How to Strive with God
Here are the sermon notes for “How to Strive with God” from Genesis 35:1-15. Some of you expressed interest in the notes so here ya go… To hear the sermon online click here
Genesis 35:1-15
How to Strive with God
Walking with God is not a one-time event. Instead it is a journey. A string of minutes strung together by the sovereignty of God. Confessing Christ as Lord is only the beginning. It is work to strive with God.
Background: Jacob (deceiver) becoming Israel (strives with God)
Follow Him (1)
This is the daily action of a Christ-follower (Mt. 4:19)
“God said to Jacob…”(We think God talks to Jacob differently)
You and I hear God too. If we listen.
“Arise and go to Bethel (House of God) and dwell there…”
Why Bethel? (Genesis 28:19-22)
He experienced the Lord’s presence here
He had to fulfill a vow (Trust lesson)
Get rid of the things that get between you and God (2-4)
The source of idols: Colliding cultures (Genesis 34:28-29)
Cannanite idolatry is horrendous (Baal, Asherah, Sacrifice Babies)
What are the idols from our culture that creep in?
What do we need to get rid of…?
Casting off idols and purifying self is comparable to repentence.
Who can enter the house of God? Psalm 24:3-4
Required to resist sin and draw near to God James 4:7-8 (Sanctification)
Jesus purifies us Titus 2:11-14 (Justification and Glorification)
Trust Him in the Journey (5-8)
God provides protection for the journey (But you still walk past the enemy)
El-bethel (God is in the house of God) Presence
God uses points of reference to develop our trust (Remember) (milestones important!)
Genesis 28:15
Real sadness takes place even when you are striving with God… “Allon-bacuth = Oak of weeping”
Know Who You are and Who He Is (9-11)
God blesses Jacob again
Reiterates name change:
Genesis 32:28 You have striven with God (God Strives, Strives with God, God Prevails)
Genesis 32:29 What is your name? (Trying to know God)-no answer
Names the place Peniel “Face of God”
Genesis 35:11 I am God Almighty “El Shaddai” (Progression of knowing Him)
Hold onto the promises of God (11b-15)
The Blessing is the promise
35:11 “A nation and a company of nations”
company of nations = “kehal goyim”
“kehal” = assembly or congregation
“kehal” to greek for NT is ekklesia
“ekklesia to English is Church”
“goyim” = gentilies
The Lord hints at what will come from the work of the Messiah
a nation (jewish) and a company of nations (gentile believers) will come from you. (spiritually)
Jacob’s response is worship (drink offering and oil offering)
Stand up and Read Ephesians 1:13-14
