2. Joseph goes above and beyond in his relationship with Mary
Joseph goes above and beyond in his relationship with Mary. Am I willing to do the same for the glory of God?

3. Going above and beyond… 1) Includes spiritual preparation.

4. “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man…” Matthew 1:18-19a

5. on the rock.’” Matthew 7:24-25
Building on the Rock
“’Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation
on the rock.’” Matthew 7:24-25

6. 2 Aspects of the Rock:
a) Jesus

7. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25

8. “So also Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Galatians 3:6

9. 2 Aspects of the Rock:
Jesus
b) Spiritual Growth

10. “I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”
Romans 6:19

11. Going above and beyond… Shows us how to handle pain.
“…and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce
her quietly.”
Matthew 1:19b

12. 1st Century Courtship/Marriage
Parental Arrangement
Engagement
Marriage

13. When hurt…
a) Address the issue.

14. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you
also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

15. When hurt…
Address the issue.
b) Don’t attack.

16. “He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.” Hebrews 5:2

17. Going above and beyond… 3) Opens the door for God’s miracles.

18. from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21
“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. 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

19. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

20. Going above and beyond… 4) Leads to radical obedience.

21. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him
the name Jesus.”
Matthew 1:24-25