” in the Greek denotes the idea of a pattern. Paul patterned his life and ministry after these important personal goals. There was tremendous sincerity behind his personal expectations and he matched them with vigorous hard work. Paul exuded much zeal and commitment to fulfil them. Many of us have certain expectations concerning our studies and we put in much effort in them. So much more, we should have definite expectations of our spiritual life and ministry. Paul also matched earnest expectations with hope in God. Despite being incarcerated, he was still conscious of how he should live out his life and ministry. It was with this deep sense of hope in God that Paul sought to see his expectations realised. There was a total dependence on God and His grace. He knew that he would see his expectations fulfilled because of this. Young people, let’s make definite goals for ourselves after conference. Let’s expect ourselves to rise up to meet the challenge of the upward call of God with greater confidence and diligence. Let’s exercise a great sense of hope in God that He will help us bring this to pass.

Magnifying The Lord As A Core Principle Of Life

“But with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” 
Philippians 1:20-21

With such expectations, effort and hope, let’s focus on having greater consistency in magnifying the Lord in our life. Paul had this important core principle for his life. He sought to magnify the Lord in every situation of his life, even if it meant dying for Him. His sole concern was for the Lord to be extolled and glorified. This was one of the reasons why he sought to be excellent in everything he did in life and ministry. There was also courage, clarity and consistency in living for the Lord and in suffering for Him. Through these things, he sought to magnify Him as best as he could. Young people, let’s also seek consistency … greater consistency in living for Christ and to magnify Him through our conduct and our service for Him. This Christmas and for the new year, let’s boldly live for Him and bring glory to Him in all that we say and do.

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