An Understanding Man Series

Sunday Morning December 2, 2001 Bel Aire Baptist Church, Hobbs, NM

Series: Christmas Surprises [#3]

AN UNDERSTANDING MAN?

Matthew 1:18-24

Introduction:

When it comes to my wife, I am a very jealous man. If I thought my wife was “cheating” on me I would not understand.

By nature men are jealous. Not only are we jealous, but we are very prideful when it comes to our wives. The thought of someone “stealing” my wife from me would drive me over the edge.

As we look at this “Christmas Surprise”, I want us to notice four things we should not do if we want to be faithful Disciples of Christ.

Let’s read our text: Matthew 1:18-24.

Don’t Jump To Conclusions (Matthew 1:18-19)

I do have to say that Joseph did better than I would have. He obviously was upset by the fact that Mary was pregnant and the baby was not his. I’m sure his pride was hurt. He probably went over and over in his mind about what she had done and what should he do about this situation.

Although he probably gave consideration to having her killed (which was applicable by law), he decided to handle things quietly and not disgrace Mary publicly.

I’m sure that Joseph was sick over all of this, but he could have been spared some grief if he would have not jumped to conclusions.

Lesson #1: Get the facts before you react.

Don’t Stop Listening To God (Matthew 1:20-21)

When you are upset, it is easy to shut the whole world out, including God. When things are going terrible we often, in the back of our minds, blame God. Once you decide that God is against you, then the next thing that happens is you stop listening to what God is trying to tell you.

Many times God has the answers to our situation but we do not hear it because we are not listening. Joseph was given his instructions in a dream and he could have waked up and said, “well, that was just a stupid dream”. But, he realized that God was speaking to him.

Lesson #2: Never stop listening and applying God’s direction in your life.

Don’t Underestimate God (Matthew 1:22-23)

God has a plan and that plan does include you. God has given us many promises in the Bible and He will hold good to all of them. God can do anything He wants even if it seems impossible to you.

We see in these verses that God fulfills what He said He would fulfill.

God is still in control and is waiting for you to totally surrender your life over to Him.

Lesson #3: Let go and let God.

Don’t Stop Obeying God (Matthew 1:24)

Joseph simply obeyed God regardless of what other people were probably saying. For men it is very difficult for us to deal with problems concerning our wives around other men because we want to make sure everyone knows who is in charge. My wife can disagree with me and yell at me in private and I probably won’t say a word about it, but if she did that in front of the guys, things would probably get ugly. This type of pressure did not stop Joseph from doing what God said to do.

Joseph did not question God’s instructions he followed them.

Lesson #4: Obey God without question or hesitation.

Conclusion:

Christians, we must stop jumping to conclusions, listen to God, don’t underestimate God, and obey Him.

If you will do these things, just as Joseph, you will find joy and peace in your relationship with God.