CPC Discussions: 2nd Week in Advent "God with the Shameful" Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

Monday, December 7, 2020

2nd Week in Advent "God with the Shameful" Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) What does Matthew tell us about Jesus in this passage? How does Joseph respond to the news of Mary being with child?

2) Jesus was fully human and fully God. How does this truth encourage you?

3) Jesus was born into a shameful situation and died a shameful death, yet without sin. Does this help you in your life as a believer? How? Can you give share some examples?

4) Reflect on a time when you have felt irrelevant or illegitimate in your own life. Why does it matter that Jesus experienced these realities in His life here on earth?

5) Our "God with us" story is too great/amazing to keep to ourselves. Who in your life needs to hear that they are worth your time? Who needs to hear that Christ wants their shame?

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Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/