Sermon Tone Analysis

Gen

See Favorites:BBBI/Genesis/Chapters 32-33 for research trail.

Highlights include the article from Maranatha Baptist Journal and Allen Ross’ article in B.Sac, reproduced in “From Creation to Blessing” commentary.

Introduction:

Gen. 32:

Illustration -

What is humility?

It is that habitual quality whereby we live in the truth of things: the truth that we are creatures and not the Creator; the truth that our life is a composite of good and evil, light and darkness; the truth that in our littleness we have been given extravagant dignity.

Humility is saying a radical yes to the human condition.

—Bishop Robert F. Morneau, Green Bay, Wisconsin [Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, 1001 Illustrations That Connect (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2008), 502.]

Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, 1001 Illustrations That Connect (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2008), 502.]

Main Thought: See yourself in Jacob:

1. What’s keeping you from God’s blessings?

()

2. How much are God’s blessings worth to you? ()

3. Why would God bless you? ()

a.

To reveal Himself more personally to you

b.

To bring deep gratitude for salvation and greater dependence on His grace

c.

To pass His testimony to generations to come

Expositional Outline of :

Sub-intro:

Discuss the Context of Jacob’s Return to Canaan and how that impacts the narrative

Body:

I. Blocked from Blessing ()

A. Getting Alone with God ()

Note - Illustrate this blockage by referencing where Moses and his family too were blocked until sin had been dealt with and how that could apply to Jacob’s experience

B. Getting Humbled By God ()

Application: God visits Jacob on the way to Haran and promises to bring him back to Canaan; God then reveals to Jacob that the time had come to return to Canaan; on the way back to Canaan, God blocks Jacob from entering… Friend, God has promises for you in His word; He’s glad when you acknowledge His leading and will in your life; but He’s not going to allow you to be setup for failure by allowing you to bring your bad-baggage with you into His blessings.

You’ll not make there in your own strength like you have in the past.

You’ll have to learn that the arm of flesh will fail you.

Transition: Jacob’s being blocked was only temporary until God could bring Jacob along, now consider...

II.

From Embattled to Begging for Blessing ()

A. Conceited Victor Becomes Clinging Victim ()

Note - Think of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night () and illustrate this account with the way Jesus handled him there

B. Face to Face with Past Sins ()

Note - Jacob is compelled to acknowledge and confess his past rotten character

C. Prevailing with God and Man ()

Note - Jacob’s faith in God wouldn’t allow him to let go of the God that had come to him; what before was prideful self-sufficient strength now has become weakness that refuses to let go of God

D. Learning the Limitations of Self ()

Application: When will you realize that you are no match for God?

What does God have to “touch” you with to bring you to dependence on Him alone for what you need?

That circumstance, that event, that thing you keep pushing for, that will you keep exerting in your own strength… when will you stop fighting and start clinging?

God has forever, but for you, He knows the Son’s coming is near.

Transition: The Roadblock has led to battle and the battle has now ended in brokenness, but this is just ...

III.

A Blessed New Beginning ()

A. Face to Face with God’s Deliverance ()

Note Dr. Morris’ insight on “face to face”

Jacob named the place “Peniel,” meaning “The Face of God.” Jacob marveled greatly that he had actually been allowed to see and touch God, and that he had survived to tell the experience.

This would have been utterly impossible, had not God veiled Himself in human form, of course (; ).

[Henry M. Morris, The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1976), 502.]

Henry M. Morris, The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1976), 502.]

B. Reminders of His All-Sufficient Grace ()

Note - Cross-reference Paul’s “Thorn in the flesh” and God’s grace

“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.

I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

(, KJV 1900)

C. A Lasting Legacy to the Generations to Come ()

Application: What about you has changed since Jesus saved you?

How have you learned to lean on His grace for life?

What has that brought to your home, family and work?

How have you seen the Lord calm your fears when confronted with your past?

Who have you yet to make amends with?

Leave your gift at the altar, go and make it right, then come again and be received of God.

Conclusion:

See yourself in Jacob:

1. What’s keeping you from God’s blessings?

()

2. How much are God’s blessings worth to you? ()

3. Why would God bless you? ()

a.

To reveal Himself more personally to you

b.

To bring deep gratitude for salvation and greater dependence on His grace

c.

To pass His testimony to generations to come