Week 4

Look Back

Have you ever found yourself reluctant to return back to God? If so, how does the parable of the prodigal son help (Luke 15)? Who did you share this invitation to return home with this week?

Look Up

Read Matthew 1:18-19

1. What do these verses say about Joseph and how he had been living his life?
2. At that particular point in time, how “wonderful” was Joseph’s life? Why?

Read Matthew 1:20-25

1. What was the 1st thing Joseph did at the beginning of verse 20? What should be the 1st thing that followers of Christ today do when faced with difficult situations or choices?
2. What happened, and what was said, that helped Joseph make his decision about what to do? Did his decision immediately make his life “wonderful”? Why or why not?

Read Philipians 1:18-21

1. How “wonderful” of a life does Paul describe in these verses? How were circumstances similar to Joseph’s?
2. How was Paul’s response and approach different from Joseph’s? Why is this significant to followers of Jesus 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

How will you live your life with an eternal perspective? Where will you turn when your life does not seem very “wonderful"?

Notes

We all long to life a “wonderful” life and often pursue options that may produce short term results, but lack long term, or eternal value. The Bible teaches that when we carefully consider our choices by praying, God gives us help in His Holy Spirit. What has happened to us may not change immediately, but God’s eternal plan is achieved when, like Joseph and Paul, we listen to God and follow His direction.