Prepaing Our Hearts For His Arrival, Part 4

Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: A love for Jesus leads to worship, and worship leads to obedience, and obedience leads to joy!

I. Joseph’s Character (vv. 18-21)

Matthew 1:18-21
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.”

A. In many ways Joseph was an average guy for his time and setting. He was a young man looking forward to a life with Mary and their family. But those plans radically changed when God revealed He had something else in mind. How Joseph deals with this situation says a lot about his character and spiritual maturity. We may not choose what life throws at us, but we can choose how we respond.

B. We see in Joseph’s character:

1. A deep integrity (v. 19) – When faced with a dilemma, Joseph seeks to do what is right by God and by Mary

2. A sincere love (vv. 19-20) – Joseph’s love is seen in his desire to honor God and in his compassion on Mary

II. Joseph’s Joy (vv. 20-25)
Matthew 1:20-25
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.

A. When Joseph decides on a course of action, we see God intervene and, in the process, change Joseph’s life. His anguish turns to joy when God reveals to him the larger role he and Mary are called to play in God’s plans. The path will be difficult, but God provides!

B. We see Joseph’s joy in:

1. God’s revelation (vv. 20-21; cf. Ps. 119:105)
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.

2. God’s promises (vv. 21-23)

3. Joseph’s obedience (vv. 24-25; cf. Jn. 15:9-11)
John 15:9-11
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

C. In the Bible we see that obedience is often a way to joy in the Christian life, even in difficult times. It wasn’t easy for Joseph and Mary, but in trusting God, obeying Him, and relying on His provision, they found great joy!