Sermon Notes
Unexpected Invitations
When Right Isn’t Easy
December 7, 2025
LIVING FOR OTHERS’ APPROVAL
Have you ever made a decision based on what someone else would think?
SAME STORY, NEW PERSPECTIVE
MATTHEW 1:18–19
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
MATTHEW 1:20–23
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
CONFLICTED
What is the right thing to do?
JESUS & THE LAW – Matthew 12:11–12
Jesus shows us the law is fulfilled through love.
“It is lawful to do good.”
GOD WITH US
Matthew 1:24–25
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Isaiah 7:14 — Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Leviticus 26:12 – I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
Immanuel means Joseph never had to do the hard thing alone and neither do we.
Sometimes the hardest obedience is the kind no one sees.
CHOOSE RIGHT OVER EASY
- Forgiving someone who hasn’t apologized
- Choosing presence over busyness
- Reconciling a damaged relationship
God’s invitation usually means choosing what is right over what is easy.
“Where is God inviting you to choose what is right over what is easy?”