12.10.23 | ARE YOU LISTENING
Matthew 1:18-19 NKJV
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
Matthew 1:20
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:22-23
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:24-25
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
IT’S A MIRACLE: MUSLIM MEN IN GAZA SEEK CHRIST AFTER OVER 200 DREAM OF JESUS ON THE SAME NIGHT!
Missionary in the Middle East - Muslims know following Jesus will cost them everything. Dreams encourage them along the way and give them comfort to know that Jesus is with them.
Betrothal was a legal agreement and could only be broken through death or divorce.
Matthew 1:20
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
1.HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD
Our God speaks today!
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Every believer can hear the Voice of God!
John 10:27
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
Our God speaks in different ways at different times
a. He speaks through the Written Word
Psalm 119:105
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:133
Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
b. He speaks through dreams and visions and the gifts of His Spirit
Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.
c. He speaks through the inner voice of the Spirit.
Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.
2. OBEY HIS VOICE
Matthew 1:24
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.
We not only want to hear the voice of God, we want to obey the voice of God.
Shema – Hear and Obey!
Psalm 81:13-14
Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries.
Hebrews 3:7-8
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trail in the wilderness.”
Joy Dawson – Unconditional obedience to God should be our love response to Him for His unconditional love for us.
3. STEP INTO HIS PLAN
Joseph heard the Voice of God, he obeyed the Voice of God, and he stepped into the plan of God for his life.
Joseph was called to be the earthly father of Jesus the Messiah.
Matthew 2:13
Now when they departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
Obedience to the Voice of God enables us to walk in the plans and purposes the Lord has for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
God’s ultimate plan and purpose for our lives is for us to know Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:21
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for he will save His people from their sins.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into to him and dine with him and he with Me.
Discussion Questions
Have you heard the Voice of God?
How did he speak to you?
Why is it important to hear the Voice of God?
What are some of the things that hinder you from hearing the voice of God?
What action steps will you take today to grow in hearing the Voice of God?