Trust

Week 4 - Trust

Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 7:10-16

Fellowship – Snacks (10 minutes)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants discuss the following: “Name a time when you were apprehensive or reluctant to trust in someone or something (smart phone or GPS).”

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

• What does Joseph’s attempt to quietly dismiss Mary reveal about Joseph? [Though he was righteous (v. 19), he did not do the lawful or “righteous” action, which would have been to publicly shame her, so that Mary and her family would receive the shame instead of Joseph and his family. It probably also revealed Joseph’s inability to trust what Mary told him.]
• What does Joseph’s response to the angel’s message reveal about Joseph? [He trusted God (through God’s messenger of the angel) and was willing to take on shame (marrying a woman carrying another man’s baby). He was willing to be obedient, even at the cost of his reputation.]
• What might Joseph’s actions reveal about the role of trust in the journey of discipleship? [Discipleship is rooted not in certainty, but in a trust-filled relationship with God. There will be times of uncertainty, impracticality, and even the seemingly foolish action.]

Read: Isaiah 7:1-16 (link will only include 10-16)

• How does God reassure King Ahaz (king of the much smaller kingdom compared with Aram and Israel) despite the plans of King Rezin and King Pekah? (Through the prophet Isaiah’s words of affirmation that God will not allow their plans to prosper.)
• Why is King Ahaz’s hesitancy to ask for a sign an indication of lack of trust? [He might be signaling that he doesn’t think he needs a sign or help from God. The fact that God grows weary in verse 13 indicates as much.]
• When do you find it difficult to trust God?
• How might this group help you to trust God more?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or similar prayer: