Jacob to Israel
Unpromising beginnings God’s Training Camp
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It’s all in the name: Gen 25v21-26
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How did Jacob live up to his name?Gen 25v33; Gen 27v35,36;
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A compromised inheritance? Gen 27v41-45;28v1-4
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Jacob meets his match: Laban!
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He lives in a family filled with strife: Leah &Rachel
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And tries to leave early: 30v25f
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But he is changing, growing: 31v3f, although31v19-21,26
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit for they theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Matt 5v3)Read Gen 32v3-8
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Why is Jacob fearful?
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What does he do?
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Has he changed at all?
Read Gen 32v9-12
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Can you describe the different parts of Jacob’s prayer?
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How would you describe Jacob’s faith in light of his prayer?
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Has he changed at all?
‘It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.’ (Rom 9v16)
The river Jabok marked the boundary of the Promised Land. Jacob arrives alone, just as he left 20years previously (32v24). Will God allow him to return? Is he to accept the covenant blessings?
Read Gen 32v24-32
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Who won the wrestling match?
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How did Jacob manage to stay upright with his hip wrenched?
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Why did the two men part?
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How was this fight the final significant step in Jacob / Israel’s spiritual growth?
A Story for You & Me
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Broken – not trusting in his own strength and guile: Blessed are the poor in spirit
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Dependent on God – leaning wholly on Him: Blessed are the meek
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Victorious –receiving the blessings of the covenant / gospel: … for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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