Living in expectation is a central theme in the Christian life, characterized by a hopeful anticipation of God's promises and the fulfillment of His divine plan. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is reflected in the lives of biblical figures who exemplified faith and trust in God's timing and purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible encourages believers to live in expectation of God's promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance is the foundation of living in expectation, as believers trust in the unseen and await the fulfillment of God's promises.

Old Testament Examples

The patriarch Abraham is a quintessential example of living in expectation. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5). Despite his advanced age and the barrenness of his wife Sarah, Abraham lived in expectation of this promise, demonstrating unwavering faith. Romans 4:18-21 highlights Abraham's faith: "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.'"

The Israelites, during their exodus from Egypt, also lived in expectation of the Promised Land. Despite the challenges and delays, they were called to trust in God's promise to deliver them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17).

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, living in expectation is closely tied to the anticipation of Christ's return. Jesus Himself instructed His followers to be watchful and ready, as seen in Matthew 24:42 : "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This call to vigilance underscores the importance of living in a state of readiness and expectation.

The Apostle Paul frequently wrote about the hope of Christ's return and the transformation it would bring. In Titus 2:13 , Paul speaks of "the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This expectation of Christ's return serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to live godly lives.

Practical Implications

Living in expectation impacts the daily lives of Christians by fostering a mindset of hope and perseverance. James 5:7-8 exhorts believers to be patient and stand firm, "because the Lord's coming is near." This patience is not passive but active, involving steadfastness in faith and good works.

Moreover, living in expectation encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporal concerns. Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This heavenly perspective shapes priorities and decisions, aligning them with God's eternal purposes.

Conclusion

Living in expectation is a dynamic and transformative aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the assurance of God's promises and the anticipation of His future fulfillment. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to embrace a life of hopeful anticipation, trusting in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan.