REGARDLESS OF MY DYSFUNCTION, ALL IS WELL BECAUSE GOD'S PLANS ALWAYS PREVAIL. (Genesis 27:1-45)
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SERMON NOTES:
Hope in Dysfunction
Genesis 27:1-45
Regardless of my dysfunction, all is well because God’s plans always prevail.
Scene 1 – Short-sighted desires. (1-4)
Scene 2 – Secretive manipulation. (5-17)
Scene 3 – Deception. (18-29)
Scene 4 – Agony and despair. (30-40)
Scene 5 – Hatred, anger and broken relationships. (41-45)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson: Genesis 27:1-46
1. Read verses 1-4. What did Isaac intend to do, and what instructions did he give Esau? Read Genesis 25:23. What was God’s plan regarding the twins Jacob and Esau? Do you believe Isaac knew about this plan, and were Isaac’s actions supporting God’s plan? Why do you think Isaac was doing this (see also Genesis 25:28)? Have you ever knowingly acted in contradiction to what you know God would want you to do? what desires, motivations caused you to do this?
2. Read verses 5-17. What did Rebekah plan to do so that Jacob could receive Isaac’s blessing? Considering Genesis 25:23, was her desire for Jacob to be blessed right or wrong? Why or why not? How would you describe Jacobs concerns about his mom’s plan? Was he more concerned about getting caught or sinning against God? When you have come to recognize sin in your life, do you typically regret getting caught (consequences for your actions) or are you most concerned that you have sinned against God (see also Psalm 51:4)? How can you grow in being most concerned and grieved by how your sin is against God and wrongs Him?
3. Read verses 18-29. What did Jacob do, and how did it turn out? What different senses did Jacob consider in misleading his father? What does this show you about the hearts of Jacob and Rebekah?
4. Read verses 30-40. How did Isaac respond to the deception (see verse 33), and why do you think he responded this way? How did Esau respond and feel? Why do you think he responded so strongly? Have you ever felt like Esau in your life? How did you handle it?
5. Read verses 41-46. How did Esau feel about Jacob? What did Jacob and Rebekah do about this? As you consider Genesis 25:23 and this entire situation of deception, could this situation of such anger and hate have been avoided? What could Rebekah and Isaac have done to promote peace and harmony in their family? What things can you do to promote peace and prosperity in your family?
6. So what. What is the one thing you want to take away from this passage that you can apply to your life this week?