Sermon Notes

Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man – RC Sproul

The Situation – God, where is my vote?

Sometimes, God intervenes in our lives and makes decisions without seeking our opinions, thoughts, or preferences.

v18 – 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.

• As citizens of the United Kingdom, we have the legal right to vote for the political party of our choice to govern the country.
• Much of our humanity is shaped by democratic principles, which grant us the right to choose how we live our lives within the boundaries of the law.
• Even as members of a local Baptist church, we have the right to vote on matters concerning the direction of the church.
• Mary and Joseph were happily engaged and looking forward to all that married life would bring, only to face a life-changing sovereign intervention beyond their control.

Challenge ~ Like Mary and Joseph, there are moments in our lives when divine interventions shock and surprise us. God may intervene in ways we never prayed for or even thought possible. Can we trust God when decisions are made according to His sovereign will, even if we didn’t specifically ask for them?

The Complication
~ God, this doesn’t make any sense

v19 ~ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

• At first, Joseph had a hard time understanding and accepting that Mary was pregnant. It just didn’t make sense to him.
• Joseph was considering ending the engagement but wanted to ensure that Mary would not be publicly disgraced, as the law could result in her being stoned.

Challenge ~ No one could blame Joseph for his initial reaction; however, behind what seemed nonsensical was a miraculous plan from God. Have you been left baffled by the plan of God in your life?

The Resolution & Celebration
~ Resolve to accept that God’s will is best

v24 – When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

• When we come to faith in God, we not only accept His gift of salvation through Christ, but we also place our faith in God’s sovereign rule over us.
• As the sovereign, God has the authority to give or take away (See Job 1:21).
• We may not always understand every sovereign decision, but we worship God not for what He does, but for who He is.

Challenge ~ Joseph’s spiritual eyes were opened through an angelic vision in a dream. The mystery was made clear to him, leading Joseph to accept the sovereign will of God. Whether we understand or find it difficult to grasp God’s plan, may we trust in His sovereign hand each day. Even when a decision seems unfavourable within the larger context of God’s divine counsel, He knows what is best for us.

Discussion Questions

1. Psalm 115:3 says, Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Have you ever considered that God can do whatever He wants and there are no limitations other than lying or failing. In one sense, God is the only one who is “free” to do as He pleases. What does this mean about His sovereignty?

2. Living in a democracy offers numerous advantages and protects citizens from dictators and autocratic rule. However, how do we reconcile democracy with God’s sovereign will in the world and in our daily lives?

3. How does the sovereign will of God play out in the ministry of the church?

4. Mary’s pregnancy was a shocking revelation. Matthew recounts how Joseph struggled to understand the situation and considered ending the engagement privately. Have you ever grappled with God’s will? What helped you navigate the process??

5. Have you ever desired something so intensely that you convinced yourself it was because God wanted you to have it? Why isn’t a strong desire always a reliable indicator of God’s guidance?

6. Why is Job 1:21 important for understanding and accepting God’s will?