I.
Conviction
– was minded to put her away (1:19). Joseph’s attitude was such (was minded)
that he was determined to do the right thing.
A.
Espoused (ASV - betrothed). Betrothal usually lasted for a period of one year prior to
marriage but was the legal equivalent of marriage. The man and woman were
considered husband and wife but were not to be united sexually. Betrothal could
be terminated by divorce.
B.
Those
persons guilty of adultery during the time of betrothal were often put to death
by stoning – Deuteronomy 22:23-24.
II.
Compassion
– a just man, not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her
away privily (1:19).
A.
Joseph
refused to act out of anger or haste. No indication of any desire for revenge.
Consider Romans 12:17-21.
B.
Notice
Joseph "thought on these things" – Matthew 1:20.
III.
Compliance
(with God’s will) – Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and
took unto him his wife (1:24).
A.
Joseph
found himself "between a rock and a hard place." He saw only two
options (1) divorce Mary quietly, or (2) have her stoned.
B.
But
God presented a third option – marry her. When Joseph believed the angel of
the Lord he was no longer afraid.
IV.
Control
(over self) – Joseph knew her not til she had brought forth her first-born son
(1:25).
A.
Leaves
no doubt as to Jesus being conceived of a virgin. Consider Matthew 1:16, 18, 20.
B.
We
ought to have control over our bodies – I Corinthians 6:19-20, our words –
Proverbs 29:20, Ecclesiastes 5:2, our thoughts – Philippians 4:8, our actions
– Galatians 5:22-23.
