Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Topic: What Joseph's story teaches us about obedience

Introduction:

• Joseph loved Mary very much.

• Matthew 1:18-19

• By divorcing her quietly, rather than publicly, Joseph put his reputation at risk instead of Mary's.

• Matthew 1:20-21

• Joseph was courageously obedient to God.

• If you choose to live a life of obedience, people will judge you.

Illustration: May summarizes the news story of a Florida family whose child was kidnapped under mysterious circumstances to demonstrate how quickly the public condemns people.

• If Joseph would have made everyone's opinion of him his top priority, he would have turned his back on God's call on his life.

• Galatians 1:10

• Illustration: May briefly summarizes the movie The Kid, where a man with a glamorous job lives and empty life behind his public persona, to illustrate how false a reputation is.

• God sees beyond your reputation to your character.

• God can use those with character.

Your obedience opens the door for God's involvement in your life and in your world.

• Joseph's obedience not only changed his life, but also changed the world.

• Your obedience could change the lives of thousands of people.

• Illustration: May illustrates the unknown effects of our obedience by telling the story of Mordecai Ham, a revival preacher who had no way of knowing what would come of leading a teenager named Billy Graham to Christ.

Conclusion:

• Big Idea: The rewards of obedience are well worth the cost.