Summary: If any character in the birth narrative was lacking peace, it would have been Joseph. His fiancé is pregnant, and he's not the father. She still claims she is a virgin and that God gave her the son. What a mess! So Joseph has a personal plan in place to gain peace in his life. God steps in with a gracious interruption, and we learn 3 things from this story that can bring us real peace in life today.
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
1. Read Matthew 18:18-19
a. Joseph reveals his personal plan (divorce her quietly) for obtaining peace in life despite the crazy situation in which he finds himself. What are the personal plans that we strive towards in life that we think will bring us peace? (Money, relationships, family, professional/career, retirement, etc)
b. How have some of those things let you down? Have they come up short in your life despite your consistent striving and straining?
2. READ Matthew 1:20-21
The angel told Joseph to "do not fear" his current situation. Be at peace with what is going on around him, because God is working things out. What areas of your life is God telling you "do not fear", but instead find peace in Him? Why is that so hard sometimes?
3. READ Matthew 1:21
-How does "for Jesus will save his people from their sins" bring about peace in life?
-What is your "peace" story (your personal testimony) of the day you realized that Jesus paid for your sins? (Now would be a great time to share your Jesus story. It may be the first time the group has heard each other's spiritual journey).
4. READ Matthew 1:23
-Why does "God with us" matter? What's the big deal? How does that empower Christians? How does it help eliminate excuses?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was possible because God was with you, and you knew it?
5. READ Matthew 1:25
-How can "he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" result in peace for your life?
-Do you think you are lacking peace because you don't know what to do, or because you know what to do and are filled with fear, anxiety, and worry? How can you address both of those issues in your life? What are the action steps?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was a result of you listening to God and doing what He said?
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