Christian Family Fellowship - PDO, Muscat.
TOPIC: The Life Of Jacob (#2)
(Text: Genesis 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 & Galatians 6: 7)
Last week we completed the Ist pan of our study on the Life of Jacob. We looked at the birth of Esau and Jacob and also leant how and why the Abrahamic convenant and blessings were bestowed upon Jacob instead of Esau. He (Esau) had a birthright of eternal value, yet a short spell of hunger made him exchange this for just a plate of red pottage (25:29-34). Many Christians are like Esau today; often losing sight of the future glory that God has promised.
Abrahamic Convenant Confirmed in Jacob by God (Genesis 28: 10-22)
In this chapter God continued to demonstrate His love for Jacob. Read God’s promises to Jacob (28:13-15 and compare 12:2-3; 26:3-4. What truth is revealed about God?. In vs 18-22, we see Jacob’s response to God’s presence and promise. The vow he made clearly shows that he appreciated God’s grace. What are the practical things we can do as believers to demonstrate our appreciation of God’s grace and presence in our lives?.
Jacob and his Uncle Laban
Genesis 29:13-30. Laban is like many of us, generous today (v15) but selfish the fbllowing day (vs 22-27). This is why’ we should not put our trust in any man
Gen. 30:26-43, 31:1-13. Jacob had served Laban faithfully for 20 years and now wanted to return home. Why did Laban desire to retain him?. What power was behind the bringing forth of ringstraked, speckled or spotted cattles and rams?. Based on Genesis 31:1-13, What was the reason for the divine intervention regarding Jacob’s wages or prosperous breeding results?. Read 31: 38-42. How would you summarize Jacob’s work ethics?. Jacob the deceiver, is now himself being deceived (29:25, 31:7-8, 31:38-42). See Gal. 6:7.
Jacob’s Return to Canan:
I). Reconciliation with Esau
ii). His troubles in Canan
iii). Total rededication unto the Lord.
i). Reconciliation with Esau
Read Gen.32:1-12. In obedience to God’s command in Gen.31:3,13, Jacob continued his journey back home. The angels of the Lord met with him to assure him of God’s presence and protection (Gen 28 15, 31:3). Jacob was in great fear and distress (v7), as he was about to meet Esau whom be had cheated. What 2 things did he do?.
Jacob’s prayer in verses 9-12 is a model for our praying. Remembers who God is; what He has commanded and promised and how unworthy he, Jacob is. He then pleads for God’s help. From what you see in Jacob’s prayer what are the most important things he understands about God’s personality?. Ref. the question "What 2 things did he do?", what would you say about the timing of his prayer?. What do you think Jacob should have done?. Always get the order of things right. God expects us to do what He says, not to ask for a blessing on what we have planned independently.
Read Gen.32:22-32. How would you summarise what Jacob learnt most about God in this passage?
Note that God met Jacob when he was alone (v.24). God’s deepest dealings with us do not usually occur when we are in the midst of a crowd. Do you spend time alone with Him each day so that He may bless you? In this encounter with God, Jacob became a broken man with a new name. His proud self-confidence was visibly broken,
Read Gen. 33:1-20 From this passage how would you describe Esau’s character at this stage in his life?. What does this chapter reveal about Jacob’s character?. As you see the healing in the relationship between Esau and Jacob, what factors would you say were most important in bringing about that healing?.
(ii&iii). Jacob’s troubles in Canan and total rededication unto the Lord (to be treated next week). Gen. 34 and 35.