The Priority of God’s Will

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.

Matthew 1.18-25

Introduction: We are each faced with a challenge daily. That challenge is to live according to God’s Will. But what do we mean when we speak of the Will of God? When we speak of God’s Will, we mean that which God desires from us. God’s Will for every believer must be a reality and not only an Idea. That reality is to make God’s Will first and not secondary. In other words we must do what God wants and not what we want as we live to please Him.

Today we look at the story of a man named Joseph who demonstrates to us what it means to make the Will of God Priority. Joseph has made plans to wed a young lady named Mary. In the course of Joseph’s plans; however, he faces some unexpected circumstances and must now make a choice to either do things his own way or to do things God’s way.

Truth be told we all have been there and perhaps some of us are at a pivotal point in life where just as Joseph was, where a decision has to be made or things are not shaping as we desire, maybe you like Joseph have to distinguish what is God’s will for your life.

Transition: This passage offers you and I both examples of what it takes to make God’s Will priority over our own and all else. We first learn

We Must Humbly Seek to Do What Is Right ()

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’m encouraged and Impressed with Joseph. It really takes humility to do what Joseph does in this text.

The text says, he was “just” meaning his heart was set towards righteousness. one other definition of this word is, to act in accordance with the requirements of law and custom toward one’s fellow human being and in accordance with the demands of God. So, Joseph sought to do what is right, yet he sought to do it with humility.

acting in accordance with the requirements of law and custom toward one’s fellow human being and in accordance with the demands of God

Joseph’s humility is displayed by how he reacted

Horst Robert Balz and Gerhard Schneider, Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990–), 324.

he did not make the situation only about him and his feelings

he realized he was not the only person involved

he was unwilling to hurt Mary

his intentions were to be disceet

When God’s Will is at stake we can never make it about us and what we desire, alone.

When we make God’s will priority we view the big picture and not only what is best for us.

Perhaps you are in a unique situation and you are frustrated with it. Maybe you need to take a step back and see what the Lord is saying and not only what you desire.

It takes humility to do this; that is, resisting the moment to make it all about you but making it about what God wants.

What does God will for you? Where are you with God and His will for you? Are you humble enough to take what you want and what you desire to do out of the picture? DON’T MAKE GETTING YOUR WAY PRIORITY, MAKE GOD’S WILL PRIORITY!

Transition: Joseph wanted to do what was right and He was willing to hear from God. Secondly, He demonstrates,

We Must Be Courageous with God’s Will ()

Matthew 1:20–21 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.”

As you have perhaps noticed in the text, what God tells Joseph to do is opposite of Joseph’s plan. Interestingly, though, the Angel of the Lord says to Joseph, “do not fear to take Mary as your wife”.

He is calling Joseph to be courageous. . .

When facing this tough decision

“but as he considered these things”

When facing tough ridicule

people would mock

people would laugh

people would doubt

When facing tough circumstances

He would have to flee

Application: Doing God’s will takes courage. most people will not understand. Some will doubt you but be courageous enough to trust God.

Transition: Lastly, Joseph teaches us that,

We Must Be Obedient to God’s Commands ()

Matthew 1:24–25 ESV

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.

When Joseph woke up he did “as the Angel of the Lord commanded”

Move according to God’s direction

Move honoring God’s direction