Summary

This sermon explores how to remain faithful to God even when you don't feel it, using the story of Joseph from Matthew 1:18-25. The pastor shares a personal story about Tony Kafka, a faithful minister who continued tithing even during financial hardship and personal tragedy. Joseph faced a similar test when Mary told him she was pregnant through the Holy Spirit - he had every right under Jewish law to have her stoned, but instead chose to divorce her quietly to preserve her dignity. When an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream confirming Mary's story, Joseph chose faithfulness over his feelings. The sermon emphasizes that faithfulness during difficult times requires fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him - which was us. Jesus himself experienced moments of not feeling it, yet remained faithful to God's will.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Some of us may be in seasons where we don't feel close to You, where faithfulness feels difficult, or where we're struggling to understand Your ways. Lord, help us to be honest about where we are, and give us the courage to seek You even when we don't feel like it. Prepare our hearts to receive Your word and to be transformed by Your truth. We pray that You would speak to each person here according to their specific needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one Christmas tradition from your childhood that you either loved or thought was completely weird?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 1:18-25
2. Hebrews 12:1-3
3. Deuteronomy 22:23-24

Questions

1. Joseph had every legal right to have Mary stoned for adultery, but chose mercy instead. What does this reveal about his character, and how might God use difficult circumstances to reveal our true character?
2. The pastor mentioned that Joseph would live with people whispering behind his back for the rest of his life. How do you handle situations where doing the right thing comes with social consequences or misunderstanding?
3. Mary had to tell Joseph she was pregnant through the Holy Spirit. How do you think you would have reacted in Joseph's position? What does this teach us about faith in impossible circumstances?
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus learned how to be a man from Joseph. What qualities do you think Joseph modeled that we see reflected in Jesus' ministry?
5. Tony Kafka continued tithing even when his family had only one box of macaroni and cheese left. What does this level of faithfulness look like in practical, everyday decisions?
6. The pastor said 'real faith doesn't come from self-help books.' What's the difference between self-help approaches to life's problems and genuine faith-based solutions?
7. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross 'for the joy set before him' - which was us. How does knowing that you were Jesus' motivation change your perspective on your own struggles?
8. The sermon asks 'How do you be faithful when you don't feel it?' Based on this message and your own experience, how would you answer that question?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you've been struggling to remain faithful to God - whether it's in your finances, relationships, work, or personal habits. Instead of waiting to 'feel' motivated, choose to take one concrete action that demonstrates faithfulness in that area. Additionally, spend time each morning this week 'fixing your eyes on Jesus' through prayer, scripture reading, or simply quiet reflection on His character and what He's done for you.

Key Takeaways

1. Faithfulness to God doesn't depend on our feelings - it's a choice we make regardless of circumstances
2. Joseph chose mercy and grace over his legal rights, modeling the character that God desires in us
3. When we don't feel close to God, the solution is to fix our eyes on Jesus and remember what He endured for us
4. Jesus himself experienced moments of not wanting to do God's will, yet remained faithful through the cross
5. True faithfulness often requires perseverance through shame, misunderstanding, and social consequences

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Joseph, who chose faithfulness over his feelings and mercy over his rights. Thank You even more for Your own example of enduring the cross for the joy of our salvation. We confess that there are times when we don't feel close to You, when faithfulness feels difficult, and when we're tempted to give up. Help us to fix our eyes on You, to remember that You ran to us first, and to choose faithfulness even in the hard moments. Give us the strength to persevere in our race, knowing that You are both the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For those who need to take a step toward You today, give them courage. For those who are weary, renew their strength. We trust that as we seek You with all our hearts, You will be found. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.