WELCOME ICEBREAKER What was your favourite Christmas tradition growing up? WORSHIP Take time to sing or read Psalm 136. WORD Have the group read through Matthew 1:18 to 2:15. In this passage we are introduced to Joseph. Oddly enough Joseph has no speaking part in the familiar Christmas story. Yet his role is very significant, for it was through him that God protected the unborn life of Jesus. The destiny, the promise and purpose of the Messiah would be in his hands even before Jesus was born. Joseph gave us three simple lessons to preserve our destiny; a lesson of mercy, a lesson of faith and a lesson of obedience. - Verse 19 says Joseph was a just man, what did he do to demonstrate justice or mercy?
- Did he decide to be merciful before or after God visited him?
- Describe how you think Joseph felt when Mary told him he was pregnant?
- Family and friends would not have understood this situation and perhaps few knew what was really happening. Joseph was flowing in the mercy (unfailing love) of God. This same mercy is there for us when others don’t understand or we have made mistakes and our destiny looks in question. Walking in mercy and receiving God’s mercy will protect our destiny. If time permits take time to look up a few verses that deal with God’s great mercy:
- Ephesians 2:4
- Psalm 31:7
- Psalm 51:5
- Psalm 86:15
- Psalm 94:18
- and notice Psalm 136
- How did Joseph have to exercise faith?
- The angel told him not to be afraid. What fears was he facing to fulfill his destiny?
- God interrupted his life with his destiny. Share a time God interrupted your plans for His higher purpose. Read Proverbs 19:21 (Use the NIV translation if available)
- What specific things does Joseph have to be obedient to?
- Faith takes action. He would spend the next couple of years far from his comfort zone. See Hebrews 6:12.
- In verse 21 God gives Joseph a glimpse of the divine plan for the child Mary is carrying. Why do you think God doesn’t tell him any more than this?
In review — to see our destiny and the promises of God fulfilled in our lives it will take us drawing on the mercy of God, walking in mercy towards others; have unwavering faith in God’s word and being obedient to what God asks of us. WORK A reminder that next Sunday is water baptism night at the church. Please join our faith to see more than 100 baptized this year. Presently 81 have been baptized! Let us know if you would like to help in the baptism of those in your group that are ready. Remind them to meet with me after the 11:00 service. Review with them the verses on baptism. Blessings! Has this lesson helped you? Please let us know! Email home group testimonies with this form! But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Psalms 86:15 — NKJV
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