Emmanuel: Finding Holiness in Our Messy Lives
Summary
In a sermon delivered at the Gilbert Contemporary Service on December 17, 2023, Pastor Michael explores the transformative power of Jesus and the impact of His presence in the lives of believers. The sermon draws from the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the story of Joseph and Mary, and the divine message that Joseph receives in a dream. Pastor Michael highlights that despite the imperfections and struggles within Jesus's family, they are considered holy because of Jesus Himself. He reassures the congregation that it is Jesus who makes them holy, even amidst their own "hot mess" states.
Pastor Michael discusses the overwhelming nature of life, particularly during the Christmas season, and uses Joseph's experience as an example. He encourages the congregation to recognize moments of feeling overwhelmed as signals to pause and depend on God. By taking deep breaths and being honest with God about their feelings, believers can change their perspective, even if their circumstances remain the same.
The sermon also delves into the cultural context of first-century engagements, imagining the heartbreak and betrayal Joseph must have felt upon learning of Mary's pregnancy. Despite his initial plan to divorce her quietly, Joseph's encounter with an angel in a dream leads to a radical transformation. He chooses to trust in God and take Mary as his wife, embracing his role as the protector of the Messiah and Mary.
Pastor Michael reflects on the significance of naming in Scripture, particularly the name Jesus, which means "Yahweh saves." This revelation that Jesus is God in flesh, come to save His people from their sins, changes everything for Joseph and for all believers. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus, Emmanuel, is "God with us," present in the midst of our messiness and chaos, offering mercy and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Joseph and Mary serves as a reminder that holiness is not about the absence of mess or imperfection in our lives, but rather about the presence of Jesus who sanctifies us. Even in our most chaotic moments, we are made holy through Christ, who redeems our struggles and transforms them into a testament of His grace. [44:54]
- Recognizing feelings of being overwhelmed is crucial for spiritual well-being. Instead of succumbing to stress, believers are encouraged to pause and breathe deeply, acknowledging God's Spirit within them. This practice not only has physiological benefits but also aligns us with the divine rhythm of God's restorative presence. [01:04:58]
- Joseph's decision to trust God amidst his overwhelming circumstances exemplifies the power of divine intervention. His story teaches us that while our situations may not change immediately, our perspective can shift when we choose to depend on God's guidance and protection. This trust in God's plan can lead to a sense of peace and purpose, even in the midst of uncertainty. [01:02:03]
- The name Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," encapsulates the core of the Christian faith—that God Himself came in the flesh to save humanity from sin. This profound truth underscores the significance of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, and serves as a cornerstone for understanding our redemption and the nature of God's love for us. [57:37]
- Emmanuel, "God with us," is not just a comforting title but a radical reality that changes everything for believers. The knowledge that God is intimately involved in our lives, sharing in our joys and sorrows, offers a transformative perspective that can sustain us through all seasons of life. This presence of God invites us to experience His mercy and grace in a personal and life-changing way. [59:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 1:19-25 (ESV)
> "And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joseph's initial plan upon learning of Mary's pregnancy, and why did he choose this course of action? ([43:37])
2. How did the angel address Joseph in the dream, and what significance does this title hold? ([53:51])
3. What instructions did the angel give Joseph regarding Mary and the unborn child? ([55:18])
4. How did Joseph respond after waking from his dream, and what does this indicate about his faith and character? ([59:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Joseph's reaction to the angel's message reveal about his trust in God despite overwhelming circumstances? ([53:08])
2. How does the name "Jesus," meaning "Yahweh saves," encapsulate the mission and identity of Christ? ([56:52])
3. In what ways does the title "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," provide comfort and assurance to believers in their struggles? ([58:25])
4. How does Joseph's story illustrate the transformative power of divine intervention in the midst of personal chaos? ([01:00:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's circumstances. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? ([46:58])
2. Pastor Michael mentioned the importance of pausing and taking deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to better manage stress? ([01:03:34])
3. Joseph's decision to trust God's plan despite his initial doubts led to a significant change in his perspective. How can you cultivate a similar trust in God's guidance in your own life? ([01:00:42])
4. The name "Jesus" signifies that He came to save us from our sins. How does this understanding of Jesus' mission impact your view of your own struggles and shortcomings? ([56:52])
5. Knowing that "Emmanuel" means "God with us," how can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life, especially during challenging times? ([58:25])
6. Pastor Michael emphasized that recognizing feelings of being overwhelmed can be a signal to depend on God. What practical steps can you take to turn to God in moments of stress and uncertainty? ([01:04:58])
7. Joseph's story shows that while our circumstances may not change immediately, our perspective can shift when we depend on God. How can you apply this lesson to a current situation in your life? ([01:00:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Holiness in Our Chaos
Holiness is not found in perfection but in the presence of Jesus amidst our imperfections. He sanctifies the mess of our lives, transforming our struggles into a testament of His grace. [44:54]
Hebrews 4:15-16 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Reflection: How can you invite Jesus into the messiness of your life today, trusting Him to bring holiness out of chaos?
Day 2: Breathing Through Overwhelm
When life's pace becomes overwhelming, pausing to breathe deeply and acknowledge God's presence can shift our perspective and bring peace. [01:04:58]
Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Reflection: What situation is currently overwhelming you, and how can you intentionally pause to seek God's peace in the midst of it?
Day 3: Trusting God's Guidance
In the face of uncertainty, choosing to trust God's guidance can shift our perspective and bring a sense of peace and purpose. [01:02:03]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to trust God more? What is one step you can take today to demonstrate that trust?
Day 4: The Salvation in Jesus' Name
The name of Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," is a powerful reminder of God's plan for salvation and His love for humanity. [57:37]
Acts 4:11-12 - "Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Reflection: How does understanding the meaning of Jesus' name change the way you view your own need for salvation?
Day 5: Emmanuel, God With Us
The reality of Emmanuel, God with us, offers a transformative perspective that sustains us through all seasons of life. [59:18]
Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace the presence of God in your daily life, especially during times of joy or sorrow?
Quotes
"You don't need to be God, you don't need to be in control. We're terrible at it anyways, and guess what, He is very good at being God. He's very good at being merciful and gracious to you and I." [01:03:34] (Download)
"In those moments when you feel overwhelmed, take those deep breaths and remind yourself of who you are: that God breathed into you the Breath of Life, his ruach, his breath, his Spirit resides in you." [01:04:58] (Download)
"Thank you for giving me your son Jesus who saves me from my sin, thank you that he is Emmanuel, God with me, so I don't have to be. Help me to simply depend upon you." [01:05:49] (Download)
"In your hot mess, in your doubt, in your barrenness, your dryness, in your fear, in being overwhelmed, you belong to Jesus." [01:06:28] (Download)
"Joseph changed not his situation or circumstances but he changed; went from overwhelmed to just absolutely dependent upon the Lord and just did what the Lord asked him to do." [01:01:21] (Download)
"This is your divine intervention; you are not here by accident... God brought you here to meet you in your chaos, in your hot mess where you feel overwhelmed, to remind you that you are Sons and Daughters of the Living God." [01:02:03] (Download)
"He truly is God with you; he is here in this place right here, right now, right today. He fills full his name of Jesus, he fills full his name of Emmanuel." [01:02:51] (Download)
"Names in scripture are never just names; names carry fate, destiny, meaning, purpose. 'You're going to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.' This baby, this child is Yahweh in flesh." [56:52] (Download)
"Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means God with us. If Jesus's name being defined as 'the one who will save us' doesn't tell you who this child is, well, there's no mistaking who is this Jesus—he is God With Us." [59:18] (Download)
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