It's A Wonderful Life

Each year about this time a movie called, “It’s A Wonderful Life” is presented about a man, named George Bailey, who becomes discouraged and despondent with life so much so he decides that his life is not even worth living any longer…He is given an opportunity to peer into what life would be like if he were not born. George Bailey realizes in spite of his dilemma and predicaments that life really is wonderful.

I would like to suggest today that for those of us who have made Christ our Savior, Life is wonderful. We may not have everything we want and may not be where we think we ought to be but with our Savior life is wonderful.

For those who have not made Christ their Savior, allow me to suggest that for you too life can be wonderful when you make Christ your King. It doesn't matter about your past or your current failures, when you make God your choice you become privy to His wonders and Grace.

I would like to suggest today that for those of us who have made Christ our Savior, Life is wonderful. We may not have everything we want and may not be where we think we ought to be but with our Savior life is wonderful.

Proposition: Truth is we don't always see how wonderful our life really is. But when we begin to see God’s work in our lives we can begin to appreciate and value every step we make .

For those who have not made Christ their Savior, allow me to suggest that for you too life can be wonderful when you make Christ your King. It doesn't matter about your past or your current failures, when you make God your choice you become privy to His wonders and Grace.

I want to encourage each of us today to change our perspective upon the life God has granted us. Let’s look at the life of Joseph. Joseph is often ignored. He seems almost to be forgotten. But his life as it pertains to the work of God. I believe if he were here right now he would tell us all that life is wonderful…

I. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE CHOSEN BY GOD (Matthew 1:19)

Proposition: Truth is we don't always see how wonderful our life really is. But when we begin to see God’s work in our lives we can begin to appreciate and value every step we make .

I want to encourage each of us today to change our perspective upon the life God has granted us. Let’s look at the life of Joseph. Joseph is often ignored. He seems almost to be forgotten. But his life as it pertains to the work of God. I believe if he were here right now he would tell us all that life is wonderful…

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.

I. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE CHOSEN BY GOD (Matthew 1:19)

a. Joseph was chosen out of all the men in the world. Perhaps it had a great deal to do with what God saw in Joseph.

a. His Character - “Just man” he was righteous meaning he did what was pleasing to God not for the

b. His Consideration - “Not willing to make her a public example”

he didn’t want to embarrass her but was compassionate and righteous enough to use discretion. “was minded to put her away privily"

I’m certain there were those who didn’t understand what Joseph was doing. Perhaps they thought he was crazy, silly, or even foolish. The scripture says, “He was just”

he didn’t want to embarrass her but was compassionate and righteous enough to use discretion. “was minded to put her away privily"

Illus: Kuwait

I’m certain there were those who didn’t understand what Joseph was doing. Perhaps they thought he was crazy, silly, or even foolish. The scripture says, “He was just”

Application: View the opportunities God gives us as His choice for us. When God chooses us to a task don’t be distracted by your nay sayers and doubters. Everything God chooses us for may not be accepted by others. Thank God for choosing you regardless of what it is.

Illus: Kuwait

II. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE USED BY GOD (Matthew 1:20)

Application: View the opportunities God gives us as His choice for us. When God chooses us to a task don’t be distracted by your nay sayers and doubters. Everything God chooses us for may not be accepted by others. Thank God for choosing you regardless of what it is.

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.

II. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE USED BY GOD (Matthew 1:20)

a. Joseph was used to rear Jesus

- This is an awesome responsibility which should not be taken lightly.

-He may have been mocked and even scorn for his decision, but he was determined to live joyously and committed to the assignment God had given Him

b. Joseph was used by God to Bring Him Glory

a. Others are drawn

b. We are

c. Joseph was used to Fulfill Gods purpose

b. We are

a. According to His plan

c. Joseph was used to Fulfill Gods purpose

b. Utilizing His power

a. According to His plan

d. When we are used by God there are a few things we can expect

b. Utilizing His power

a. Discomfort

d. When we are used by God there are a few things we can expect

b. Oppositon

a. Discomfort

c. Problems

b. Oppositon

d. Pain

c. Problems

i. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5:3–4

d. Pain

Romans 5:3–4 ESV

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

i. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5:3–4

e. Protection

f. His Purpose Met

g. Promises to be kept

f. His Purpose Met

i. The fulfillment of God’s promise is always greater than our individual purpose. But it’s a wonderful to be used in His plan.

g. Promises to be kept

III. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED BY GOD (Matthew 1:21).

i. The fulfillment of God’s promise is always greater than our individual purpose. But it’s a wonderful to be used in His plan.

Matthew 1:21 ESV

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

III. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED BY GOD (Matthew 1:21).

a. God sent His son to save us!

It's A Wonderful Life

It's A Wonderful LifeIt's A Wonderful Life