Unexpected Pregnancy - Message Study Questions
Part of Awkward Family Christmas
December 11, 2022

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Unexpected Pregnancy - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Joseph and Mary were in a shameful, embarrassing, lonely and messy situation. But God had an amazing message for them. We too, at least sometimes, find ourselves in embarrassing, lonely and messy situations. Joseph tried to minimize the mess with compassion, respect and tolerance. But like Joseph, we need to be open to a word from God, to look for a word from God, and pray for a word from God. And when God’s word comes, accept it by faith, no matter how outrageous it seems. Then, step out in faithful obedience.

Mary said, “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:47). Mary needed a Savior. We are all guilty, but God has a solution for us too. Through faith, confession and repentance, we can have forgiveness. And only real forgiveness can deliver us from shame. Lean into the truth of forgiveness. Renounce shame because, “… anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Take action, take a new direction and hold onto it. Expect naysayers from without. Don’t listen. Expect doubts and lies from within. Renounce them. Place your faith and trust in Jesus alone. He will never leave you or forsake you.

  1. Can you share an awkward family Christmas moment? Is there anything you could have done to make it better?

  2. Which is harder for you, to admit wrong, or to let go of shame? Why do you think that is?

Consider This

Guilt is real. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And, “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12). There is only one healthy way to handle real guilt, admit it and repent from it. False guilt is another thing. Unjust societal condemnation is another thing still.

  1. What was God’s provision for the sin of the world, Matthew 1:21? (see also John 1:29)

  2. How did (does) Jesus save people from their sins? (1 Peter 3:18, John 3:16)

  3. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts” (1 John 1:9-10). How can you receive forgiveness from your sins?

  4. What is repentance and what part does it play in forgiveness? (See 2 Peter 3:9)

  5. How can you deal with guilt in a healthy way and so avoid condemnation and lingering shame?

  6. List the four women in Jesus’ genealogy of Matthew 1:3, 5-6. What do you know about these women? What does that tell you about God’s forgiveness, love and restoration?

  7. What is false guilt and how should you deal with it?

  8. How could you play down your family’s past mistakes and maximize your family’s future?

  9. How should you deal with unjust societal condemnation?

  10. Do you have trouble accepting forgiveness? Why is that? How should you deal with it?

Moving Forward – Application

  1. What can you do this week to encourage your family and friends to look at your life as an example of love and grace, both given and accepted?

  2. How can you show forgiveness (and love) to someone in your sphere of influence this week?

  3. Identify a lie about yourself that you are prone to replay over and over in your mind. Write it down and then write down the truth from God’s word about forgiveness and who you are in Christ (John 1:12).

  4. Read Psalm 51. If you are feeling ashamed about anything, apply the truth of this passage each day of this week. Realign your thinking with God and renew your mind on the truth of His word.