The Promise of Fulfillment

THE PROMISE KEEPER Part 4: Cup of Praise – The Promise of Fulfillment “From Success to Service” - Introducing “Mark” Mark was a rising star in the corporate world. He had the job, the bonus, the prestige, the weekend get-aways. Everyone praised him. Yet despite it all, he felt a deep emptiness inside—a gnawing void. One day, on a business trip, Mark visited a modest urban neighborhood on a whim. He met a local ministry worker who invited him to join a service-project that afternoon: helping refurbish an old community centre for at-risk youth. Mark showed up out of curiosity, not commitment. There, amid the paint-stained brushes and laughter of kids reclaiming space, something shifted. He realised: “I’m good at success — but it’s not fulfilling me.” The smiles of the kids, the gratitude of the neighbourhood, the real-time impact—this stirred something in him. Over the next few months, Mark started going back—weekends, evenings—helping the neighbourhood centre, mentoring a teenager, listening to stories of struggle, cheering on simple victories. He discovered that his talents, his resources, his time—when invested not just for himself but for others—began to fill the void he had tried to ignore. Mark came to see that the promise he had been seeking wasn’t: “You will have more, you will succeed more.” The promise he found was: “You will live more; you will serve more; and in that serving you will find fulfilment.” His life transformed: the career remained, but the definition of success changed. He measured success now in lives touched, hope renewed, a community uplifted. When he gave generously of himself, he found the greatest return. When he served others, he discovered what he was created for. He realised the cup of fulfilment was meant to be poured out, not just held for oneself. REVIEW: THE FOUR CUPS OF GOD’S PROMISES Our Christian Communion Celebration is modeled after the Jewish Passover, but where we use one cup, the Jewish people use four cups—each tied to Exodus 6:6–7. These cups represent four eternal promises God made more than 3,000 years ago, promises that still form the heart of His work today: Exodus 6:6–7 (NIV) Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” A PROMISE is AN OFFER WITH A GUARANTEED RESULT. 1. “I will bring you out…” - Cup of SANCTIFICATION – The PROMISE OF SALVATION 2. “I will free you…” - Cup of DELIVERANCE – The PROMISE OF FREEDOM 3. “I will redeem you…” - Cup of REDEMPTION – The PROMISE OF RESTORATION 4. “I will take you as my own people.” - Cup of PRAISE – The PROMISE OF FULFILLMENT The Hebrew word “Hallel” means “to celebrate.” Combined with “Jah” (God), it gives us Hallelujah = Celebrate God! The Fourth Cup (Hallel) is about a celebrating life—“Hallelujah”—a life that magnifies God by making a difference with others as His people. This Fourth Cup is about LIVING A LARGE, FULL LIFE—not problem-free, but MEANINGFUL, FRUITFUL, and OVERFLOWING WITH JOY. God’s desire is for you to live in such a way that your life itself becomes an act of praise—overflowing into others, making a difference in the world. Jesus confirmed this in: John 10:10 (TLB) — The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. MANY DON’T LIVE IN FULFILLMENT BECAUSE… They let their past cripple them. They let culture define them. They try to do it all alone. THREE PRACTICAL WAYS TO WALK IN THE PROMISE OF FULFILLMENT 1. INVEST IN ETERNAL IMPACT Matthew 6:19–20 (NIV) — Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Fulfillment isn’t found in what we accumulate, fulfillment is found in WHAT WE CONTRIBUTE. Ask: “How is my time, talent, and treasure advancing God’s Kingdom?” Living for eternity gives your life lasting significance. 2. CELEBRATE PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV) — Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal… Don’t let the weight of unfinished goals or past mistakes rob you of joy. Learn to praise God for progress… every step forward is evidence of His promise. Fulfillment grows when GRATITUDE BECOMES YOUR POSTURE. 3. MULTIPLY YOUR LIFE IN OTHERS 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV) — And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Fulfillment isn’t just about what God does in you,