Christian Family Fellowship, Muscat (PDO)

 

BIBLE STUDY: THE EXPECTATION OF THE STEADFAST

 

Introduction:

 

Some of the Israelites may have set out for the journey to the Promised Land without being clcar or certain what was in store for them. This may explain the reason why they requested Moses several times to take them back to Egypt. At the end not all of them who started the journey from Egypt arrived the Promised Land. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:26 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight 1, not as one that beateth the air.” The clearer the Christian’s expectation, the more determined he would be to finish the race successfully.

 

I.    Who is a ‘Steadfast’ Christian and what are his attributes?

Jer. 35: 1 — 14, Daniel 1;8 — 13, Exodus 17: 8 — 12; 2 Tim 4:7; 1 Corith 15: 58; Gal 6:9. 1 Corith 4:2. 1 Coritb 16:13. 2 Tim 2:5; Acts 4:17-20. Acts 16: 19 —25

 

2.  Does it cost anything to be steadfast? What are the reasons for your answer? Luke 14: 26-33; Daniel 3:15—23.

 

3.   Define ‘expectation’ in the Christian context?

Heb. 11: 13-16 ; 2 Pet 3:10-14. Roms 8: 22— 25.; John 14: 2-3. James 1:12; Proverbs 22:

29, Rev 2:10

 

Who do we expect to meet this?

Psalm 62:5. Heb 12:2a

 

4.   Paul says in I Corinthians 15:19 “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all

          men most miserable:” What is your understanding of this statement?

 

a)   Does the above scripture mean then that the expectation of a steadfast Christian is only beyond this life? What are the reasons for your answer?

Mark 10: 29-30; Exodus 15: 26; Deut: 28: 1-13;

 

b)   What is the expectation of the Steadfast beyond this life?

Mark 10: 30; Col 3:2; 2 Tim 4:7-8, Heb 11:13-16; 2 Pet 3:10-14; Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11; Rcv3:5, Rev 3: 12, Rev 3: 21, Rev 21:1—7.

 

S.   As a steadfast Christian how long do I need to wait before my expectation is met? 2 Pet 3: 9.

 

6.    Is it possible for God not to meet the expectation of the steadfast? Discuss. Row do you relate this to Moses failure to enter the Promised Land?

Num 20: 12, Deut 34:4

 

Conclusion:

 

Proverbs 23:18, “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” This is God’s promise to them that shall remain faithful unto the end.