Expect More From God!

Do you know why God sent his Son into the world? Paul tells us. He says...

Titus 2:14 says, [Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

He came to forgive us, to save us, and to change us. It’s not just that he says, "I will forgive you for being a sinful person." He says, "I will change you into a better person. I will shape you and conform you into the image of my Son. I will help you become like him."

This is what God wants for you, and he paid a tremendous price. He is absolutely committed to helping you become holy. He’s not standing away at a distance saying, "Get better. I’m waiting." He’s saying, "I’m here to help you." You can call on him and he will be there for you. King David wrote, "The Lord is near all who call on him." (Psalm 145:18)

I want you to understand how much God wants this for you. He wants you to be more holy more than you want it. He has more patience with the process than you have. He gives you more mercy than you will ever deserve. And he believes in you more than you can possibly believe in yourself.

When I say "expect more from God," here’s what I’m saying:

You can expect God to purify you. He will bring situations into your life and he will bring people into your life that he can use to teach you how to be more like him. You don’t have to say, "I will always be this way." You can say, "God has the power to change me. He wants to change and he will change me."

You can also expect God to be patient with you. He’s not going to give up you, so you don’t have to give up on yourself. He will pour out his mercy as many times as you need it; he will give you another chance as many times as it takes.

You can also expect God to empower you. When he saved you, he gave you a new nature and he gave you the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." (Acts 1:8) That power is available when you need it. When you call on him, he will help you.

You can expect these things from God. It’s his promise. That means that it’s a lot easier to practice self-control when you know you’re not in this alone, you don’t have to do life in your own strength, you’ve got the power of God on your side.