But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT2) Remember Verse Big Idea: Faithfulness means trusting God even when it costs us comfort, control, or reputation. Like Joseph, Will You: 1. Trust God When Plans Collapse This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT2) 2. Be A Faithful Spouse 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV) However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NIV) In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:7-9 (NLT2) Being a faithful spouse today means: - loving when it costs you comfort- honoring when you don’t agree- blessing when you are hurt - protecting when it would be easier to walk away 3. Be A Faithful Parent “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, "God with us." 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:22-25 (NIV) “And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NLT2) • In spite of all obstacles, God’s plan will succeed “After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Matthew 2:13-15 (NLT2) What will it mean for you to be faithful this Christmas? My next right step, I will: Trust God when plans collapse Be faithful to the role God has placed me in Receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord Follow Jesus in baptism TALK IT OVER Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Ice Breaker: What two positive qualities about your mom and dad come to mind as you recall your childhood? Big Idea: Faithfulness means trusting God even when it costs us comfort, control, or reputation. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT2) Remember Like Joseph, Will You: 1. Trust God When Plans Collapse Read Matthew 1:18-19 How would you feel if you were Joseph? How do you think his family and community reacted? Matthew calls Joseph righteous, what does righteousness look like in a crisis? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 Where is God asking you to trust Him right now? What step could you take this week to honor God before you see the outcome? 2. Be A Faithful Spouse Read Matthew 1:20-21 Why might this have been difficult for Joseph? What do you think their parents and friends would say? Read Ephesians 5:25-27 & 5:33 How should a husband love his wife? How should a wife respect her husband? Read 1 Peter 3:7-9 Why do you think a wife’s respect would lead her husband to faith? How should husbands treat their wives? Why? Why does blessing instead of retaliation have power in marriage? What is one way you can bless your spouse this week? 3. Be A Faithful Parent If God asked you to raise His Son, what would go through your mind? Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7 How would you describe a parent’s role? Whose responsibility is it to shape a child’s faith? How does this passage help you know how? • In spite of all obstacles, God’s plan will succeed Read Matthew 2:13-15 How did God protect Joesph, Mary, and Jesus? Where do you need God’s protection in your family right now? What will it mean for you to be faithful this Christmas?