Archives for 2020

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.

II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT

   A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR’S HOUSE…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes – Gen 39:1-6

         a. Though a young man, he proved industrious and trustworthy

         b. He made the best of the situation, and God blessed him and          Potiphar

      2. Handsome in appearance, Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife        (39:6b-20)

         a. She tried time and again to seduce him

         b. He resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God –But he refused v. 8 (39:8-9)

         c. Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully

            1) Angering her husband

            2) Resulting in his imprisonment

   B. OVERSEER IN PHARAOH’S PRISON…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison (39:21-23)

         a. Placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete trust

         b. Prospered in his new role by God, who was with him

      2. Interpreter of dreams, Joseph is forgotten then remembered (40:1-41-36)

         READ: 40:7,8, 12,13 (Butler) 16-18 (Baker)

         a. He interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker

            1) Acknowledging God as the interpreter – (40:8)

            2) The dreams are fulfilled, yet Joseph was forgotten – (40:20-23)

         b. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh READ: 41:1, 14-16

            1) Again acknowledging God as providing the answer – Gen 41:            16,25,32

            2) Offering advice in regards to the dreams’ fulfillment (41:33-36)

[Falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might wonder “Why bother to be righteous?”  But Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God.  Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh…]

“And the Lord was with Joseph,”. (Genesis 39:2,21) Joseph served Potiphar well. So well, that he made him overseer of everything that he had.

Potiphar’s wife was a wicked, vile woman. She was unfaithful to her husband and coveted an immoral relationship with Joseph. Joseph kept working. Then came a day that he was alone in the house with Potiphar’s wife. She grab for him by his garment. Joseph ran, she had his garment. She falsely accused Joseph and Potiphar through him is prison.

Have you ever thought how Potiphar must have felt when Joseph became second to Pharaoh in Egypt?

Then in prison, Joseph found favor with the keeper of the prison. Joseph was in charge of all the prisoners. Then the two dreams and interpretations. The butler restored to his butlership and the baker was executed.

This brought the opportunity for God to use Joseph to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

Who would have thought the thirteen years earlier, when Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, that he would appear before the Pharaoh.

God did. Tomorrow, we see what God did and how two nations were rescued.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful

character displayed by this man of God.

“THE CHARACTER OF JOSEPH” Genesis 37-50

INTRODUCTION

1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following likely come to mind…

   a. Abraham, man of faith

   b. Isaac, son of promise

   c. Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel

2. Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph…

   a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others

   b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph

3. Indeed, “The Character Of Joseph” is worthy of careful study…

   a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life

   b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother

   — Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an      illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection

[Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.  We begin with..]

I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN

   A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS…

      1. Telling on his brothers didn’t help – Joseph brought unto his father their evil report (37:2)

      2. Favoritism– by his father certainly hurt – Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children v.3  (37:3-4)

      3. His dreams made it worse – and they hated him yet the more v.5 (37:5-11)

      4. They eventually sold him as a slave – sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite’s   v.28 (37:12-36)

         a. Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him – (37:21-22)

         b. Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead – (37:26-27)

   B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER…

      1. Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from        their siblings

      2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – (37:13)

[One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country and kin, would produce bitterness and hopeless in such a young man.  Yet “The Character of Joseph” really shines as we consider…]

II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT

   A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR’S HOUSE…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes – Gen 39:1-6

         a. Though a young man, he proved industrious and trustworthy

         b. He made the best of the situation, and God blessed him and            Potiphar

      2. Handsome in appearance, Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife         (39:6b-20)

         a. She tried time and again to seduce him

         b. He resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God –But he refused v. 8 (39:8-9)

         c. Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully           

1) Angering her husband

            2) Resulting in his imprisonment

   B. OVERSEER IN PHARAOH’S PRISON…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison (39:21-23)

         a. Placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete trust

         b. Prospered in his new role by God, who was with him

      2. Interpreter of dreams, Joseph is forgotten then remembered (40:1-41-36)

         READ: 40:7,8, 12,13 (Butler) 16-18 (Baker)

         a. He interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker

            1) Acknowledging God as the interpreter – (40:8)

            2) The dreams are fulfilled, yet Joseph was forgotten – (40:20-23)

         b. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh  READ: 41:1, 14-16

            1) Again acknowledging God as providing the answer – Gen 41:

               16,25,32

            2) Offering advice in regards to the dreams’ fulfillment  (41:33-36)

[Falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might wonder “Why bother to be righteous?”  But Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God.  Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh…]

III. JOSEPH AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT

   A. WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH…

      1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt (41:38-46)            READ: 41:39-40

