Embracing the Extraordinary in Ordinary Lives
Summary
In today's message, we explored the life of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, who exemplifies the power and significance of an ordinary life when surrendered to God. Joseph, a humble carpenter, was chosen by God to be the guardian of Jesus and Mary, despite his seemingly unremarkable status. His story reminds us that God often uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Joseph's life was marked by obedience, humility, and a deep sense of justice. He was a man who stood by Mary, despite the potential for public scandal, because he trusted in God's word delivered through an angel. His willingness to step into the background so that Jesus could take center stage is a powerful testament to his character and faith.
We also reflected on other ordinary individuals who have made significant impacts through their faithfulness. These stories, like that of John Patton's pastor, Frank Jenner, Arthur Stace, and Robert Jermaine Thomas, illustrate that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or perceived significance, to fulfill His purposes. Each of these individuals, in their own way, demonstrated that a life dedicated to God can have a profound ripple effect, touching countless lives and even transforming entire communities.
The message encourages us to embrace our own ordinariness and trust that God can use us in ways we might never imagine. We are reminded that our impact is not measured by the number of people we reach but by our faithfulness to God's calling. Whether we influence one person or thousands, our obedience and love for God and His people are what truly matter. We are called to be the best we can be for God, knowing that He has chosen us for His plans and purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of the Ordinary: Joseph's life teaches us that God often chooses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary purposes. His humility and obedience allowed him to play a crucial role in the life of Jesus, reminding us that our ordinariness does not limit God's ability to use us. [01:15:43]
2. Faithfulness in the Shadows: Joseph's willingness to step back and let Jesus take the spotlight highlights the importance of humility and faithfulness. Our greatest impact may come from supporting others and allowing God's plan to unfold through them. [01:25:36]
3. The Ripple Effect of Obedience: The stories of individuals like John Patton's pastor and Frank Jenner show that even seemingly small acts of obedience can have far-reaching effects. Our faithfulness to God's calling can touch lives in ways we may never see. [01:31:53]
4. God's Measure of Success: Success in God's eyes is not about numbers but about faithfulness and love. Whether we reach one person or many, our dedication to God's work is what truly matters. [01:45:17]
5. Embracing Our Role in God's Plan: We are all important in God's plans and purposes. By loving God and His people, we can be used by Him to make a difference, no matter how small our role may seem. [01:45:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13:24] - Jesus: The Gift in Brown Paper
[01:15:43] - Joseph: A Man in the Background
[01:16:58] - Joseph's Family and Role
[01:17:55] - Joseph's Dream and Obedience
[01:19:21] - Joseph's Dilemma and Decision
[01:20:46] - Joseph's Character and Loyalty
[01:21:44] - Journey to Bethlehem
[01:22:41] - The Birth of Jesus
[01:23:56] - Jesus in Nazareth
[01:24:39] - Joseph's Disappearance from the Gospels
[01:25:36] - Joseph's Role in God's Plan
[01:27:21] - The New Ark of the Covenant
[01:29:22] - The Impact of Ordinary Lives
[01:31:53] - John Patton's Pastor
[01:32:28] - Frank Jenner's Ministry
[01:35:49] - Arthur Stace: Mr. Eternity
[01:40:57] - Robert Jermaine Thomas: A Legacy in Korea
[01:45:17] - Embracing Our Role in God's Plan
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Matthew 13:54-56
Observation Questions:
1. What characteristics of Joseph are highlighted in Matthew 1:18-25, and how do they reflect his obedience and humility? [01:17:55]
2. How does the community in Nazareth perceive Jesus in Matthew 13:54-56, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His family background? [01:23:56]
3. According to the sermon, what role did Joseph play in the life of Jesus, and how did he demonstrate faithfulness in the shadows? [01:25:36]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Joseph's decision to stand by Mary despite potential public scandal demonstrate his faith and trust in God's plan? [01:20:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that ordinary individuals can have a significant impact through their faithfulness and obedience? [01:31:53]
3. How does the concept of "God's measure of success" challenge common perceptions of success in today's society? [01:45:17]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt ordinary or insignificant. How can Joseph's story encourage you to trust that God can use you for His purposes? [01:15:43]
2. Joseph was willing to step back and let Jesus take the spotlight. Are there areas in your life where you need to practice humility and allow others to shine? [01:25:36]
3. Consider the ripple effect of small acts of obedience. What is one small step of faithfulness you can take this week that might have a larger impact than you realize? [01:31:53]
4. How do you measure success in your life, and how does this align with the idea that success in God's eyes is about faithfulness and love? [01:45:17]
5. Identify a person in your life who might feel ordinary or overlooked. How can you encourage them and affirm their value in God's plan this week? [01:45:17]
6. Reflect on the stories of individuals like Frank Jenner and Arthur Stace. How can their examples inspire you to embrace your role in God's plan, no matter how small it may seem? [01:35:49]
7. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is right with God and a love for His people, as emphasized in the sermon? [01:45:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Joseph's life exemplifies how God often chooses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary purposes. Despite being a humble carpenter, Joseph was entrusted with the monumental task of being the earthly father of Jesus. His story is a testament to the fact that our ordinariness does not limit God's ability to use us. Joseph's humility and obedience allowed him to play a crucial role in the life of Jesus, demonstrating that God values faithfulness over status. His willingness to trust in God's plan, even when it defied societal norms, shows that God can work through anyone who is willing to surrender their life to Him. [01:15:43]
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel ordinary or insignificant? How can you offer these areas to God, trusting that He can use them for extraordinary purposes?
