Sermon Sandwich
Sermon Sandwich—Joseph’s Influence on Jesus’ Righteousness
Trinity Church, 1589 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438
www.trinityedisto.com 843-869-3568
4th Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2022
Holy Eucharist - Renewed Ancient Text; 2019 BCP, p.123
Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon Notes
Intro - Parents - Fruit does not fall far from the tree
1. Joseph was a Righteous Man -
Matthew 1:19 - And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
Just - dikaios - pertaining to being in accordance with what God requires, righteous, just.
Righteousness - dikaiosyne - the act of doing what God requires.
Joseph is betrothed to Mary
Matthew 1:18 - When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
2. Joseph is a Considering Man -
Matthew 1:20-21 - But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Consider - enthymeomai - to process information by giving consideration to various aspects, to think about.
Why would Joseph fear to take Mary as his wife? He would lose his righteous reputation.
3. Joseph was Obedient to the Step of Faith he was called to
Matthew 1:24-25 - When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Old Righteousness of Law New Righteousness of Grace
Stay out of jail Go sit with prisoners
Keep clear of sinners Sit at table with sinners
Distant non-defilement Close proximity
Seeking Publicity Serving humbly
Denouncing Sinners Sacrificing for others
Matthew 5:20 - For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, (The Law) you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Gospel is the Good News of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ by which we become the Righteousness of God.
II Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
When we repent of our sin and Believe in his Cross and Resurrection for our salvation, we are given a new identity. We become the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!