1. The great sin of the Jewish nation is they looked for the Messiah, but because of their wrong conception they murdered him. Unbelief is still the great sin today.

2. The followers of Christ believe that He is coming again (Revelation 22:7, 20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Peter 3:10; James 5:7; 1 John 3:2).

3. There is no reason for fanaticism or date setting; but we have a reason for concern, study, and preparation (Matthew 24:36, 43-44; 25:1-13).

4. We cannot long for the second coming unless the event brings us assurance and benefit. Then it becomes “the day” left in human history.

I. WHY SHOULD  WE HAVE THE SPIRIT OF EXPECTANCY?
    A. Because of the definite promise of His coming (John 14:1-3).
    B. Because of the purpose of His coming (Matthew 25:31-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
    C. Because of the part we will have in His coming.
        1. We will glorify and admire Him (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
        2. We shall become like Him (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21).
        3. We shall go to heaven with Him (John 14:3; Matthew 25:34).

II. WHAT WILL THE SPIRIT OF EXPECTANCY DO FOR US?
    A. It will give us encouragement— knowing the final victory over sin. Satan can pervade, but not prevail; discourage, but not defeat; tempt, but not triumph (1 Corinthians 15:24-25).
    B. It will give you the hope of freedom–over the flesh and its limitations, imperfections, weaknesses; and bring the attainment of perfection (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).
    C. It will give you encouragement–if you are down hearted, discouraged, and in sorrow (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
    D. It will cause you to live closer to Jesus,  “When he shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found, dressed...faultless...”(1 John 3:3).
    E. It will cause you to have a deeper interest in the worship and work of the church. All we do, we do with it in view! (1 Corinthians 11:26).

III. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER MATTERS WE OUGHT TO HAVE A SPIRIT OF EXPECTANCY ABOUT?
    A. For God to hear and answer our prayers (Matthew 21:22).
    B. To see results from the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55: 10-11).
    C. Our lives to have an influence on leading others to Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).
    D. We will receive strength and direction from God’s word (Psalm 119:105; John 8:32).
    E. That we will grow in Christ likeness by our worship (Ephesians 4:11-16).

1. I read once about an old peasant living in the mountains of Wales; in his old age and declining health, every morning he would open his shutters toward the east to see if Jesus was coming. He was not a fanatic, he was ready! Otherwise he would have looked the other way, and it would not have been his waking thought. His Master did not come, but one day His messenger did! The same preparations sufficed for both, and his longing soul was satisfied.

2. Are you a person of expectancy? That God will keep His promises; and that Jesus is coming.

3. Titus 2:11-15 tells us how to begin and continue in the Christian life.

4. Luke 17:26-27, “Quickly” is a protest against the idea of procrastination. Are you like Felix, waiting for a more convenient season? —104 Calhoun Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150