GOD PROVIDES HELP FOR THE SEEKER
THESIS: Seek God’s Help
TEXT: Matthew 1:18-25
OPEN: The holidays can be cheerful for some, but difficult for others. What’s the remedy for a “Blue Christmas?” Let’s find out how Joseph responded when faced with an unexpected personal challenge.
1. SEEK GOD’S HELP BECAUSE HE CAN DELIVER YOU FROM DIFFICULTY.
A. What was Joseph’s difficulty? It appeared that his betrothed had been unfaithful to him.
1. Matthew 1:18-19 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
a. Historical Insight #1: Laws in that day allowed for the innocent party to bring the adulterer into the town square for public disgrace. Joseph was going to use discretion.
1. When faced with difficulty—which may include wrongs or perceived wrongs by others—let’s follow the example of the righteous Joseph by using restraint.
a. Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps him self under control.”
B. How did God deliver Joseph from difficulty? The Lord revealed to him the divine plan.
1. Matthew 1:20-23 “After he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins (Ps 130:8).’”
a. A common objection to the virgin conception of Christ is that it is a biological impossibility, acceptable only because of people’s ignorance of that time.
1. Quote: C.S. Lewis wrote: “Such people seem to have an idea that belief in miracles arose at a period when people were so ignorant of the course of nature that they did not perceive a miracle to be contrary to it. This objection to the virgin birth can be refuted in the text of Matthew 1 itself.
a. When Joseph discovered that his betrothed was going to have a baby, he decided to divorce her. Why? Because he knew that in the ordinary course of nature, a woman does not have a baby unless she has been with a man.
2. People shouldn’t have been ignorant about the plan of the Messiah’s miracle birth.
a. Isaiah
b. When faced with difficulty let’s seek the counsel of God through the Scriptures.
1. Illustration: (Mother’s advice to daughter when facing trials—anchor for her soul)
a. James 1:2-5a “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God
C. How did Joseph seek God’s help? He did what the Lord commanded him to do.
1. Matthew 1:24-25 “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
a. Joseph obeyed God’s Word by taking Mary home as his wife & naming the baby “Jesus.”
CONCLUSION: Somebody once said, “The will of God never takes you to where the grace of God will not protect you.”
2 Corinthians 1:10-11a “(God) has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”
CLOSE: Amidst your difficulties show restraint with others, search the Scriptures, and obey the Lord’s commands. In doing so, you’ll discover that “God Provides Help For The Seeker.”