Dig Deeper
Most of what we know about Joseph, the man God chose to be the foster father of
Jesus is found in the first two chapters of Matthew’s gospel, first three chapters of
Luke’s gospel and two verses in John’s gospel quoting others referring to Jesus as his
son (John 1:45 and 6:42). The last mention of Joseph in the New Testament is found
in the parallel verses of Luke 4:22 and John 6:42, “And they said, Is not this Joseph's
son?” What specific details about Joseph do you observe in the following Scriptures?
Luke 2:4; John 1:45--
Matthew 1:20-24; 2:13-14; 2:19-20--
Matthew 1:16; Luke 3:23--
Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3--
Matthew 1:19-20--
Luke 2:21-22; 2:41--
Luke 2:33, 46--
Perhaps the greatest affirmation of any man’s character is said of Joseph in Matthew
1:19, “So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man…” (HSCB) The word “righteous”
comes from the Greek word dikaios referring to those whose character and actions are
“wholly conformed to the will of God, approved of or acceptable of God” (Strong’s,
g1342). What do you glean about the righteous from the following Scriptures?
2 Corinthians 9:10; 11:15--
Ephesians 5:8-10; 6:14--
James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:2--
Philippians 1:11; James 3:18; and 2 Peter 3:13--
Application
Ultimately, Jesus Christ alone is the “Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). At salvation, the
believer is credited (imputed) Christ’s righteousness (Romans 4:5; 10:10; Philippians
3:9; and Titus 3:5). A fruit of being “clothed in Christ’s righteousness” is growing daily
in righteous (holy) living (Philippians 1:11). How is the Holy Spirit leading you to pursue
righteousness (holiness) in your day to day life? How might this be a prerequisite for
being used by God?
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