Cling to the Lord

Cling to the Lord
(Genesis 32)

Pastor David Son

 I. The character of Jacob
Cheater/trickster/liar
Go-getter
Successful

 II. God’s first encounter with Jacob
Jacob’s reaction is prideful

 III. God’s second encounter with Jacob
Jacob’s reaction is humility

 IV. There must be desperation in how we seek the Lord
Necessitated by an understanding of our position versus God’s position
Our need for God

 V. We cling to The Lord on His terms, not on our own
God saves us not for ourselves
Do we put our needs before God?

 VI. Who is truly in control?
True perspective allows us to understand that God is in control
Jesus understood God’s heart and character
How we pray is indicative of our faith
“Help me overcome!” vs “Take it away from me!”

 VII. The cross shows us God’s character
He has already given us everything – what else will He withhold?

 VIII. Jacob was only able to fulfill his destiny and purpose when he understood who
         God was and who he was in God
Jesus understood this and that’s why he was able to go to the cross fearlessly

 IX. Application Questions
What are some of Jacob’s qualities that we find admirable?  Why is this the case?
How do our prayers resemble Jacob’s prayers in Genesis 28 versus Genesis 32?
How do we put our own needs before God?
Do we pray more often “take it away from me” or “help me overcome”?  What does this say about our faith?
What does the gospel tell us about God’s character, abilities, and desire for us?