Message Notes
Look Back
What did you learn by searching for “joy” last week? What did you see and learn?
Look Up
Read Matthew 1:20-24 and Matthew 2:13-16
- What are some of the challenges Joseph faced at this point in his life? How does this compare to the challenges you have faced or are now facing?
- What is the 1st thing the angel tells Joseph in Matthew 1:20? How does this compare with what the angel said to Joseph in Matthew 2:13? How do you reconcile the differences in these two messages?
- Why did God send an angel to guide Joseph? How does God guide people today, and how does this apply to you personally?
- How did Joseph respond to God’s direction? Do you think he was “happy” to go through the difficulties he faced? If not, why did he do what he did?
- What does Matthew 2 say was the real reason that Joseph went to Egypt? What does this say about God and people?
- What was the result of Joseph’s obedience? What can you learn from his story that will help you today?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
What are you fighting for right now - happiness, joy, or something else? How might listening to God’s Holy Spirit help you persevere and find joy?
Notes
Joseph’s life was not easy. He faced numerous challenges and unexpected difficulties. Shortly after receiving the attention of and gifts from a group of wealthy wise men, he is instructed to leave the country to protect the child that had been celebrated. Joseph was probably confused and troubled that things kept getting worse instead of better. In the midst of trouble and uncertainty, Joseph chose to be obedient and fight for the joy that God had promised. The result of his faithfulness changed the world forever. How is God trying to guide you today?
