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Wrestling with God

Genesis 32:1-32

Introduction:

I. The Crisis: Fear of the Unknown (Genesis 32:1-8)

A. From Laban to Esau

“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19).

B. God’s Protection

“Mahanaim” means “the two camps”

Genesis 28:10-12

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

C. Faith or Fear?

Psalm 56:3 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee”

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid”

Psalms 112:7 “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord”

II. The Basis of Prayer and Faith (Genesis 32:9-12)

A. Jacob’s Prayer

1. God’s covenant (Genesis 32:9a)

Hebrews 8:6-13; 12:22-24

2. God’s command (Genesis 32:9b)

3. God’s care (Genesis 32:10)

4. God’s purposes (Genesis 32:11)

5. God’s promise (Genesis 32:12)

Genesis 28:12-15

B. Jacob’s Lack of Faith (Genesis 32:13-21)

Faith = Acting on God’s commands = Living without scheming

James 2:20

Romans 10:17

Romans 14:23

III. God’s Principles of Change (Genesis 32:22-32)

A. Principle #1 -- Get alone with God (Genesis 32:22-26)

Hosea 12:2-6

B. Principle #2 -- Get real with God (Genesis 32:27-32)

C. Principle #3 -- Get changed by God

“Israel” from a Hebrew word that means “to struggle” = “one who wrestles with God”

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

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