December 20, 2024

Peace on Earth - Fear Not, God Uses Costly Obedience, Part 1

29 minutes

In the Christmas story, Joseph often feels like a background character—but in this program, Chip reveals that his role is far more significant than it seems. Join Chip in Matthew chapter 1 as he explores the pivotal role Jesus’ earthly father played in God’s plan. Learn what Joseph’s quiet presence teaches us about obedience, trust, and faith in action.

Main Points

The Christmas Message = “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.”

Exhibit A – Zechariah & Elizabeth: Elderly, barren couple receive a miracle baby who becomes the first prophet in 400 years. --Luke 1:13

Exhibit B – Mary: Humble, peasant girl from the wrong side of town becomes the “earthly mother of God.” --Luke 1:30-33

Exhibit C – Joseph: Blue collar worker marries unwed mother and becomes the “earthly father” of the Savior of the world. --Matthew 1:20-21

The Question: Why are so many people disappointed and disillusioned with God’s “wonderful” life?

The Answer: Joseph teaches us the high cost of receiving God’s wonderful plans.

The Context: A genealogy that challenges and upends Matthew’s audience’s worldview and expectation about the Messiah.

The Situation: Not so wonderful. --Matthew 1:18

Joseph’s Response: A painful dilemma. --Matthew 1:19

The Angel’s Intervention – “Fear Not!” --Matthew 1: 20-23

Joseph’s Obedience – Immediate, radical & costly. --Matthew 1: 24-25

The Price --John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12-16

The Path --John 12:24, Luke 9:23-25

The Process --Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4

The Product --Ephesians 2:10, 3:20-21

Broadcast Resource

Download Free MP3

Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

The Four Spiritual Laws by Bill Bright

The Fellowship of the Unashamed by Unnamed Rwandan man

Year End Match

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About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.

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