Day 2: Humility in the Shadows
Joseph's willingness to step back and let Jesus take the spotlight highlights the importance of humility and faithfulness. He chose to support Mary and Jesus, even when it meant facing potential public scandal and personal sacrifice. Joseph's life teaches us that our greatest impact may come from supporting others and allowing God's plan to unfold through them. His quiet strength and unwavering faithfulness serve as a reminder that true greatness often lies in humility and service to others. By embracing a role in the background, Joseph allowed God's purpose to be fulfilled through Jesus. [01:25:36]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you support today, even if it means stepping back from the spotlight? How can you practice humility in your relationships and daily interactions?
Day 3: The Ripple Effect of Obedience
The stories of individuals like John Patton's pastor and Frank Jenner illustrate that even seemingly small acts of obedience can have far-reaching effects. These individuals, through their faithfulness, touched countless lives and even transformed entire communities. Their stories remind us that our faithfulness to God's calling can create a ripple effect, impacting others in ways we may never see. By being obedient to God's voice, we can be part of His greater plan, knowing that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact. [01:31:53]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What small act of obedience is God calling you to today? How can you trust that your faithfulness, even in the little things, can have a significant impact on others?
Day 4: God's Measure of Success
Success in God's eyes is not about numbers but about faithfulness and love. Whether we reach one person or many, our dedication to God's work is what truly matters. The sermon reminds us that our impact is not measured by the number of people we reach but by our faithfulness to God's calling. By focusing on loving God and His people, we can be assured that we are fulfilling His purposes, regardless of how small our role may seem. Our success is defined by our obedience and love, not by worldly standards. [01:45:17]
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: How do you currently measure success in your life? What changes can you make to align your definition of success with God's perspective of faithfulness and love?
Day 5: Embracing Our Role in God's Plan
We are all important in God's plans and purposes. By loving God and His people, we can be used by Him to make a difference, no matter how small our role may seem. The sermon encourages us to embrace our own ordinariness and trust that God can use us in ways we might never imagine. Our impact is not determined by our status or perceived significance but by our willingness to be faithful to God's calling. By embracing our role, we can be assured that God has chosen us for His plans and purposes, and our obedience can have a profound ripple effect. [01:45:17]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What unique role has God given you in His plan? How can you embrace this role and trust that God can use you to make a difference, regardless of how small it may seem?
Quotes
Sure, here are 12 quotes from the transcript that align with the key takeaways:
"Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name. Jesus." [01:18:45] (20 seconds)
"And yet he was prepared to stand by his wife, knowing, yes, knowing that God had spoken. This was the word of the Lord. Yeah. Praise God." [01:21:50] (15 seconds)
"Arthur Stace, nobody knew him. They finally, eventually discovered who he was about 35 years after he began that ministry. And they reckon that he wrote that word, eternity, a half a million times on the pavements of Sydney." [01:39:45] (21 seconds)
"You are important in the plans and the purposes of God so I encourage you this morning be the best for God that you can be you don't despise the small things." [01:51:52] (16 seconds)
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