Jacob: From Independence to Dependence

Jacob: From Independence to Dependence

 (Genesis 25-32)
Rev. Brian Lee

 I. Jacob’s Characteristics
Determined (“Grabber”) 25:26
Manipulative and Deceiving (25:29-34; 27:35-36)
Attempted to claim God’s promise in his own way (25:23)
Selfish (34:30)

 II. Consequence of Jacob’s Deceptions
Trials and Hardships, not blessings
Became a Fugitive (Esau, Laban) 
Tricked by Laban (29:19-25) – *reaping the fruit of his deceitful life
Battle of the best deceivers (30:25-43)
Fear & Anxiety (31:31, 32:6-7)
Maturity through trials and struggles
Desperate Prayer  (32:9-12) *Note: Go of my father
Still choosing human wisdom (deception) instead of trusting God’s promise (32:13-21)

 

III. God Wrestles with Jacob
Left Alone (32:24)
Wrestled with God (32:25)
Clinging to God (32:26) – Surrender & Total Dependence on God
Name Changed to Israel (32:27-28)
The Turning Point: I have seen God face to face (32:30)

 IV. Application
In what ways can you identify with Jacob’s characteristics and what he went through in his life?
We often receive a promise from God but have a hard time waiting on God’s timing. How can we better deal with our unbelief?
What do you need to surrender to God in order to show your full dependence on Him?