Scripture References: Luke 12:35-40; Hebrews 11; Luke 1; Psalm 27:14; 1 Peter 4:7-11; Hebrews 10:23-25
Intro: Welcome to this sermon in our series on faith. Last week, we explored faith as an active expectation and a refusal to settle, using Abraham as our example. Today, we explore another dimension: faith also asks us to wait. This might seem contradictory, but Hebrews 11 shows faith manifests differently – sometimes refusing, sometimes seizing, sometimes sacrificing, and often, waiting. Waiting prepares and purifies us, much like the season of Advent prepares us for Christ's coming. Let's look at how faith empowers us to wait well.
Key Points:
- Faith Involves Waiting: A life of faith is often a life of waiting. While faith sometimes demands action, it frequently calls us into periods of waiting for God's promises or timing. This waiting isn't passive resignation; it's an active, preparatory state.
- Biblical Examples of Waiting: Scripture is filled with stories of waiting: Zechariah and Elizabeth waited long for a child; Mary waited through pregnancy for the Messiah; Israel waited centuries, including 400 years of divine silence, for their Savior. We, too, wait for promises, healing, spouses, freedom, etc.
- The Difficulty and Danger of Waiting: Waiting takes a toll on faith. It can lead to doubt, as seen in Zechariah's response ("How can I be sure?") compared to Mary's immediate trust ("Let it be to me..."). Years of disappointment can create unbelief.
- How to Wait Well (Luke 12:35-40): Jesus instructs His disciples (and us) on how to wait faithfully, especially as we live between His first and second coming:
- Wait with Anticipation: "Stay dressed for action," "keep your lamps burning." Be actively prepared, expectant, and ready for God's move or Christ's return.
- Wait with Assurance: "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake..." We wait confidently, not in blind faith, but assured of the faithfulness of the God who promises (Heb 10:23). Don't postpone faithfulness.
- Wait with Alertness: Be ready like a homeowner aware a thief might come unexpectedly. This isn't about fear, but readiness for Christ's surprise return. Look for the Savior, not just signs of trouble. Be sober-minded, prayerful, loving, and serving (1 Peter 4).
- The Purpose of Waiting: Our impatient culture views waiting negatively. But waiting, though hard, can be good. It surfaces our motivations and independence, makes deliverance sweeter (like Jonelle's testimony), fosters gratitude, and refines our character (Psalm 27:14). Choosing not to wait on God often leads to a harder life long-term.
Conclusion: Everyone has to wait. Faith doesn't exempt us, but it teaches us how to wait. Jesus calls us to wait actively and purposefully – with anticipation, assurance in His promises, and alert readiness. This waiting shapes us. Are you waiting well, or have you resigned?
Call to Action: What are you waiting for God to do? Examine your heart: are you waiting with faith, or has impatience led to doubt or resignation? If you've stopped waiting ready, come back to God today. Surrender the timelines and the frustration. Ask Him to teach you to wait with anticipation, assurance, and alertness. Trust Him with your satisfaction and His timing. (The planned section on repentance will be covered in a future sermon – wait with anticipation!)
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