The Potter's House

View Original

Divine Guidance: Dreams and Visions Explained [Matthew 1:18-21]

Adam Dragoon

Sermon Summary

This Sunday, we examined the pivotal role that dreams and visions play in the biblical narrative and how they remain relevant in our lives today. We reviewed the Christmas story, highlighting how dreams were pivotal in guiding Joseph and others in the Nativity Story. Joseph's dreams were crucial in protecting Jesus and fulfilling God's plan, demonstrating the importance of being receptive to divine guidance through dreams.

Throughout the Bible, dreams and visions have been instrumental in revealing God's will, from Abraham's covenant to Joseph's dreams in Genesis and Daniel's interpretations to the visions of the Apostle John in Revelation. These instances underscore the significance of dreams as a means for God to communicate with His people, especially when other avenues are unavailable.

In the New Testament, dreams and visions continue to play a vital role, as seen in the lives of figures like Saul of Tarsus and Cornelius. The early church experienced a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, marked by dreams and visions, as prophesied by Joel and affirmed by Peter on the day of Pentecost.

However, it's essential to approach dreams with discernment. Not every dream is from God, and we must weigh them against the truth of Scripture. While dreams can be subjective, they can also be a powerful tool for divine guidance when aligned with God's Word.

In our lives today, God may still use dreams and visions to guide us, especially when His Word is not readily available. We must remain open to His leading, ensuring we do not ignore or dismiss the dreams He gives us. As we seek God's will, let us be faithful to the revelations we have received and trust Him to guide us to His purposes.

Watch/Listen

See this content in the original post

Message Study Guide

Youtube chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:15] - Offering and Building Fund
[45:52] - Story of the Persian Migrant
[48:24] - Dreams in the Christmas Story
[51:52] - Joseph's Dreams
[53:32] - Wise Men's Dream
[55:44] - Joseph's Role in the Nativity
[57:46] - Biblical Examples of Dreams
[01:01:45] - New Testament Visions
[01:03:23] - Pentecostal Blessing of Dreams
[01:08:47] - Discernment in Dreams
[01:12:39] - Warnings Against False Dreams
[01:15:09] - Modern Examples of Dreams
[01:18:44] - Responding to God's Dreams
[01:20:44] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:23:42] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:24:48] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Key Takeaways

  • The Role of Dreams in the Christmas Story: Dreams were crucial in guiding Joseph and others in the nativity narrative, demonstrating the importance of being receptive to divine guidance. Joseph's obedience to his dreams protected Jesus and fulfilled God's plan. [48:24]

  • Biblical Precedent for Dreams and Visions: Throughout the Bible, dreams and visions have been instrumental in revealing God's will, from Abraham's covenant to the visions of the Apostle John. These instances underscore the significance of dreams as a means for God to communicate with His people. [57:46]

  • New Testament Examples: In the New Testament, dreams and visions continue to play a vital role, as seen in the lives of figures like Saul of Tarsus and Cornelius. The early church experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, marked by dreams and visions. [01:03:23]

  • Discernment in Dreams: Not every dream is from God, and we must weigh them against the truth of Scripture. While dreams can be subjective, they can also be a powerful tool for divine guidance when aligned with God's Word. [01:12:39]

  • Openness to Divine Guidance: In our lives today, God may still use dreams and visions to guide us, especially in situations where His Word is not readily available. We must remain open to His leading, ensuring that we do not ignore or dismiss the dreams He gives us. [01:18:44]

Bible Reading

  • Mat 1:18-25 NKJV - 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

  • Gen 37:5-11 NKJV - 5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told [it] to his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 "There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf." 8 And his brothers said to him, "Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. 9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, "Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me." 10 So he told [it] to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What [is] this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?" 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter [in mind].

  • Act 2:17-18 NKJV - 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

Observation Questions

  1. In the Christmas story, how did Joseph respond to the dreams he received, and what were the consequences of his actions? [48:24]

  2. What role did dreams play in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph in Genesis and Daniel? How did these dreams impact their lives and the lives of others? [57:46]

  3. How did the early church experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through dreams and visions, as prophesied by Joel and affirmed by Peter? [01:04:51]

  4. What warnings does the Bible give about false dreams and visions, and how should believers discern the truth? [01:12:39]

Interpretation Questions

  1. Why might God choose to communicate through dreams and visions, especially in situations where His Word is not readily available? [01:10:20]

  2. How can believers discern whether a dream is from God or just a product of their subconscious mind? What role does Scripture play in this discernment process? [01:08:47]

  3. In what ways did Joseph's obedience to his dreams protect Jesus and fulfill God's plan? How does this illustrate the importance of being receptive to divine guidance? [51:52]

  4. How does the prophecy from Joel about dreams and visions in the last days challenge or encourage believers today? [01:04:51]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you through a dream or vision. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:18:44]

  2. How can you ensure that you are open to divine guidance in your life, especially when it comes in unexpected forms like dreams or visions? [01:19:39]

  3. What steps can you take to weigh your dreams against the truth of Scripture to discern if they are from God? [01:12:39]

  4. In what ways can you cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's leading, even when it challenges your current plans or comfort zone? [01:16:51]

  5. How can you support others in your community who may be experiencing dreams or visions from God, ensuring they feel encouraged and guided in their spiritual journey? [01:15:09]

  6. Consider the role of dreams and visions in the early church. How can your small group or church community create an environment that is open to the Holy Spirit's leading in similar ways? [01:03:23]

  7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God might be leading you through a dream or vision. What practical steps can you take this week to explore and act on this guidance? [01:18:44]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love, Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://give.vbph.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