Kingdom Expectations
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Kingdom Expectations
1. Expectations and the Kingdom of Heaven
We all walk into life with expectations. Sometimes they’re unmet, sometimes they’re unspoken, and other times they’re unrealistic. But expectations come with emotions—disappointment, frustration, and even guilt when they don’t go the way we imagined. Jesus understood this, and in the Sermon on the Mount, he gives us clear expectations for what it means to live in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Before diving into the specifics, Jesus begins in Matthew 4:17 with a call: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This is a call to change direction—a new way of life that stands in contrast to the old. In Matthew chapters 5–7, Jesus lays out what that kingdom life looks like, flipping expectations upside down in a way that often seems countercultural.
In Matthew 6, Jesus shifts tone—from the “blessed are…” of chapter 5 to a serious word: “beware.” He warns us about doing righteous things just to be seen by others. Instead of performance, Jesus invites us into relationship. When our hearts are transformed, our behavior follows. Jesus doesn’t ignore behavior—but he goes deeper: he starts with our hearts.
2. Expectation One: Giving
Giving Flows from Relationship
Matthew 6:2–4 gives this instruction: "When you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet..." Jesus expects that his followers will give—but he is more concerned with the heart behind the gift than the amount or visibility of it.
People in Jesus’ day gave to gain recognition. They wanted to be praised. But Jesus calls us to give quietly, even secretly, trusting that our Father sees and will reward in his way.
A generous life isn’t just about money. It includes generosity of time, grace, understanding, and presence. True generosity is rooted in a relationship with a generous God.
A Heart Check for Generosity
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
If giving feels more like a tax or a checklist, it might be time to evaluate the heart behind it. Is it rooted in scarcity or in trust? God may not return your generosity financially—but he will bless it in ways that matter.
3. Expectation Two: Praying
Prayer Is About Relationship
Matthew 6:5–8 challenges the performance-driven prayers of the hypocrites. Jesus says to go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who sees in secret.
This is about authentic relationship, not religious theater. The goal isn’t to impress people with eloquent phrases, but to commune with the God who already knows your needs.
The Model Prayer: Our Father
When Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), he begins with “Our Father in heaven.” This is radical. We can call the Creator of the universe our Father. That language of intimacy flows out of the Exodus story, where God calls Israel his firstborn son (Exodus 4).
Each line of the prayer points to kingdom living:
"Hallowed be your name" – May God be seen as holy and honored.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done" – A prayer of surrender. It’s not about our kingdoms or our will.
"Give us this day our daily bread" – A present-tense reliance, echoing the daily manna from Exodus 16.
"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" – Forgiven people forgive people. This is hard but central to life in God’s kingdom.
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" – A plea for God’s guidance and protection in a world full of pitfalls.
Jesus circles back to forgiveness in Matthew 6:14–15, making clear that forgiveness is expected of the forgiven.
4. Expectation Three: Fasting
Fasting Is Withholding for Beholding
Matthew 6:16–18 reveals how people fasted publicly to appear spiritual. Jesus counters that. He says, when you fast, look normal. Clean yourself up. Let it be between you and God.
Fasting is an intentional act of withholding—usually food—for the purpose of beholding God. It’s not a diet or a way to lose weight. It’s a discipline to quiet your flesh and tune into the Spirit.
Practicing Fasting
You don’t have to fast for days on end. You might start with 12 or 24 hours. But prepare your heart, don’t just accidentally skip a meal. Use the time to pray, reflect, journal, or sit silently in God’s presence.
Fasting reveals how easily we seek comfort and distraction. It exposes the habits that control us. And it opens space to encounter God in deeper ways.
5. Three “Whens,” Not “Ifs”
Jesus doesn’t say "if you give," "if you pray," or "if you fast." He says, "when." These are baseline expectations for those who follow him. But they’re not meant to be burdens—they’re invitations into deeper relationship.
So where are you with these three expectations?
Are you giving with joy and trust?
Are you praying in secret, with a heart that desires God more than attention?
Are you fasting, even occasionally, to break your comforts and connect with your Father?
Jesus wants your heart. From that place, everything else flows.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Ben Marshall
Series Title: Kingdom Living
Sermon Title: Kingdom Expectations
Date: Sep 1, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 6:1–18
2 Corinthians 9:7
Exodus 16:17–18
Proverbs 30:8–9
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