“When we see the hand of God in the “surprises” of life, then we know we’re in good hands!”
Sermon Title: JOSEPH’S SURPRISE
Scripture Text: MATTHEW 1:18-25
Sermon Notes:
MATTHEW 1:18-25 ESV
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
“…she was found to be pregnant…”
(Matthew 1:18b TNIV)
“When we see the hand of God in the “surprises” of life, then we know we’re in good hands!”
SURPRISE #1
A PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND
“Joseph, your girlfriend is pregnant, and it isn’t yours!”
MATTHEW 1:18 ESV
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
MATTHEW 1:19 ESV
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
just | Greek: dikaios
“righteous, observing divine and human laws; one who is such as he ought to be;”
MATTHEW 1:19 ESV
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
“Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are both the same thing.”
REFLECT:
How do you respond when you’re wronged? Do you do the right thing?
SURPRISE #2
YOU’RE GOING TO BE A DAD!
“Joseph that child is not your son but marry her anyway, it’s all part of the plan
Matthew 1:20 ESV
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
God never calls us into a work that he himself will not equip or provide for.
REFLECT:
What fears are keeping you from completely trusting in the Lord?
Sometimes when God calls us, it would mean a change of plan.
SURPRISE #3:
GOD IS MOVING IN!
“Joseph, it’s not just a pregnant girlfriend or you becoming a Dad. God himself is moving in with you!”
Matthew 1:21-25 ESV
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
“Be obedient even when you do not know where obedience may lead you.” — (Sinclair Ferguson)
REFLECT:
What area in your life is God calling you to obey him today?