Doing the right thing is easy—until it costs you something.

In this sermon from Matthew 1:18 –25, we take a closer look at the quiet, courageous obedience of Joseph and what his story teaches us about true righteousness. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and potential shame, Joseph chose compassion over self-protection and obedience over convenience.

This message challenges common assumptions about righteousness and invites us into a faith that protects the vulnerable, makes room for others, and reflects the heart of Jesus—even when it comes at a personal cost.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

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  Why righteousness is more than rule-keeping

  
  


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  How obedience often requires personal sacrifice

  
  


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  What Joseph teaches us about protecting others

  
  


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  How “God with us” transforms strangers into family

  
  


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  Why the church is called to restore gently, not shame publicly

  
  

Whether you’re wrestling with a difficult decision or seeking to live out your faith more faithfully, this sermon offers encouragement and clarity for following God when the path is hard.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18 –25

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Making Room for God’s People

03:20 – When Doing Right Starts to Cost You

07:30 – Rethinking Righteousness

11:45 – Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18 –25

14:00 – Righteousness Protects the Vulnerable

19:30 – Quiet Obedience and Costly Compassion

24:10 – Costly Obedience Makes Room for Others

29:00 – Fear, Calling, and Trusting God

33:40 – Obedience Means Taking Responsibility

38:30 – God With Us Turns Strangers into Family

43:00 – The Church as Family, Not a Crowd

48:20 – Application: Claim Someone This Week

52:10 – Restoring Gently, Not Shaming Publicly

56:00 – Final Challenge and Closing Prayer