OBSESSING ABOUT WHAT
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
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. —Matthew 1:18
And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. —Matthew 1:19
DOING WHAT
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. —Matthew 1:20
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” —Matthew 1:21
OBSESSING ABOUT WHAT
OBSESSING ABOUT WHAT
IF YOU’RE NOT READY TO BE
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10
THOSE WHO MAKE THE
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. —Matthew 1:24
Study Guide for Further Reflection
DISCUSS
Why is it important to prioritize what God thinks about you over what others think?
Context
The message highlights that obsessing about what people think is the quickest way to forget what God thinks.
Application
Can you think of a recent situation where you let the opinions of others influence your actions? How might you handle it differently next time?
DISCUSS
How did Joseph’s decision to take Mary as his wife demonstrate his faith and obedience to God?
Context
Joseph faced a tough decision where doing what was right was not easy, and he chose to obey the angel’s message despite possible criticism.
Application
In your life, what is one area where you are struggling to obey God because of fear of what others might say or think?
DISCUSS
Pastor Dean mentions that if you’re not ready to be criticized for your obedience to God, you’re not ready to be used by God. What does that mean for your faith journey?
Context
This principle shows that following God can lead to criticism from others, but it’s part of being a faithful servant.
Application
Think of a time when you faced criticism for your beliefs or choices. How did that affect you, and how did you respond?