Sermon Study Guide

Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.

Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Joseph and His 4 Dreams | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, December 24, 2023

Scripture References

Matthew 1:18-25Matthew 1:20Isaiah 41:10Matthew 2:13Isaiah 30:15Psalms 37:7Matthew 2:19Matthew 10:23Matthew 2:22-23

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Batarseh examines the four dreams of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as a model for Gospel-centered obedience. He provides four key insights on overcoming fear, the discipline of waiting, and trusting God's practical guidance.

Key Takeaways

1True obedience requires following God's will even when the social or personal costs are intimidating.
2Waiting on God is an active spiritual discipline where we refrain from human shortcuts while trusting Him to meet our needs.
3God's commands are never arbitrary; they are calculated by His perfect wisdom for our protection and ultimate good.
4Divine guidance often manifests through practical, natural circumstances and common-sense decisions rather than constant spectacular miracles.
5Christian obedience is a response to the gift of righteousness in Christ, not a way to secure a right standing with God.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Joseph is described as a 'silent servant' because the Bible records none of his words. How does his example challenge our modern culture's emphasis on words and social media presence?
2Pastor Batarseh noted that Joseph had to overcome the fear of a potential scandal regarding Mary. What are some 'scandals' or social pressures that make it difficult for believers to obey God today?
3Why is 'waiting' described as a faith-revealing exercise? What does your behavior during seasons of delay reveal about your trust in God?
4Looking at the third dream, how does the belief that God's commands are 'good' change your perspective on difficult or 'unfashionable' biblical teachings?
5God provided gold for the trip to Egypt through the Wise Men before Joseph even knew he had to leave. Can you share a time when God provided for a need before you even realized you had it?
6How does the 'transfer of funds' analogy help explain the difference between religious legalism (trying to be good enough) and the Gospel (trusting in Christ's goodness)?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify one area of your life where fear of others' opinions is preventing you from obeying God, and commit to taking a step of faith this week.
In a situation where you are tempted to 'act in the flesh' to solve a problem, intentionally choose to wait on the Lord through prayer and patience.
Reflect on God's past faithfulness and provision (your 'gold from the Wise Men') to build confidence for the unknown steps ahead of you.
Evaluate your daily routine and decisions to see where God might be practically leading you through natural means and wisdom.
Examine your heart's motivation for obedience: ensure you are acting out of gratitude for the Gospel rather than a fear of rejection.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF

Back to Sermon