      2. His wisdom manifested in his administration

         a. Showing foresight during the years of plenty – (41:47-49)

         b. Showing shrewdness during the years of famine – Gen 41:

            53-57; 47:13-26

      3. Mindful of God’s blessings – (41:50-52)

   B. MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT OF HIS BRETHREN…

      1. Finally reunited with his brothers and father – (42:1-45:15)  READ:   42:1-2, 7-8, 34, 36,38, 43:1, 8-13, 44:32-34 (Judah surety: sold Joseph)

      2. Arranged for them to live in Goshen –(46:16-20, 28-34,  47:1-12)

      3. Reassured his brothers that he has forgiven them

         a. When he first revealed himself to them – (45:4-8)

         b. When their father Jacob died – (50:15-21)

   C. BELIEVING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD…

      1. That God could make good things come out of evil intentions (50:20)

      2. That God would keep His promises made to His people – Gen 50:

         24-25

CONCLUSION

1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a character…

   a. Centered in faith and trust in God

   b. Devoted to serving God and man with honor and dependability

   c. Unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others

   d. Willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others

   e. Able to see the big picture, God’s wonderful workings in the affairs of men

2. This noble character can be useful in all the seasons of life…

   a. As a youth, tempted and tried with no help from family or friend

   b. As a mature individual, charged with important responsibilities

   c. As an aged person, knowing that death is imminent

May “The Character of Joseph” serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that in some small way we too can be…

   “..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Certainly this is the case with the patriarch Joseph!

FOUNDATION STONES:

1) CHARACTER

2) JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST

    A) He was loved by his father             Jesus was loved by God His father

     B) Rejected by his brothers                Jesus was rejected by the world

    C) Unjustly tried                                Jesus was unjustly tried

    D)  Suffered                                      Jesus suffered on the cross-man’s sin

    E)  Married a gentile (Egyptian) bride  Jesus marries gentile bride

    F)   Delivered his people from death            Jesus delivered sinful man from death

3)  Obedience saved two nations

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful

character displayed by this man of God.

I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN

A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS…

      1. Telling on his brothers didn’t help – Joseph brought unto his father their evil report (37:2)

      2. Favoritism– by his father certainly hurt – Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children v.3 (37:3-4)

      3. His dreams made it worse – and they hated him yet the more v.5 (37:5-11)

      4. They eventually sold him as a slave – sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite’s   v.28 (37:12-36)

         a. Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him – (37:21-22)

         b. Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead – (37:26-27)

   B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER…

      1. Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from

         their siblings

      2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – (37:13)

[One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country and kin, would produce bitterness and hopelessness in such a young man.  Yet “The Character of Joseph” really shines as we consider…]

Come back Thursday to see Joseph’s enslavement in Egypt.

Please read Genesis 37 in its entirety. This chapter sets the stage for all that follows. Remember who is involved. Joseph’s parents and brothers. Pay particular attention to the dreams. The dreams and the family will play a significant role as we move forward.

Then overlay Joseph’s life with Jesus. Joseph is an Old Testament type of Jesus. Look for similarities. Examine the character traits of both.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.

INTRODUCTION

1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following likely come to mind…

   a. Abraham, man of faith

   b. Isaac, son of promise

   c. Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel

2. Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph…

   a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others

   b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph

3. Indeed, “The Character of Joseph” is worthy of careful study…

   a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life

   b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother

   — Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection

Our challenge this week is to see how Joseph reacted to particular circumstances. Then to take those observations and apply them to our lives. Although extreme, Joseph’s trials were no different than some of ours. 

What is Character?

“A person’s character is who they really are. We all think about a lot of things that are not godly, and things we would be ashamed of if they were available for all to know. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” My reputation is what others think of me, which may or may not be true, but my character is who I really am. Your character is the real you in the sense that you cannot separate what you do from who you are.

Everyone has a “public” face and a “private” face. Most of us tend to act with better behavior around others than we do in private. The other day I was at a major retail store when I noticed sophisticated video surveillance equipment. It’s not that I was going to do anything wrong, but just knowing the cameras were there resulted in my thinking, “I need to watch what I am doing because someone could be watching me.” Stories abound of people being caught on camera committing rueful acts. It is sad but true that video cameras reveal what we all know: that a person’s real character is who they are when they think no one is looking. The British writer and politician Thomas Macauly (1800-1859) once said, “The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.”

Character is the aggregate of a person’s ethical and moral qualities, and it is demonstrated through the choices we make. So a person of good character is someone who acts morally and ethically upright. Undoubtedly, we are all a mixture of both good and bad, so we are not saying that to have “good” character a person never makes any missteps. Rather, he is someone who is always striving to take the moral high road and, when he recognizes he has done something wrong, does what is necessary to get back on track.

