Scandal (Study Guide)

“Scandal”
Sermon Study Guide for December 10, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19

Scandals in the news…

  1. Joseph…and Mary
Wedding planning…

“She was found…”

Joseph as faithful Israelite
Deuteronomy 22:23-24

2. Genealogy
Tamar - Genesis 38
Rahab - Joshua 2
Ruth - Ruth 1-4
Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11

3. Our Difficult Times
Struggles…

…And scandals…

John 4
John 8
Luke 7
1 Corinthians 1:23 - skandalon
John 8:41; Isaiah 8:14
Questions to Discuss or Ponder:
  1. How have you responded to the rash of modern-day scandals? How do you think the 21st century news media would cover the story of Joseph and Mary?
  2. Before the dream that came to him, what did “faithfulness” mean and look like to Joseph? How did the dream change his plans?
  3. What does it mean to say that “God called Joseph to scandal”? How do you react to that statement?
  4. Why, do you think, did Matthew include these four women in the genealogy of Jesus?
  5. What example did Jesus set for his followers in dealing with “scandalous” people?
  6. How should the church respond to those who are “scandalized” or those who are going through rough times?

Scripture for the Week:
Monday - Genesis 38:1-26
Tuesday - Joshua 2:1-21
Wednesday - 2 Samuel 11:1-27
Thursday - John 4:1-26
Friday - John 8:1-11
Saturday - Luke 7:36-50

Resources for Advent
Card, Michael. Matthew: The Gospel of Identity. InterVarsity, 2013.


Hamilton, Adam. Faithful. Abingdon, 2017.

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