Joy in His Salvation

So far in the Promise series, we have read passages about the coming of Christ from the perspective of Mary and from the perspective of the wisemen. Today, in Matthew 1:18-25, we read it from the perspective of Joseph. And what we find in Matthew 1:21 is that Christ came to solve the greatest problem mankind has ever faced: our sin. Our greatest challenges aren’t the political system, the economy, our personal bank accounts, or anything that we would usually think of. But, because He came to solve that, we can celebrate and find joy in His salvation.

Questions for Meditation

1. Jesus coming to the Earth meant that salvation was provided for us. What was the kind of salvation that the people were looking for, and how was that different than what Jesus was offering? 
2. How is that similar to how we view our problems sometimes? 
3. What is sin, and how does it impact the different areas of our lives? 
4. How has salvation saved us from sin?
5. The child’s name, Immanuel, meant “God with us.” Jesus coming meant that salvation would be with us – that His salvation would be present. How can God being with you help you this week? 
6. There is past salvation – justification – which cancels our sinful debt, there is present salvation – sanctification – which makes us more like Jesus, and and one day we will experience future salvation – when we rest in Heaven. Today, how can God continue the work of salvation in your life (sanctification) by making your thoughts and choices a reflection of Him?