The list of “high value” character traits (those virtues we esteem) is extensive, and includes such things as integrity, courage, honor, honesty, and fortitude. In addition to the many noble traits there are, we Christians would also want to make sure that we are pursuing those virtues that God espouses. Certainly this list for us would incorporate the distinguishing qualities of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and humility. In fact, it has been said that the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 and 23 represent the character of Christ.

Galatians 5:22 and 23a
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…

The type of character you have is your choice. This is why it was once said that, “Your character is the sum total of your life choices.” If you make poor choices, such as stealing, lying, or laziness, then you have poor character. I may not have a choice regarding the situations I am confronted with, but I always have a choice concerning how I respond to those situations. When dealing with frustrating or disappointing circumstances, I can respond with anger or with patience. The choice is always mine to make, so my character is always a matter of my choice, and thus it is my responsibility.” (The Importance of Character, 28 October 2013, Truth or Tradition)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jacob the deceiver, has been deceived. God commands him to leave Laban and go home.

On the way, he has an encounter with the angel of God, and his life is radically changed.

Jacob comes to God with a humble and repentant attitude. God blesses him, changes his name to Israel, and reminds him of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob builds an altar to God and a pillar where God spoke to him.

This week we will study this transformation.

Jacob returns to Bethel in obedience to God (Ref Gen 31:11-13)

Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Genesis 35: 2-4 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Genesis 35:9-15 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

CONCLUSION:

• Obedience results in blessing
• Remember where God has met with you.
• FOUNDATION STONE: Jacob’s obedience leads to God’s blessing and name change to Israel and the father of the first group of people to have that name.

Jacob obeys God. God told him to move to Bethel and he did. He made sure his household got rid of all their strange gods (idols).

When he arrived, God met with Him and blessed him. God reassured Jacob that the covenant that He made with Abraham and Isaac was still in effect. Jacob sets up a pillar of stone to commemorate the event. He worships God by offering a drink offering with oil.

Jacob’s life has totally changed. From a deceiver to a worshipper of the one true God.

Can we say our lives are totally committed to God? When we came to faith in Christ, did our lives change? Do we worship God by our obedience to Him? Do other people know that we are believers in Christ?

If we learn nothing else from the life of Jacob, it is that God is in the business of changing people’s lives. He wants them to worship Him. He wants them to obey His word. He wants us to demonstrate Christ in us.

Will we let Him?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001  

Good morning,

Jacob the deceiver, has been deceived. God commands him to leave Laban and go home.

On the way, he has an encounter with the angel of God, and his life is radically changed.

Jacob comes to God with a humble and repentant attitude. God blesses him, changes his name to Israel, and reminds him of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob builds an altar to God and a pillar where God spoke to him.

This week we will study this transformation.

Jacob builds an altar to the God of Israel (His God, ref Gen28:20-22)

Genesis 28:20-22 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,²¹ So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:²² And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Genesis 33:18-20 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.¹⁹ And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it El Elohe Israel.      V 20 (The God of Israel)

Jacob builds an altar. He remembers the One who blessed his journey. He worships the Lord and changes the name of the place to “El Elohe Israel” which means, “The God of Israel”. He claims (accepts) and now worships God as the God of his people. Jacob now not only embraces his new name, Israel, but also sees that as a name for what will become a nation.

For us an altar would be a place of remembrance. It is a place where God met us and a commitment was made. Jacob’s was Bethel. Where is ours? It may be the place we committed our lives to Christ. It may be the place God called us to minister for Him. It may be a place where God wrought a great victory in our lives. We all have one.

Thank God often for that place of remembrance.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jacob the deceiver, has been deceived. God commands him to leave Laban and go home.

On the way, he has an encounter with the angel of God, and his life is radically changed.

Jacob comes to God with a humble and repentant attitude. God blesses him, changes his name to Israel, and reminds him of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob builds an altar to God and a pillar where God spoke to him.

This week we will study this transformation.

JACOB/ISRAEL HONORS GOD

GENESIS 32-35

INTRO:  Obedience results in blessing

WHO ARE THE PLAYERS?

1.   God-See lesson 1

2.  Jacob, Esau, Angel of the Lord

WHAT happens?

