It Matters How You Live

Introduction:

It matters how you live…all the time. Sometimes we get so busy – dealing with pressure and confusion of today that we don’t stop to think about the future. What you do today will indeed purchase your tomorrows. Today God is looking for those He can use for His purposes. He will use us in His service as we dedicate ourselves to a pure heart & a sincere desire to serve. In this lesson we will take in-depth look at Joseph – the earthly father of Jesus.

I. Joseph Listened & Responded to Instruction.

A.        Mt. 1:24 – Joseph awoke from sleep & took Mary as his wife.

B.        Mt. 2:13-14 – told by an angel to flee to Egypt.

1.          2:14 – follows thru – in the middle of the night. No delay.

C.         God chose Joseph because He knew what was in his heart.

1.          He knew Joseph would respond in obedience.

2.         That God’s request would be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.

D.        If God were thinking of choosing you – how many of the above character traits would He be able to count on?

E.         If we want God to bless our future, we must be willing to listen in the present.

II. Joseph ruled over instinct.

A.        Mt. 1:25 - Personal purity is about personal sacrifice.

B.        For Joseph – obeying God through personal sacrifice meant:

1.          Completely disrupting his life plans.

2.         Explaining to friends/family why he was doing something that seemed unreasonable.

C.         Can we be counted on to patiently & compassionately love the people that God places in our care – even if it requires personal sacrifice?

1.          Are we willing to pay a personal price to be used of God?

2.         Is there anything/anyone in my life that I am not willing to give up?

a)          Relationship? Sports? Club? Activity? Time? Money? Attitude?

III. Joseph responded immediately.

A.        We often want to know how we can be used of God & what His plan is for our life.

1.          Obedience in the basics is key.

2.         What are the basics?

a)          Excellence in daily life; Treating others respectfully

b)         Being willing to serve others; Being on time; Obeying rules

3.          Deut. 12:28

B.        With Joseph, it was because of his day in and day out obedience that God chose him.

IV. Joseph had a reputation of excellence.

A.        Joseph was a man who:

1.          Tender/caring/respectful of women; Dependable

2.         Committed to God and doing right; sought after holiness.

B.        What is one thing on the above list you could focus on in building your reputation?

C.         Your reputation is your most valuable possession.

1.          The way you walk is the way you will be remembered.

2.         It is easier to keep a reputation than to regain it.

Conclusion:

A.        It matters how you live when you want your life to matter in the future.

B.        Begin today by making the right decisions. Move in faith. Obey the gospel!