Do More Than Expected

Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:8-22

Focus Verse: Philemon 1:21 “Confident of our obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”

We should try to do more than is expected of us, because that is what Christ has done for us.  God doesn’t do anything halfway.  When God does something for us He exceeds our expectations.  Ephesians 3:20-21 ^"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  So when God asks us to do something let’s try and do it with passion and exceed expectations.  You can also exceed expectations at work.  When others see you working hard, they may ask you why, and this gives you opportunity to witness for Christ.  You may get a promotion at work when you exceed expectations.  Employers will often reward hard work with a promotion and increase pay.  The apostle Paul noticed when expectations where exceeded. 

He writes in 2 Corinthians 8:3 “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own.”

Marriage is another place where you can serve beyond what is expected of you.  Have you ever tried to serve your spouse more than they serve you?  Nobody has ever complained that their spouse loves and respects them too much.  Exceeding expectation in your home will give you a happy home.  Your home is not about you it’s about others in your home.  When you serve others, most times you will then see others begin to serve you.  We don’t keep score to see who serves the most, but we can serve so others will see in us the example God has set before us. 

God has asked us to give a 10% tithe.  What would happen if you exceeded expectations and gave 12% or 15%?  Do you think you would go bankrupt?  I don’t think so, God would probably exceed expectation in your life.  So let’s exceed expectations in someones life and see what happens.

2 Corinthians 8:5  “They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”



Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries