The God of Who? What’s So Special About Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
Part 3: Jacob – From Supplanter to Conqueror
Genesis 32:24-32

I.    Introduction
      A.  Of the three patriarchs with whom God connected Himself, Jacob surprises me most
            1.  Deception. (Gen. 27)
            2.  Family favoritism, competition, strife (Gen. 25:28; 29:30; 37:3-4)
      B.  How is it that God exalted him to such honor? (Matt. 8:11)
      C.  There are lessons to be drawn from the life of Jacob for us today.
II.   Jacob valued the birthright of his family
      A.  “Esau despised his birthright” (Gen. 25:34)
            1.  He valued the immediate, temporal satisfaction
            2.  He had little use for the long-term, down-the-road promises
      B.  Jacob understood the value of birthright
            1.  He knew that the promises God made would strongly impact his future
            2.  He understood that the value was lasting, the difference eternal
      C.  We would do well to learn this value lesson from Jacob (Heb. 12:15-16)
            1.  Birthright (John 1:12), inheritance (1 Peter 1:3,4)
            2.  We must choose righteousness over sensuality in order to maintain our birthright (Eph. 5:5)
III.  Jacob suffered wrong while doing right.
      A.  There is a lesson in his life that our poor choices sometimes result in suffering.
            1.  Jacob participated in the treacherous deception his mother suggested. (see Gen. 25:23)
            2.  The consequences of the action were painful – and God let him experience them
      B.  Yet Jacob bore hardship with righteousness
            1.  He endured the ill treatment of Laban without reciprocating (Gen. 31:38-41)
            2.  Sought a path of peace, rather than violence, with Esau (Gen. 32:20)
      C.  God was able to bless him in spite of the circumstances (Gen. 31:42; 33:4; 35:27)
      D.  We need to take heed to these lessons about doing right in the face of wrong
             1.  1 Thes. 5:15; Rom. 12:17
             2.  1 Peter 2:21-23
             3.  Rom. 12:19; 2 Thes. 1:6-7
IV.   Jacob actively looked to God for blessings
      A.  Jacob invoked God’s assurance and promise when facing decision (Gen. 32:9-12)
             1.  When he faced the uncertainty of the confrontation with Esau, he appealed to God (32:11)
             2.  He called upon God to remember the promises He had made (32:12)
      B.  Jacob struggled with God, refusing to let go until he received the blessing (Gen. 32:24,ff)
             1.  I’m not sure I understand why God wrestled with Jacob.(Symbolic of the change in Jacob?)
             2.  God used the occasion to give him a new name (32:27-28)
             3.  Because of his willingness to face life’s challenges by calling on God, God blessed him
      C.  We must look to God in faith, knowing He rewards (Heb. 11:6)
             1.  God’s promises to us are sure (Heb. 6:17-19)
             2.  He gives us a new identity in Christ (Rev. 3:12; Eph. 2:12; Rom 8:37)
V.   Conclusion
       A.  We can apply valuable lessons to our lives from Israel
       B.  The examples of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continue to speak to us.
            1.  We don’t have to be perfect – we will make mistakes
            2.  We do have to believe, and act upon, the promises of God.

January 31, 2010
Glenn Record