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Recurring Dreams: Fear and Faith - Silver City Church

Sermon Overview

“Recurring Dreams: Fear and Faith,” from Matthew 2:19–23, concludes Silver City’s Advent series on divine dreams in Matthew 1–2. Joseph’s final two dreams guide the family from Egypt back to Israel and Nazareth, confronting fear with God’s providence. Herod’s death prompts return, but Archelaus’s reign sparks dread, resolved by another dream leading to humble Nazareth, fulfilling prophecies of the Nazarene—holy Nazarite and humble outcast. The sermon portrays Joseph’s weariness amid upheaval, yet God’s faithful guidance. Believers are called to refocus fears on God’s sovereignty, arising in faith, trusting His plan in uncertainty, and living holy and humble lives under Immanuel’s reign.

Key Takeaways
Joseph’s Weary Journey
After refuge in Egypt, an angel dreams Joseph to return to Israel (2:19-20). The sermon portrays Joseph’s exhaustion from upheaval—betrothal crisis, Bethlehem birth, Magi visit, Egyptian flight—yet God’s consistent guidance sustains him.
Fear in a New Threat
Archelaus’s reign sparks Joseph’s fear (2:22), the only explicit fear in Matthew 1–2. The sermon empathizes with Joseph’s dread after trusting God through trials, showing fear as human amid uncertainty.
Final Dream to Nazareth
Warned in a dream, Joseph settles in despised Nazareth (2:23), fulfilling “Nazarene” prophecies—holy Nazarite and humble outcast. The sermon highlights God’s providence directing even fear for greater purpose.
Refocus Your Fears
Joseph brings fear to God, arising in faith. The sermon calls believers to refocus fears on God’s sovereignty, turning dread into audacious faith, arising to obey amid uncertainty.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Return from Egypt

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-20
Devotional Idea: Trust God’s timing in transitions.
An angel dreams Joseph to return to Israel after Herod’s death (2:19-20). The sermon portrays hope after exile. Reflect on seasons of waiting or change. The sermon shows God’s guidance in upheaval. How can you trust His direction today? Ask God to renew your hope in His plan.

Day 2: Joseph’s Fear

Scripture: Matthew 2:22
Devotional Idea: Bring your fears to God.
Joseph fears Archelaus’s reign (2:22). The sermon empathizes with fear after faithfulness. Reflect on current fears amid trust. The sermon shows God meets weakness with guidance. How can you bring dread to Him? Ask God to replace fear with faith.

Day 3: Warning in a Dream

Scripture: Matthew 2:22
Devotional Idea: Obey God’s warnings promptly.
Warned in a dream, Joseph withdraws to Galilee (2:22). The sermon highlights obedience in fear. Reflect on times God redirected you. The sermon calls for arising in faith. How can you obey His guidance? Ask God for sensitivity to His voice.

Day 4: The Nazarene

Scripture: Matthew 2:23
Devotional Idea: Embrace humility as Jesus did.
Jesus is called a Nazarene, fulfilling prophets’ words of rejection and holiness. The sermon portrays Nazareth as despised yet holy. Reflect on embracing humility in scorned places. The sermon calls for holy, humble living. How can you live as a “Nazarene”? Ask God to cultivate humility.

Day 5: Refocus Your Fears

Scripture: Matthew 2:22
Devotional Idea: Turn fears into faith through God’s presence.
Joseph’s fear leads to God’s dream guidance. The sermon urges refocusing fears on God’s sovereignty. Reflect on deeper fears. The sermon shows fears as seedbed for faith. How can you bring dread to God? Ask Him to turn fear into audacious faith.

Reflection and Application Questions
  • Reflection: How does Joseph’s fear in Matthew 2:22 reveal the human struggle even after faithfulness?
  • Reflection: Why does God guide Joseph to despised Nazareth, and how does this fulfill “Nazarene” prophecies?
  • Reflection: How do recurring dreams in Joseph’s life model God’s providence amid uncertainty?
  • Application: Name a current fear; bring it to God in prayer this week, asking Him to refocus it into faith.
  • Application: Obey a prompting from God despite fear, arising to act as Joseph did in trust.
Scripture References and Cross-References
  • Main Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23
  • Cross-References: Numbers 6 (Nazarite vow), Judges 13 (Samson as Nazarite), Isaiah 9:1-7 (light in Galilee), Isaiah 53:3 (despised and rejected), Psalm 118:22 (rejected stone), Proverbs 24:10 (faint in adversity), John 14:27 (peace I give)
Westminster Confession Connection

Matthew 2:19-23’s portrayal of God’s guidance through dreams amid fear aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 5, Section 1, which teaches God’s wise providence governing all things for His glory and the good of His church. The sermon’s emphasis on Joseph’s fear resolved by divine direction reflects this sovereign care, using uncertainty to fulfill prophecy in humble Nazareth. Believers are called to refocus fears on God’s faithfulness, arising in obedience as Joseph did.

Westminster Confession Citation

Chapter 5, Section 1: God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence… [Scripture proofs: Hebrews 1:3; Daniel 4:34-35; Psalm 135:6]

Catechism Connections

Shorter Catechism, Q. 11: What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are, His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions. [Scripture proofs: Psalm 145:17; Hebrews 1:3]
Larger Catechism, Q. 18: What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to His own glory. [Scripture proofs: Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 28:29; Matthew 10:29-31]

Sermon Resources
Dreaming of Christmas: Matthew 1-2