Lessons From Joseph (Father's Day 2022)

Lessons from Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25 and 2:13-23

Introduction – HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

- Through the life of Joseph, men today can learn several lessons about fatherhood

-- I’ll be the first to admit that aside from God, no one has it all figured out

-- Fatherhood can be an adventure – and yet sometimes life’s biggest blessing

- Through biblical examples (like today) we can learn how to be faithful

-- Joseph was just a man who was willing to lean on and obey God’s calling

- Setup: What we will read through is probably very familiar to all

-- Most are familiar with these passages around Christmastime

- Father’s Day can be so much more than a day for dad to get a new tie …

-- It can also be a day for men (and women) to choose to live to God

- Read Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 2:13-23 / Pray

- TR: From these few passages I see three key thoughts

-- Joseph, a man chosen by God to shepherd the King of Kings, still teaches us

-- Get this: A father is more than just the XY chromosome donor …

- Consider: What if we looked at this through the lens of discipleship?

-- What if we viewed this as an example for all on how to live today?

Point 1 – A father (or a disciple) is righteous

- Before Joseph was with Mary, he was righteous and living right (v18)

- But in order to righteous, we must first desire it!

- FACT: Joseph was a man who desired to know more about God

-- Matthew 5:6, “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.”

-- GR: chortasthesontai – to be filled; to desire nothing else

- Being satisfied (saw this in 2 Peter) means to be content with what God gives

-- Joseph was such a man; he was content with the things of God

- Why? Because he desired to know more about God, desired to grow close

-- This drawing in of God allowed him to be called righteous

- Joseph lived in a way that was pleasing to God

-- GR: dikaios – upright, honest, with integrity, good character

-- APP: Joseph brought honor in God’s eyes

- However, notice that he was still fully human (not super human) (v19)

-- In his own righteousness, even though he was to marry Mary, he had doubts

- Not doubts that he loved her … but doubts that he would discredit her

-- APP: Get this: honor is important, how you are viewed mattered

-- And Joseph did not want to dishonor Mary, or God, in these events

- But notice what God does (v20):

-- Because he was righteous, God sent an angel (peace and calm: “fear not”)

-- This angel gave a preview of God's eternal plan (wonderful blessing)

-- It is God's joy to bring His children into the fold – to show them – comfort them

- Real talk: I’m sure Joseph had his doubts, but don’t miss this:

-- God brings peace in the midst of our doubts, esp. when we are living for Him

- TR: Being righteous before God leads us to be …

Point 2 – A father (or a disciple) is willing

- Fact: After Jesus was born; Herod was afraid of losing his power (v13)

-- APP: A king being born is a threat to current king – so he has to go

-- This means that Herod is now on a war path to destroy any threats to him

- Because of his faith, Joseph again was visited by an angel (again, “fear not”)

-- APP: Don’t miss this, Jesus was always to be protected; God could’ve done that

-- But instead, he used the man of faithfulness that He appointed

-- For you and me we must see this: God continues to use us for his purpose!

-- APP: God provides a way when we are in doubt, afraid, uncertain, etc.

- This morning, I see three reasons he was willing to move when God spoke:

• The first is Protection – knew that God had his best interest at heart

• The second is Faithfulness – knew that faithfulness to God was key

• The third is Obedience – knew that obeying was putting feet to words

- FACT: It’s not always easy to follow God's prompting

- When God calls us to move - we must already be willing (ready, listening)

-- Joseph knew this promise, also knew the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”