Jacob humbles himself before God

Genesis 32:9-12 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; … V10

Jacob wrestles with the Angel of God

Genesis 32:24-26 And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. V26

Jacob blessed (No longer deceiver but a prince of God)

Genesis 32:27-30 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Jacob builds an altar to the God of Israel (His God, ref Gen28:20-22)

Genesis 33:18-20 And he erected there an altar, and called it El Elohe Israel.      V 20 (The God of Israel)

Jacob returns to Bethel in obedience to God (Ref Gen 31:11-13)

Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Genesis 35: 2-4 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Genesis 35:9-15 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

CONCLUSION:

• Obedience results in blessing
• Remember where God has met with you.
• FOUNDATION STONE: Jacob’s obedience leads to God’s blessing and name change to Israel and the father of the first group of people to have that name.

Good morning,

Jacob the deceiver, has been deceived. God commands him to leave Laban and go home.

On the way, he has an encounter with the angel of God, and his life is radically changed.

Jacob comes to God with a humble and repentant attitude. God blesses him, changes his name to Israel, and reminds him of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob builds an altar to God and a pillar where God spoke to him.

This week we will study this transformation.

Jacob wrestles with the Angel of God (Genesis 32:24-26)

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”

Jacob blessed (No longer deceiver but a prince of God) (Genesis 32:27-30)

And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

A. Here is a man through whom the purposes of God are to be wrought.

         1. Through him shall come a nation.

         2. Through the nation shall come a savior.

         3. Through the savior redemption for the world.

B. Jacob has one great weakness.

         1. He is too strong in himself, too resourceful.

         2. As long as he is able by his wit and cunning to master every situation, he will never experience the great power of God. His strength will always be limited to himself.

         3. His problem was never that he did not believe in God.

                 a. He believed in God second, himself first.

                 b. He felt that God needed his help.

C. Why he crossed Jabbok to spend the night alone not known.

         1. Some suggest to pray.

         2. I think to get good night’s sleep.

D. The wrestling match.

         1. The crippling, “When he saw that he prevailed not against him.”

         2. The crowning – What is thy name.

                 a. Name expressed character.

                 b. Your name shall no longer be heal-catcher, but governed by God “Israel”

(Chuck Smith: Sermon Notes for Genesis 32:24-28)

The blessing of God did not come till Jacob humbled himself, was stripped of his power, and allowed God to change him.

Then God blessed him, changed his name, made a great nation through him, through the nation shall come a Savior, and through the Savior redemption for the world. All because Jacob humbled himself and obeyed God.

This should be our attitude. Humble ourselves and obey God.

What could God do with us?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jacob the deceiver, has been deceived. God commands him to leave Laban and go home.

On the way, he has an encounter with the angel of God, and his life is radically changed.

Jacob comes to God with a humble and repentant attitude. God blesses him, changes his name to Israel, and reminds him of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob builds an altar to God and a pillar where God spoke to him.

This week we will study this transformation.

Jacob humbles himself before God (Genesis 32:9-12)

“And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:¹⁰ I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. ¹¹ Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.¹² And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.”

Jacob is no longer proud, conceited, deceitful, or trying to bargain with God. He knows he is not worthy to stand before the God that created him. He is humble before God.

Before God could do anything for or with Jacob, Jacob had to realize his need for God. Once that happened, God began to work on him.

This is the process God uses in our lives. Unbelievers must acknowledge their sin. Then repent of their sin and put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then God begins the process of helping them to grow in their knowledge of and obedience to the Bible. That creates maturity and opportunities to tell others about Christ.

Where are we in this process? Have we humbled ourselves, repented of our sins, and accepted Jesus Christ into our live by faith? Have we matured to the point that we can tell others about salvation through Jesus Christ?

It began when Jacob humbled himself.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jacob was a product of his upbringing. His grandparents lied. His parents lied and played favorites with Jacob and Esau. So, Jacob learned all these traits and more. His early years were spent deceiving others. He even tried bargaining with God. It was not till he wrestled with the angel of God, did his life change.

When he met God, his named was changed to Israel, and he began living for God.

This week we look at the life of Jacob.

Jacob reaps what he sowed Genesis 29-31

Genesis 29:15-27 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?¹⁶ And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.¹⁷ Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.¹⁸ And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.¹⁹ And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.²⁰ And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.²¹ And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.²² And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.²³ And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.²⁴ And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. ²⁵ And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?²⁶ And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.²⁷ Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.²⁸ And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. (v25) (Jacob deceived others, now he has been deceived)

Genesis 31:3-7 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.⁴ And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,⁵ And said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.⁶ And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Jacob reaps what he has sowed)

When we sin and fail to repent, God has a way of getting our attention. Jacob was stubborn, a deceiver, a scammer, and a child of God. As we will see next week, God will finally gets Jacob’s attention.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

CONCLUSION:

• Dysfunction breeds dysfunction
• Break the cycle and obey
• God is not mocked. We reap what we sow!
• Biblical principles must guide us

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001