Great Couples of the Bible 1
Courage For God's Will
Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5 to Add to our Faith Goodness (virtue, excellence, moral character. It is a rare word in NT that describes the sum of all desirable character qualities. It means courage, rigor, energy, boldness.
This month I want us to learn more about this quality that God wants us to have in our life by looking at four great couples in the Bible.
Matthew 1:18-24 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. 19Because 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. 20But 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. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." 24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
This great couple had awesome courage to follow God’s will in their lives. They show us three keys of courage for God’s will in our lives.
BE PREPARED. (Matthew 1:18-19) Joseph and Mary were not strangers to God, or of His wonderous workings. They needed courage because:
-Their relationship was in danger
-The expectations of others
-Struggling in their own hearts to accept the consequences
Our lives will call for great courage –we need to be ready. 1 Peter 1:13-14 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. Are you building up your FAITH, and adding courage so you can face tough times?
LISTEN CAREFULLY. (Matthew 1:20-23)What would have happened to Mary and Joseph without a word from God? I'm sure they were hearing words from her family, his family, friends, town gossips. Without God’s guidance, story would end differently. Who are we listening to as we face the challenges of life? We can listen to too many voices, and they'll all lead us somewhere different. When you want to live life for God - even in tough times - keep your ears attuned to God. Listening to God:
-Reading, Studying, Meditating Scripture
-Quiet Prayer / Listening Prayer
-Learn from others
God will tell us what we need to hear.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. (24-25; Luke 1:38) Do not live in the quaqmire, confusion, indecision. Make the decision to stick with God now and when the time for courage comes, you will be stronger. Peter's readers faced persecution. Mary and Joseph were entering into an adventure reserved only for them. Without God's directions we are lost; unless we follow them we remain lost
Conclusion
- We need courage to face the struggles of life
- Notice what the angel said to Mary - Jesus will be called Immanuel - God with us
- God is still with us.
Be Prepared
Listen Carefully
Follow Directions
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