Genesis Week 9
Sharable notes for the October 8, 2023 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: Genesis 32:6, 9-12, 24-30, 32; 34:30-31; Matthew 15:23-27; Mark 7:29; Luke 1:13, 18; Ephesians 1:3, 14
Passages referenced: Genesis 31-35; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30; Ephesians 1:3-14
When you fight against God you lose, when you cling to God you prevail.
True blessing is found in nothing else other than knowing God.
“The great battle of our spiritual lives is ‘will you believe?’ It is not, ‘will you try harder?’… It is squarely a matter of believing that God will do what only he can do.” Jim Cymbala
To prevail sometimes you have to press through.
The blessing doesn’t come by striving and contriving on our own, it comes from submitting and committing to God.
“When I am dealing with an all-powerful, all-knowing God, I, as a mere mortal, must offer my petitions not only with persistence but also with patience. Someday I’ll know why.” Ruth Graham
“Jacob held on at the risk of his life to get the blessing for him; but Jesus held on at the cost of his life to get the blessing for us.” Tim Keller
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
Why do you think the Bible includes stories that show the weaknesses and messiness of those who are prominent figures in the faith? How does that encourage you?
Have you ever found yourself feeling like you were fighting against God? How did that play out?
Is persistent prayer something that is easy for you or difficult? Why do you answer that way?
In what ways have you looked back on your life and seen the hand of God at work when you didn't realize it at the time?
Click the image to start a new 7 day devotion in YouVersion:
Have you ever heard the saying, “They really lived down to their name?” Not really. It is more likely that you would have heard it said that one lived up to their name. When one lives down to their name, it suggest there wasn’t much hope of good for them. In this series we look at the life of Jacob.