Decisions of Faith: Honoring God Like Joseph
Summary
Reflecting on the second Sunday of Advent, we delve into the story of Joseph from Matthew 1:20, focusing on the theme of decision-making. Joseph, a silent figure in the Advent narrative, teaches us profound lessons about making decisions that honor God. In a world filled with noise and distractions, Joseph's quiet contemplation and obedience to God's guidance stand out as a model for us all. He faced a scandalous situation with Mary, his betrothed, who was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Despite the turmoil, Joseph chose to honor God in his decision-making process, opting to divorce Mary quietly to avoid public disgrace. However, God intervened through an angel, revealing His divine plan and urging Joseph to take Mary as his wife.
This narrative underscores the importance of aligning our decisions with God's will. Joseph's story reminds us that our best decisions, based on facts and feelings, may not always align with God's plans. We must be open to hearing from God, allowing His voice to guide us even when it disrupts our own plans. Joseph's obedience to God's word, despite the personal cost and disruption, highlights the necessity of hearkening to God's voice. This obedience leads to the fulfillment of God's greater plan, bringing salvation to humanity through Jesus, whose name means "Jehovah saves."
In our own lives, we face decisions that require us to honor God, hear from Him, and obey His guidance. Joseph's example encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it leads to unexpected paths. As we navigate our own decision-making processes, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us through every valley and mountaintop experience. His presence, symbolized by the name Emmanuel, assures us that we are never alone. As we trust and obey, we find peace and joy, knowing that God works all things together for our good.
Key Takeaways:
1. Honor God in Decision-Making: Joseph's decision to divorce Mary quietly reflects his desire to honor God, even in difficult circumstances. Our decisions should similarly aim to glorify God, balancing our personal desires with His divine will. [12:00]
2. Hear from God: Joseph's story teaches us the importance of listening for God's voice in our decision-making processes. Sometimes, our best decisions may not align with God's plans, and we must remain open to His guidance. [17:56]
3. Obey God's Guidance: Joseph's obedience to the angel's message demonstrates the necessity of hearkening to God's word. True obedience involves not just hearing but acting on God's instructions, leading to the fulfillment of His purposes. [24:47]
4. Trust in God's Plan: Despite the disruption to his own plans, Joseph trusted in God's greater purpose. We are reminded that God's plans are to prosper us and give us hope, even when they differ from our own. [23:37]
5. Embrace God's Presence: The name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," assures us of God's constant presence. In every decision and circumstance, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us, guiding and supporting us. [26:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Reality TV and Decision-Making
[12:00] - Honoring God in Decisions
[17:56] - Hearing from God
[19:22] - The Role of Angels
[23:37] - Trusting God's Plan
[24:47] - Obeying God's Word
[26:04] - Embracing Disruption
[35:16] - Aligning with God's Will
[36:09] - Invitation to Relationship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:20
- Isaiah 7:14
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Joseph's initial plan upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, and how did he intend to carry it out? [12:00]
2. How did the angel of the Lord communicate with Joseph, and what message was delivered to him? [19:22]
3. What are the three roles of angels mentioned in the sermon, and which role did the angel play in Joseph's story? [19:22]
4. How does the name "Emmanuel" relate to the theme of God's presence in our lives? [26:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Joseph's decision-making process teach about balancing personal desires with God's will? [12:00]
2. How might Joseph's story illustrate the importance of being open to divine guidance, even when it disrupts personal plans? [17:56]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that obedience to God's guidance can lead to the fulfillment of His purposes? [24:47]
4. How does the concept of "Emmanuel" provide comfort and assurance in the context of decision-making and life's challenges? [26:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you ensure that it honored God, and what might you do differently next time? [12:00]
2. Can you recall a time when you felt your best decision did not align with God's plan? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [17:56]
3. How do you currently seek to hear from God in your decision-making process? Are there any changes you could make to better discern His voice? [19:22]
4. Consider a situation where you need to trust in God's plan despite disruptions. How can Joseph's story inspire you to remain faithful? [23:37]
5. How can the assurance of God's presence, as symbolized by "Emmanuel," influence your approach to challenges and decisions this week? [26:04]
6. Identify a decision you are currently facing. What steps can you take to ensure you are hearkening to God's guidance in this situation? [24:47]
7. Think of a time when you experienced disruption in your life. How did you find peace and joy in trusting God's plan, and how can you apply that experience to future challenges? [26:04]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Honoring God in Our Choices
Joseph's decision to divorce Mary quietly, despite the scandalous situation, reflects his deep desire to honor God above all else. In a world filled with noise and distractions, Joseph's quiet contemplation and obedience to God's guidance stand out as a model for us all. His actions teach us that our decisions should aim to glorify God, balancing our personal desires with His divine will. Even when faced with difficult circumstances, we are called to make choices that reflect our commitment to God's honor and glory. [12:00]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How did you consider God's honor in that choice, and what might you do differently next time to ensure your decisions align with His will?
Day 2: Listening for God's Voice
Joseph's story emphasizes the importance of listening for God's voice in our decision-making processes. Despite having a plan based on facts and feelings, Joseph remained open to God's guidance, which came through an angelic message. This narrative reminds us that our best decisions may not always align with God's plans, and we must be willing to hear and follow His voice, even when it disrupts our own plans. [17:56]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: In what ways can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice, especially when making important decisions?
Day 3: Obeying God's Guidance
Joseph's obedience to the angel's message demonstrates the necessity of hearkening to God's word. True obedience involves not just hearing but acting on God's instructions, even when it comes at a personal cost or disrupts our plans. Joseph's willingness to follow God's guidance led to the fulfillment of His purposes, bringing salvation to humanity through Jesus. This obedience is a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. [24:47]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act. What steps can you take today to obey His guidance?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan
Despite the disruption to his own plans, Joseph trusted in God's greater purpose. His story reminds us that God's plans are to prosper us and give us hope, even when they differ from our own. Trusting in God's plan requires faith and surrender, knowing that He works all things together for our good. Joseph's trust in God's plan led to the fulfillment of a divine purpose far greater than he could have imagined. [23:37]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Presence
The name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," assures us of God's constant presence. In every decision and circumstance, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us, guiding and supporting us. Joseph's story encourages us to embrace God's presence, trusting that He is with us through every valley and mountaintop experience. As we trust and obey, we find peace and joy, knowing that God is working all things together for our good. [26:04]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life, especially during challenging times? What practices can help you stay aware of His guidance and support?
Quotes
I have selected 12 quotes from the transcript that align with the key takeaways provided:
1. "Joseph's story teaches us the importance of listening for God's voice in our decision-making processes. Sometimes, our best decisions may not align with God's plans, and we must remain open to His guidance." [00:18:06]
7. "Sometimes your best decision might not be the Lord's decision. Oh, come on. He made a decision based upon the fact. And his feelings." [00:18:27] (13 seconds)
12. "We all have decisions that come into our lives. And I submit today that we have to make decisions that honor God. And there will be some times that while we're considering making a decision based on facts, while we're in our feelings, it may not be in alignment with the Father." [00:35:11] (25 seconds)
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