Joseph’s Silent Impact

When you obey God, you may not be a visible person, but still serving God in extraordinary ways.

 Your anguish as a servant: Don’t jump to conclusions

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18

• Amazing births
• Mary was betrothed
• Child “of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:26-38)

Your attitude as a problem solver: Do make compassionate choices

Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. Matthew 1:19

Your foundation is faith: Don’t underestimate God

But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

Your acceptance of God’s Word: Do consider prophecy

Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23

Your actions as a servant: Keep obeying God

And Joseph arose from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

• Joseph honored Mary (v.24)
• Joseph honored God (v. 25)

What?

When you have a difficult decision, first seek God’s will.

So What?

The Virgin Birth is to be accepted by faith.

The Virgin Birth is essential to Christ’s identity.

Now What?

What you decide about the birth of Jesus is one of your most important decisions about his identity.

www.heavenornot.net