Jacob: Great Man of Perseverance (5-20-2020)

Great Men of Genesis  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  36:29
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Text: Genesis 32.22-32 Title: “Jacob: A Great Man of Perseverance” Topic: Perseverance / Persistence Series: “Great Men of Genesis” Occasion: Weds 5-20-2020, First FWB Church Duncanvilee Introduction: As we continue our series on the Great Men of Genesis, let us take our Bibles and turn to the 32nd chapter of Genesis Reading of the Text: Gen 32.22-32 Series Review: In this series we have been considering the great men found in the book of Genesis and more importantly have been asking the question, “What was it about them that made them great?” • In the case of Enoch, we saw a man of great devotion who walked with God. • In the case of Noah, we saw a man of great obedience. Noah did everything just as the Lord commanded him. • In the case of Abraham, we saw a great man of faith whose faith was credited to him as righteousness • In the case of Isaac, we saw a great man of prayer. Nearly every time we encounter Isaac in scripture he is either praying of receiving an answer to his prayer. Tonight we will continue the series by examining the life of Jacob. What was it about Jacob that made him a great man? The text we just read gives us a good clue about what it was that made Jacob a great man. I. Jacob was a Great Man of Perseverance A. “I will not let you go” (vs. 26) Jacob wrestled all night, he wrestled until the breaking of day, but notice his statement. “I will not let you go…” This is a testament to his perseverance. He refused to give up or give in. He refused to let go until he was blessed. B. Another example: working for Laban We often think of this as a great love story – that Jacob was willing to serve Laban for 7 years for the hand of Rachel in marriage, and then after being tricked into marrying Leah he was still willing to work an additional 7 years for the hand of Rachel. It is a great love story, but more than that it is a testament to the perseverance of Jacob. II. The Source of Perseverance A. Wrestling – Tribulation and troubles (vs. 24) Jacob spent the night wrestling. Wrestling is a metaphor for struggling with troubles and problems. Life is full of tribulations and trials that must be struggled with, and Jacob like everyone else had his share. Specifically Jacob was concerned about having to face his brother whom he had cheated as he returned to Canaan. I’m sure that was a worrisome trial for Jacob. But Paul reminds us that these troubles and sufferings of life produce perseverance. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Rom 3.3 B. Struggled With God – (vs. 28) Jacob did not just struggle with his problems, he also wrestled with the Lord. And this reminds us that perseverance doesn’t just come from overcome our trials and problems in life, but that perseverance is a gift from God May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15.5-6 III. The Blessings of Perseverance I will not let go unless you bless me. (vs. 26) A. Jacob expected to be blessed for his perseverance. And he was blessed (vs. 28). B. What the specific blessing was that Jaco received we are not told, but we are told that Jacob’s perseverance made him a different person. The change in Jacob is reflected in two ways. 1. The Limp (vv. 25, 31-32) – Serves as a constant reminder a great truth, namely that you don’t persevere through a great struggle without it changing you. 2. Name change (vs. 28) – Significant! Jacob meant “deceiver,” a name that he had lived up to. He deceived his brother and stolen his birthright. He deceived his father to steal the blessing. He deceived his father-in-law and stole most of his flocks (which he no doubt felt was fair after the way his father-in-law had deceived him). Nearly everything that he had he had received as a result of his deceit, which is why he was so afraid to meet his brother in the preceding verses in this chapter (32.1-21). But Israel is usually given as “contends with God.” The name is derived from אֵל the word for God and a verbal root שָׂרָה meaning persist, persevere, exert oneself. As a result, the BDB lexicon suggests the meaning of the name should be “He persevered with God”. This reflects a fundamental change in Jacob’s character and the rest of the story. No longer would he prosper through trickery and deceit. Rather he would be blessed by God for his perseverance. C. What are some of the blessings of perseverance? 1. Character – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;… Rom. 3.3-4 2. Hope – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope Rom. 3.3-4 3. Deliverance – Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth Rev 3.10 4. Future Reward -- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Jas 1.12. IV. Where is Perseverance Needed? A. In Saving Faith But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Heb 10.39 B. In Applying Scripture To Our Lives And Producing Spiritual Fruit But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8.15. C. In Good Deeds To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Rom 2.7 D. In Rejoicing Rejoice always, 1 Thess 5.16 E. In Prayer Rejoice always, pray continually 1 Thess 5.16–17 F. In Thankfulness Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5.16–18. G. In Christian Unity Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Phil 1.27. H. Suffering Trials Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12.12. I. In Suffering Persecution Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2 Thess 1.4. Conclusion: A great need in the church is great men of perseverance and persistence! Men who as a result of their faith in God will not let go but will endure unto the break of day! But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Ti 6.11–14.
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