Witness: Joseph (2)

Matthew 1:18-25

ILL-- Multi-generational family Christmas-- My family traditions- Christmas Eve (great grandmother, grandparents, great aunt, aunts and uncles, cousins)

My Christian family tree. -Every generation had to choose for itself.

Mary had chosen to be a servant of the Lord.

It was now Joseph's turn.

Comes after the Genealogy of Jesus. Joseph's turn to make the decision.

The giants of the faith in his genealogy: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David

Questionable Giants: Rahab the harlot; Ruth the Moabite

They all had decisions on whether to be obedient.

It was now Joseph’s turn.

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.

3 Parts to Joseph’s Story

I- The Crisis (19)

A. Joseph's Crisis- more than just a life changing moment. He had to choose whether to believe.

B. Our Sin Crisis

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

II- The Call (20-21)

A. Joseph's Call

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.”

1. Marry a woman who is expecting.

2. Don't get the privilege of naming first born son.

B. Our Call

1. Call to repentance. Repentance is surrender.

2. Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

3. Luke 13:3

Luke 13:3 ESV

3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

4. 2 Peter 3:9

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

ILL- Asking kids to do something and counting.

III- The Obedience (24-25)

Matthew 1:24 ESV

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,

A. He is obedient to every detail.

B. You must submit.

C. God doesn’t force himself on you. He calls. You must obey.

D. You must accept the gift of salvation he is offering.

1. Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

CONCLUSION

Now it is your turn. Will you accept the gift God is offering you?