Faith and Obedience: Lessons from Mary and Joseph

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we find ourselves at a crossroads of faith and obedience, much like Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story. As I packed up my office, I was reminded of the countless books that have shaped my journey with Christ, each one a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. This season of introspection has been challenging, yet it has reinforced the truth that God's word is the foundation of our lives. As we revisit the Christmas story, we are invited to ponder where we place our hope when life feels unstable. Are we people of faith only in good times, or do we trust God even in uncertainty?

Mary and Joseph's narratives offer profound lessons. Mary, a young woman with dreams of her future, is visited by the angel Gabriel and told she will bear the Son of God. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she responds with faith, declaring herself the Lord's servant. Her story challenges us to trust God, even when His plans disrupt our own. Joseph, on the other hand, exemplifies obedience. Faced with the news of Mary's pregnancy, he chooses to follow God's command, despite the potential for public shame and personal doubt. His life is marked by a pattern of obedience, a testament to his trust in God's plan.

These stories remind us that faith and obedience are intertwined. We are called to trust God and act on His word, even when it defies our understanding. The birth of Jesus is a story of divine love and redemption, but it also teaches us about the faith and obedience of those who played a part in His arrival. As we reflect on these narratives, may we be inspired to live lives of faith and obedience, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, no matter the circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith in Uncertainty: Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel teaches us to trust God even when His plans disrupt our own. Her faith in the face of uncertainty challenges us to place our hope in God, regardless of our circumstances. [45:27]

2. Obedience in Action: Joseph’s story is a powerful example of obedience. Despite the potential for public shame and personal doubt, he chooses to follow God’s command. His life is a testament to the importance of acting on God’s word, even when it defies our understanding. [52:43]

3. God’s Faithfulness: The Christmas story reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness. As we reflect on the narratives of Mary and Joseph, we are encouraged to trust in God’s promises and stand firmly on His word, which is the foundation of our lives. [45:27]

4. Living for God’s Glory: Mary’s declaration as the Lord’s servant highlights the importance of living for God’s glory. Her willingness to embrace God’s plan, despite her own dreams, challenges us to prioritize God’s will over our own desires. [01:06:08]

5. Trust and Obey: The intertwined themes of faith and obedience in the Christmas story call us to trust and obey God, no matter the cost. As we build our lives on the foundation of God’s word, we are reminded that true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting and obeying Him. [01:17:48]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:12] - A Season of Introspection
[45:27] - The Foundation of God's Word
[46:40] - Reconsidering the Christmas Story
[47:28] - Questions of Faith and Hope
[48:07] - Reading from Luke and Matthew
[49:16] - The Angel's Message to Mary
[50:02] - Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
[51:06] - Mary's Song of Praise
[51:52] - Joseph's Perspective
[52:43] - Joseph's Obedience
[54:17] - The Shepherds' Visit
[55:13] - The Flight to Egypt
[56:32] - Jesus: The Hope of the World
[57:07] - Mary Believes, Joseph Obeys
[01:17:48] - Trust and Obey
[01:20:08] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:26-38
- Matthew 1:18-25

Observation Questions:
1. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message, and how did she ultimately respond? ([49:16])
2. How did Joseph react to the news of Mary's pregnancy, and what changed his mind? ([52:43])
3. What role did the angel play in both Mary and Joseph's stories, and how did their responses differ? ([51:52])
4. What are some of the key characteristics of faith and obedience demonstrated by Mary and Joseph in these passages? ([57:07])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Mary's declaration, "I am the servant of the Lord," reflect her understanding of God's sovereignty and her role in His plan? ([01:06:08])
2. In what ways does Joseph's decision to obey the angel's command demonstrate his trust in God's plan, despite societal norms and personal doubts? ([01:14:36])
3. How do the stories of Mary and Joseph challenge contemporary believers to respond to God's calling in their own lives? ([01:17:48])
4. What can we learn from the way Mary and Joseph handled fear and uncertainty in their situations? ([01:07:02])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Mary's faith in similar circumstances? ([01:07:02])
2. Joseph chose to obey God's command despite potential public shame. Are there areas in your life where you need to prioritize obedience to God over the opinions of others? ([01:14:36])
3. Mary and Joseph both had their plans disrupted by God's will. How do you typically react when your plans are changed unexpectedly, and how can you better align your response with their examples? ([01:06:08])
4. Consider the role of God's word as the foundation of your life. How can you ensure that you are standing firmly on His promises, especially during challenging times? ([45:27])
5. Mary lived for God's glory, even when it meant setting aside her own dreams. What steps can you take to prioritize God's will in your life this week? ([01:06:08])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting and obeying God. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with trust or obedience, and discuss practical ways to address this challenge. ([01:17:48])
7. How can the intertwined themes of faith and obedience in the Christmas story inspire you to live a life that reflects God's sovereignty and goodness? ([01:17:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty
In the story of Mary, we see a young woman whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected divine message. Despite the fear and uncertainty that accompany the angel Gabriel's announcement, Mary chooses to trust in God's plan. Her response is a profound act of faith, as she declares herself the Lord's servant, willing to embrace a future she did not anticipate. This narrative invites us to consider where we place our hope when life feels unstable. Are we willing to trust God, even when His plans disrupt our own? Mary's example challenges us to be people of faith, not only in good times but also in moments of uncertainty. [45:27]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel uncertain or afraid. How can you actively choose to trust God in this situation today?


