Title: Lifelong Expectations and Hopes
Contents
“Oh, by the grace of God”
“If you could ask God just one question, what would it be?” USA Today polled. As a result, the most common answer is “What is the purpose of my life?” appeared as I think that's a very wise question.
The Bible tells us well what the purpose of life is. The Apostle Paul expressed that purpose with the words ‘My deep desire and hope’. His earnest expectations and hopes were those of a lifetime that continued until the end of his life.
Today is the Sunday of the appointment of officers. I hope that everyone, including those who are appointed as officers, will use the earnest expectations and hopes of the Apostle Paul as the earnest expectations and hopes of their lives.
1. The earnest expectation and hope of life is to exalt Christ.
Let's look at Philippians 1:20-21. “According to my earnest expectation and hope, I will not be ashamed of anything, but I am still as fully courageous as before, so that whether I live or die, Christ may be exalted in my body, for for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Amen!
“I am facing the death of Bayahr. The black hand trying to take my life is approaching every moment. Faced with death, help me overcome the power of death.” I cannot but pray. All living things groan in the face of death, and all living things tremble and mourn in the face of death. What a blessing it is for me not to lie down in a nursing home as a tuberculosis patient, but to be locked up in prison as a servant of Jesus and weeping! It is the greatest honor of a Christian to go to the death penalty in the name of Jesus. It is okay to die a hundred times for the Lord, but what kind of life are those who forsaken the Lord and live for one hundred and one thousand years! Oh Lord! Preserve my life, so that I will not be dishonored by the Lord. Even if this body is broken to dust, let me keep your commandments. Jesus died on the cross for me. He had a crown of thorns on his head, and his hands and feet were torn by iron nails, and he spilled the last drop of blood.
Lord, since you died for me, how can I pretend not to know you because I am afraid of death! There is only one death plan.” Amen!
This is Romans 14:7-8. “Not one of us lives to himself, and not one dies to himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.” Amen!
This is Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Amen!
Dear saints, I hope that you, like the Apostle Paul, make Christ the whole of your life, boasting of the cross and do your best in your assigned duties to honor Christ throughout your life, whether you live or die.
2. The earnest expectation and hope of life is to benefit the saints.
Let's look at Philippians 1:24-26. “It will be better for you that I am in the flesh. I know with certainty that I will live and will dwell with all of you for the advancement and joy of your faith, so that by my being with you again, your boasting in Jesus Christ may abound through me.” Amen!
The Apostle Paul said that his earnest expectations and hopes were for the benefit of the saints and the church, along with the exaltation of Christ. He actually saw martyrdom in prison as far better, bring more, gain. It is ‘leaving the world
Because you will be with Christ.” (Phil 1:23) But he said he was not sure what to choose between life and death. Because I saw that it is more necessary and much more important to work for the church and the saints by staying alive. So, he expected life and ministry for the benefit of the church and the saints rather than death that would benefit him. He was convinced that if he lived and continued his ministry without dying, he would give the saints “your progress and joy in the faith.” So he saw that by being with them, he would lead them to an overflowing life in Jesus Christ and make them more proud of Jesus Christ. That is why he prayed for the church and the saints even in prison and wrote the Bible.
This is the story of the leper Saint Joseph Damien (1840-1889). His mother used to tell her children the stories of saints and martyrs. His older brother became a priest, and his two older sisters became nuns. His older brother was selected as a missionary to Hawaii. However, he contracted typhoid and was unable to go. Instead, Damien, then 23, went on a mission to Hawaii.
I went to Hawaii and at first I did missionary work on islands here and there. Then I heard the tragic news of the island of Molokai, inhabited by lepers. The island of Molokai was called the ‘living grave’ of the lepers. All who entered there were those who had given up hope. They didn't want to get close to Damien. Damien prayed to God, “Make me leper to rescue the lepers.” And when he finally got leprosy, he was rather happy. When he was told to rest for a while because he was concerned about his health, he replied: “Are you going to rest? You cannot rest. What I have to do is like a mountain, but the time I have left is too short!” “If I had to give up my work here for the sake of my health, I would rather give up my health.”
Living with lepers on the island of Molokai for 16 years, Father Damien built 1000 coffins and performed the funerals of 1,600 people. He called himself a 'carpenter weaver' and 'a tomb dig', teaching people that death means the end of all suffering, overcoming the fear of death and instilling confidence and hope for eternal salvation. . So the funeral was greeted with a festive atmosphere. I think it's the result of him living with them for their good, so that they abound in the progress of faith and joy. That's right. A person who has a lot of work to do, but realizes that the remaining time is too short, never wastes his time and opportunity, and believes that he will live a life that not only honors Christ but also benefits people by being faithful to death.
This is Romans 15:1-2. “We who are strong in faith should bear the weakness of the weak and not please ourselves. Let each one of us please our neighbor, but for the good and for the edification.” Amen!
It's from Colossians 1:24. “Now I rejoice in your sufferings for your sake, and I fill the rest of the sufferings of Christ in my flesh for the sake of his body, the church.” Amen!
Dear brothers and sisters, I hope that you will accomplish good and build up your virtue by carrying the remaining sufferings of Christ for the progress and joy of the faith of the Church, the body of the Lord, and of your neighbors, who lay down their own interests like the Apostle Paul.
As children of God and servants of God, there are two main things we should live by and make our earnest expectation and hope for in life. One is to honor God by loving Him. And the other is to benefit our neighbor by loving our neighbor.
Dear brothers and sisters, let's live according to the earnest expectations and hopes of life. So the day I stood before the Lord, I said, “Well done. Good and faithful servant!” (Well done, you good and faithful servant! Matthew 25:21,23) I earnestly pray in the name of the Lord that you will glorify God, benefit your neighbors, and build up your church. Amen!
“Only for the Glory of God”