Life Group Questions 12/8/19
Sunday’s Sermon Text
Matthew 1:18–25
The Birth of Jesus Christ
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. [19] And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. [20] But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21] She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
[23] “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). [24] When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, [25] but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (ESV)
Summary: Matthew’s gospel emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled the most important requirement of a savior: forgiveness of sin. Sin means a departure from God’s design, deception, destruction, and death. Immanuel means God with us. Because of Jesus’s rescue, we can enjoy His presence with us and recognize him as the biggest savior in the room.
Observing the Text: Read Matthew 1:18-
Matthew 1:23 is a quotation from Isaiah 7:14.
Which brother who is not in the line of Jesus is mentioned by name? Which three women are mentioned by name?
Interpreting the Text:
Based on the sermon, how is betrothal in the Ancient Near East different from our Western concept of engagement?
Before receiving the dream, Joseph planned to divorce Mary quietly. How does this action indicate that he was a “just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame” (v.19)
Mary’s pregnancy is disturbing for Joseph on a number of levels. Why might it have been difficult for Joseph to believe the dream he had?
Explain the 4 “D”s that define sin - departure, deception, destruction, and death. Give some firsthand examples.
What’s a “D” you’ve felt stuck in recently?
What’s an obstacle that prevents you from seeing yourself as the biggest sinner in the room?
What’s an obstacle that prevents you from seeing Jesus as the biggest savior in the room? What’s something recent you’ve witnessed or heard that testifies to Jesus as the Christ?
Applying the Text:
How can you enjoy the God who is with us?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
Member & Prayer Meeting - Put January 8 on your calendar! We’ll gather as a church to pray and discuss what God has for us moving forward! One of the things we plan to discuss is where God is leading us in regard to church planting!