Day 2: Obedience Beyond Understanding
Joseph's story is a powerful testament to obedience. When faced with the news of Mary's pregnancy, Joseph could have chosen a path of self-preservation. Instead, he listens to God's command and takes Mary as his wife, despite the potential for public shame and personal doubt. His life exemplifies the importance of acting on God's word, even when it defies our understanding. Joseph's obedience challenges us to consider how we respond to God's guidance, especially when it conflicts with our own plans or societal expectations. [52:43]

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey, but you find it difficult to understand or accept? What steps can you take to follow His guidance today?


Day 3: Standing on God's Faithfulness
The Christmas story is a reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness. As we reflect on the narratives of Mary and Joseph, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises and stand firmly on His word, which is the foundation of our lives. This season of introspection invites us to examine the countless ways God has been faithful in our own journeys. By revisiting these stories, we are reminded that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances but is a constant presence in our lives. [45:27]

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him in your current circumstances?


Day 4: Living for God's Glory
Mary's declaration as the Lord's servant highlights the importance of living for God's glory. Her willingness to embrace God's plan, despite her own dreams and aspirations, challenges us to prioritize God's will over our own desires. This narrative invites us to consider how we can align our lives with God's purposes, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. Mary's example encourages us to live with a heart of surrender, trusting that God's plans are greater than our own. [01:06:08]

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally seek to glorify God today? How can you align your actions with His will?


Day 5: The Call to Trust and Obey
The intertwined themes of faith and obedience in the Christmas story call us to trust and obey God, no matter the cost. As we build our lives on the foundation of God's word, we are reminded that true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting and obeying Him. This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we can live out these principles daily. By following the examples of Mary and Joseph, we are encouraged to embrace a life of faith and obedience, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. [01:17:48]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one specific area where you struggle to trust and obey God. What practical steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and follow His guidance?

Quotes


And therefore, I want you to know we as God's people, saved and redeemed by the blood of the lamb, can always, always, always stand firmly on the word of God for it alone is truly the foundation for our lives. If there's one thing that I've spoken time and again, if there's one thing I can make the church understand, is that God's word is paramount. It is the authority of all we believe, say and do. [00:45:43] (44 seconds)


And as we read it, as we contemplate it, I want you to consider the following questions. Where do you place your hope when everything around you feels unstable? Are you a person of faith? Are you a person of faith in these moments or just when the moments are good? Are you a person of faith in these moments or do you respond as a person of fear? Doubt. Do you act upon God's word in these moments? [00:46:49] (39 seconds)


And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departs from her. In those days, Mary arose, and she went with haste to the hill country, to the town in Judah, and she entered into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. [00:50:02] (24 seconds)


And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. And Mary says, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estates of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [00:50:45] (30 seconds)


Mary believes she's a person of faith over fear. And the question that we need to begin to ask ourselves is when God's spirit prompts us. Or when God's word instructs us. Do we respond with faith or excuses? Are we more like Moses or Mary? Now turn to Joseph. You got this other character in the birth story that is so incredibly interesting. [01:07:27] (30 seconds)


And this isn't the last time that Joseph acts with obedience. In the scripture that we read this morning, it tells us that Joseph being warned again in a dream, the angel tells him, flee to Egypt. What does Joseph do? He goes that very night. He doesn't even wait. Like, hey, listen, I'm going to get a few more. I'm going to get a few more hours, all right? [01:15:02] (20 seconds)


What I want you to understand, what I want you to understand about Joseph is that Joseph was a serial obeyer. What about us? Can the same be said of us? Are we truly willing to be obedient to God regardless of the cost? Are we willing to be obedient to God regardless of what others might say or think about us? [01:15:49] (28 seconds)


But I also think that there are some lessons we can learn from the perspective that those who were around from the very beginning, Mary believed she had faith. And Joseph obeyed. He lived out faith. And the question for each of us is simply, will we be people of faith and obedience? Will we be people who see God for who he is as sovereign and good even when circumstances are dismal, difficult, and dark? [01:17:00] (34 seconds)


Will we be people who build our lives on the foundation and authority of God's word? Will we walk in obedience no matter the cost? Because I believe that is what Jesus has called us to. There's an old hymn that simply says this. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. [01:17:33] (39 seconds)


Lord, make our hearts, make mine like the heart of Mary. being willing to act, to take steps of faith, to do what is right regardless of the cost. Modeling my life not only after them but after my savior Jesus who went to the cross for my sins. Jesus, have your way in our lives and in your church this morning as we contemplate cry out and respond to your word. [01:19:14] (83 seconds)


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Transcript
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