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BACK TO BETHEL
GEN. 35:1-3 / 10-30-22 / SUN

I. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE MUST GET RID OF.

A. For Jacob, those things were false idols--35:2a.

Genesis 35:2
So, Jacob said to his household and to all
who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign
gods you have with you.......

1. It's amazing to think that someone who wrestled

an angel would have false gods.

2. Where did they come from? His two wives.

B. The Bible makes it clear, though, that God demands

first place in our lives-Exo. 20:3.

Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before me.

II. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE NEED TO BE

CLEANSED OF.

A. Jacob knew his life needed to be cleansed-35: 2.

Genesis 35:2
So Jacob said to his household and to all
who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign
gods you have with you, and purify
yourselves.............

1. The word "purify" applies to both gold or a

disease.
 2

2. King David knew the importance of being

clean on the inside-Psa. 51:7.

B. Jesus also knew how important inner cleansing

is-Matt. 23:25- 26.

III. THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT NEED TO BE

DIFFERENT.

A. Jacob needed some different clothes-35:2. New

clothes symbolizes being different.

B. Paul cautions Christians about blending in-

Rom. 12:2.

IV. THERE IS A PRIORITY THAT NEEDS TO BE SET

STRAIGHT.

A. Jacob was ready to change his priorities in life

and go back to Bethel-35:3.

B. Why back to Bethel? What was significant about

this place?

1. The name means "House of God".

2. It's where Jacob had his dream of the

staircase to heaven.

3. Jacob is the one who gave this place this

name because he knew it's where he found
God.

C. Back to Bethel then for Jacob meant back to

God.