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JOSEPH’S DILEMMA SSMC SUNGAI WAY-SUBANG METHODIST CHURCH Matt 1:20 - 24 Message by KOH CHIEN AUN 4 DEC 2016

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JOSEPH’S

DILEMMA

SSMCSUNGAI WAY-SUBANGMETHODISTC H U R C H

Matt 1:20-24

Message by

KOH CHIEN AUN

4 DEC 2016

Joseph’s DilemmaMatthew 1:20-24

SSMCSUNGAI WAY-SUBANGMETHODISTC H U R C H

What do we know of Joseph?

• A direct descendent of David (Matt 1:1-18).

• A carpenter or craftsman.

• Not the biological father of Jesus.

• Probably died before Jesus’ public ministry (Luke 2:33-35).

Joseph’s Dilemma

• Accept her – Liar or made a mockery of the Jewish marriage institution.

• Reject her – Condemned her to public ridicule, maybe even death by stoning.

What do we know of his character?

•He faithful to the law (v.19)

•Honourable

•He was gracious (v.19)

•OBEDIENT

• FAITHFUL

•KNEW GOD

Joseph’s Dilemma Obedience

• An angel of the Lord appeared in a dream.

• He did not question, he acted promptly.

• Repeated again a number of times:• Egypt (Matt 2:13-14)

• Return from Egypt (Matt 2:23)

Joseph’s Dilemma Obedience

• Solved his dilemma. (Inward)

• Came with a cost:• Reputation

• Stability

• Ultimately ushered in God’s kingdom on Earth. (Outward)

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.

And his commandments are not burdensome.

1 John 5 : 2–3

Joseph’s Dilemma Faith

James 2:21-23Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.

Joseph Knew his God

•He was well versed with the Law. (v.19)

•He recognised the messenger of God.

•He faithfully obeyed and trusted God completely.

Closing questions to ponder…

•Do you know your God?

•Do you trust your God?

•Has God asked you to do something in obedience?