SF304 - GOD CHALLENGING JACOB (Genesis 28 10-22)

Genesis 28:10‑22

INTRODUCTION:

The story of Jacob is the story of Jacob...

‑Lying

‑Listening

‑Learning

‑Limping

‑Leaning

In Genesis we see…

God choosing Jacob

God challenging Jacob

God chastening Jacob

God changing Jacob

Sermon Background (Genesis 27)

Jacob has just cheated his blind Father and robbed his older brother of his blessing and birthright.

He has to leave home under a cloud of controversy and conflict.

Isaac sends Jacob away with two words:

A word of instruction

Ø      Don't marry a pagan.  (28:1,2)

A word of inspiration

Ø      Concerning his family (28:3)

Ø      Concerning his future (28:4a)

Ø      Concerning his fortune (28:4b)

So, we find Jacob away from home for the very first time.  He is lonely and frightened.  At this point he is still unsaved.  The memory of Esau's threat still ring in his ears.  With no thought of God he goes to sleep.

1A.      Jacob’s Dilemma (28:10-11)

1B.      Left his security

Jacob had grown up under the protective wing of an overbearing Mother.

2B.      Lost his standing

Jacob's identity was wrapped up in the fact that he was Isaac's son.  No one here knew Isaac suddenly Jacob was no longer important.

3B.      Left all alone

This was probably the first time Jacob had ever spent a night alone.

2A.      God’s Grace (28:12‑15)

1B.      What God proved to Jacob (28:12)

The Proposal

Man dreams he proposes to his girl friend.  What does that mean?  It means that you have more sense when he was asleep than when he was awake.

He was a personal God.

Heaven was a real place.

Help was available in Christ.

2B.      What God promised to Jacob (28:13‑15)

Promise of God's purpose (28:13)

Promise of God's plan (28:14)

Promise of God's presence (28:15)

3A.      Jacob’s Faith (28:16‑22)

1B.      The immediate expression of his faith (28:16-19)

What He declared (28:16-17)

Ø      The glory of God’s presence (28:16)

Ø      The greatness of God’s person (28:17)

What He did (28:18-19)

Ø      Jacob acted promptly (28:18a)

Jacob wasted no time getting started with the Lord.

Ø      Jacob acted purposefully (28:18b-19)

Public statement:

"Luz" = separation

"Bethel" = house of God

Pictures what had happened in Jacob's life.

Public Symbol

Set up a pillar

2B.      The inadequate confession of his faith (28:20-22)

It was self-centered not God-centered

It expressed a doubt concerning God’s promises, “If”

Jacob attempts to bargain with God.

Application

How is God challenging you?

What has God graciously brought in your life to cause you to look to Him?

How has God revealed His person and His promises to you?

How have you responded?