Small Group December 7, 2023

Small Group Discussion Guide: "Exploring Trust and Obedience Through Joseph's Story"

Introduction:

Discuss brief summary of the sermon on Joseph's journey of trust and obedience. Encourage the group to reflect on the themes of faith, trust, and daily obedience as seen in Joseph's life.

Scripture Passages for Reference:

Luke 2:1-5

Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 2:13-14, 19-23

Romans 12:1

Discussion Questions:

Understanding the Scripture:

What challenges did Joseph face when he learned about Mary's pregnancy? (Matthew 1:18-19)

Matthew 1:18–19 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.

How did Joseph respond to God’s guidance in his dreams? (Matthew 1:20-25, 2:13-14, 2:19-23)

Matthew 1:20–25 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. 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.

Matthew 2:13–14 ESV

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt

Matthew 2:19–23 ESV

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

In what ways do these passages show God’s providence and guidance?

Reflection on Faith and Trust:

How did Joseph demonstrate faith and trust in God despite uncertain and difficult circumstances?

Can you recall a time in your life when you had to trust God during a challenging situation?

How did you feel and what was the outcome?

Application to Our Lives:

What are some of the tough decisions or situations we face today where we need to trust God?

How can we develop a habit of trusting God in both big and small matters of our daily lives?

Obedience in Daily Life:

What does daily obedience to God look like in our modern context?

How can we apply the principle of obedience in our family, work, and community?

Living Out Our Faith:

Romans 12:1 talks about offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. What does this mean to you personally?In what practical ways can we offer our everyday life to God?

Romans 12:1 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Group Commitment and Prayer:

As a group, how can we support each other in living a life of obedience and trust in God?

Conclude with a time of prayer, asking for guidance and strength to follow God’s path like Joseph.

Closing Thoughts:

Encourage members to think of one specific action they can take this week to demonstrate trust and obedience in their daily lives.

Suggest keeping a journal or sharing experiences in the next meeting to see how these actions have impacted their walk with God.