FOLLOWING STRAIGHT PATHSMatthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-23

GOD DESIRES TO GUIDE US“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

- Romans 12:2 NLT

• Heeded God’s Warning

• Focused on Praise

• Bless Others

MAINTAINING GOOD CHARACTER IS THE FIRST STEP TO FOLLOWING GOD

“Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.” – Matt. 1:19 NLT

• Mary and Joseph are Engaged• Mary is now pregnant

(not by Joseph)• Feelings of:

Confusion, Betrayal, Anger, Embarrassment• Yet Joseph decided not to lash out

(Demonstrates wisdom and grace)

JOSEPH’S RESPONSE IS SHAPEDBY HIS CHARACTER

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” – Psalm 37:1 2, 5, 6 NLT• Angel explains Mary is innocent

and this is a blessing• Joseph believes and accepts

(despite what others may say)

WALKING STRAIGHT PATHS

When we feel we have been wronged, do we have the character to pause and reflect on what

God would have us do before we respond?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to Him,and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGAND HONOR

“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded and brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her Son was born; and Joseph named him ‘Jesus.’ ” – Matthew 1:24-25 TLB• Immanuel: “God with us”

& Jesus: “the Lord saves” - -- both emphasize Jesus’ mission and destiny

• Names had meaning, Joseph given the honor to help name and raise Jesus

• Joseph’s lineage also helped fulfilled prophecy

WALKING STRAIGHT PATHSWhen we are willing to sacrifice

something for God, do we truly believe that God will honor and bless us for that decision?

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.– James 4:10 NLT

RESPONSE TO GOD’S DIRECTION CAN SAVE ADDITIONAL HEARTACHE

“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.’ ” – Matt. 2:13 NLT• Joseph was warned about

the danger to his family• Herod searched for and killed

every boy two years and under• Jesus and Mary were kept out

of danger because Joseph heeded God’s warning

• In tragedy, a greater plan was still fulfilled

WALKING STRAIGHT PATHSHow often to we heed God’s warnings,

or do we ignore to follow what seems to be wise in our own eyes?

“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” – Psalm 91:14-16 NLT

WALKING STRAIGHT PATHS

•Maintain Good Character•Obedience brings blessings and honor•Response can save additional heartache