1. Breaking Through To Freedom””””” Part 1 “Unmet Expectations” Matthew 11:1-15

3. When there is some kind of expectation in a person’s mind and heart, a crisis of belief comes when those expectations are not met.

4. Unmet expectations challenge what we believe. When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (vv.2-3)

5. Unmet expectations challenge what we believe. John was arrested and put in prison because he boldly told Herod Antipas that his living arrangement was a sin.John was arrested and put in prison because he boldly told Herod Antipas that his living arrangement was a sin.

6. Unmet expectations challenge what we believe.

11. Disappointment and despair can cause doubt.Disappointment and despair can cause doubt. he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).“behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

12. Unmet expectations challenge what we believe. “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30).“He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). “This is my son whom I love and with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).“This is my son whom I love and with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

13. Unmet expectations challenge what we believe. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear the threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Matt 3:12).“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear the threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Matt 3:12).

14. Refusing to deal with our doubts can lead to a melt down of our faith. Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. (Matthew 11:4-5)

15. Refusing to deal with our doubts can lead to a melt down of our faith. Disappointing circumstances can create unbelief.Disappointing circumstances can create unbelief.

16. Refusing to deal with our doubts can lead to a melt down of our faith. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” Anyone who can still believe in Jesus even though He does not meet all their expectations is blessed.

17. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Question # 1: The core of a great manQuestion # 1: The core of a great man "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?"What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Repent – all of you for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)Repent – all of you for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)

18. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Question # 1: The core of a great manQuestion # 1: The core of a great man Repent – and by the way in the presence of your repenting – take no more than the amount is appointed to you (Luke 3:12)

19. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Question # 1: The core of a great manQuestion # 1: The core of a great man Do violence to no man. Don’t accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your wages (John 3:14)

20. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Question # 1: The core of a great manQuestion # 1: The core of a great man “Who has warned you people to flee from the wrath to come? Repent and bring fruit worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:7-8)

21. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Question # 2: The priorities of a great manQuestion # 2: The priorities of a great man If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces (v.8)

22. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Questions #3: The mission of a great manQuestions #3: The mission of a great man Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

23. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Questions #3: The mission of a great manQuestions #3: The mission of a great man “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

24. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Questions #3: The mission of a great manQuestions #3: The mission of a great man I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

25. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants Questions #3: The mission of a great manQuestions #3: The mission of a great man “You know it is not lawful for you to have her. And you know living with her is adultery and you are breaking God’s commandment and God will judge you for it.” (Matthew 14:4)

26. Spiritual giants can have moments of doubt and still be spiritual giants

27. Questions #3: The mission of a great manQuestions #3: The mission of a great man “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”“Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

28. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box!

29. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

30. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear. – Matthew 11:12-15

31. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! Remind your heart that God is not obligated to do things according to my plans:Remind your heart that God is not obligated to do things according to my plans: For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps (Ps 135:5- 6)

32. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! Remember that the Christian life is a life of faith.Remember that the Christian life is a life of faith.

33. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?...

34. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me (Psalms 13:1-2, 5-6).

35. Bottom Line: Jesus does not live in your box! Embrace the insight of the Psalmist.Embrace the insight of the Psalmist. Chooses to trust in the steadfast love of God (v 5)Chooses to trust in the steadfast love of God (v 5) Chooses to take joy in what is supremely valuable: redemption (v 5)Chooses to take joy in what is supremely valuable: redemption (v 5) Chooses to praise the Lord for his goodness (v 6)Chooses to praise the Lord for his goodness (v 6)