“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25 NASB1995
Notes from John MacArthur Study Bible
1:12 Blessed. See notes on Mt 5:4, 10, 11. Believers who successfully endure trials are truly happy (cf. 5:11). perseveres. See note on v. 3. In this context, it also describes the passive, painful survival of a trial and focuses on the victorious outcome. Such a person never relinquishes his saving faith in God; thus this concept is closely related to the doctrine of eternal security and perseverance of the believer (see note on Mt 24:13; cf. Jn 14:15, 23; 1Jn 2:5, 6, 15, 19; 4:19; 1Pe 1:6–8). trial. See note on v. 2. approved. Lit. “passed the test” (see note on v. 2, “trials”). The believer has successfully and victoriously gone through his trials, indicating he is genuine because his faith has endured like Job’s. crown of life. Best translated “the crown which is life.” “Crown” was the wreath put on the victor’s head after ancient Greek athletic events. Here, it denotes the believer’s ultimate reward, eternal life, which God has promised to him and will grant in full at death or at Christ’s coming (see notes on 2Ti 4:8; Rev 2:10; cf. 1Pe 5:4).
bible.com/bible/100/rom.2.1.NASB1995
Father, may we never take lightly, that we stand guilty before you, yet through faith not in our own works, but through Jesus, sacrifice on the cross, for our sin, you have granted us life, both now, and eternally. May we never lift up our selves, higher than others. We stand guilty as they do, yet your grace sets all men right with you when they believe in Jesus. Amen and Amen.
“And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
Matthew 19:26 NASB1995
“Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.””
Matthew 9:29 NASB1995
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,”
Ephesians 3:20 NASB1995
bible.com/bible/100/2pe.3.9.NASB1995
www.bible.com/100/psa.100.4-5.nasb1995
www.bible.com/100/psa.126.5.nasb1995
Living Waters 