GOD EXALTS THE HUMBLE. (Genesis 33:1-20)
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SERMON NOTES:
Becoming Israel
Genesis 33:1-20
God exalts the humble
The fear of God leads to a trust in God. (1-3)
Every good gift is from God. (4-11; James 1:17)
God is faithful to keep His promises. (12-20)
study questions:
For Next Lesson Questions
Genesis 33:1-20
- Read Genesis 1-3. When have you been the most scared of something? What was the occasion? Jacob saw an army coming to, presumably, kill him and his family. What strategy does Jacob employ? Was this action done out of faith, fear, or a mixture of both? Why? Why does Jacob place Rachel and Joseph last (2b)? Why does Jacob go on first to meet the 400 men? When you are in a tough situation, how much should you pray and how much should you plan?
- Read Genesis 4-11. Esau sprints towards Jacob to give him a hug! Why is this so shocking? Think back to all the ways Jacob tricked Esau (Gen. 27). How had God answered Jacob’s prayer in chapter 32:9-12? When have you seen God answer your prayers? Have you ever been in conflict with a family member? What joy it must have felt to be reconciled! In humility, Jacob obeyed God with great courage. For followers of Christ, what does peacemaking look like (Matt. 7:5; 5:24; 18:15)? Jacob wrestled with God and with others. Why does Jacob say “…your face…is like seeing the face of God…” in verse 10?
- Read Genesis 12-17. Esau graciously offers to provide resources and protection for Jacob’s journey. What reasons does Jacob give in declining this offer? Do you think he was being honest? Why does Jacob abruptly change his travel plans in verse 17 (36:6-7)? Jacob pauses in Succoth which indicates a rest for his family and livestock.
4. Read Genesis 18-20. Jacob finally arrives in the land of Canaan, the promised land of the Abrahamic Covenant. When have you made big life decisions based on your faith in God? Jacob erects an altar as an act of worship to God. As Christians, what do we do as acts of worship to God (1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 5:19)? Why is it significant that Jacob uses his new name Israel on the altar? How has Christ changed your identity? How do you live in that new identity?