Jacob: A Liar And Trickster Changed By A Dream Lesson 1 Series

A. JACOB WAS PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

1. He enticed his brother Esau to sell his family birth right (Genesis 25: 26-34).

2. He deceived his father and lied to get the family’s inheritance (Genesis 27:1-33).

3. Jacob had to run away from home. “Esau hated Jacob … ‘I will slay my brother’” (Genesis 27:41).

4. A dream from God changed his focus. “He dreamed … a ladder … the Lord stood above it … the land whereupon you lie, to you will I give, and to thy seed” (Genesis 28:12-14).

a. The land now has Jacob’s new name – Israel.

b. The people have Jacob’s new name – the children of Israel.

5. Twenty years later, Jacob wrestles all night with a Christophany (the person of God). “When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip, and wrenched it out of its socket … ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me’” (Genesis 32:25-26, NLT).

6. Name changed from Jacob the deceiver, to Israel prince with God. “Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince thou hast power with God and with men, and hast prevailed" (Genesis 32:28).

7. Even though a deceiver and imperfect, Jacob’s deep heart decision was for God’s blessing.

8. What can we learn? Deep passionate, sacrificial faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).

B. WHY WAS JACOB IMPERFECT?

1. His mother Rebekah was as deceptive as Jacob (Genesis 27:5-10).

2. His father was old and invalid (27:1), did not influence Jacob.

3. He had no role models to do right.

C. TO CHALLENGE AND CHANGE IMPERFECT PEOPLE

1. Jacob defined by a dream of a ladder and God at the top (Genesis 27:12-22).

a. Jacob left home in obedience. “Jacob obeyed his parents” (28:7).

b. Jacob was reminded by God to make a mighty nation of his children (28:2-4).

c. Jacob encountered God, “I am the LORD, God of your grandfather Abraham ... your father Isaac” (28:13).

d. Jacob was promised the land. “The ground you are lying on ... I am giving you” (28:14-15).

e. Jacob was promised God’s presence. “I am with you and will protect you” (28:15).

2. Jacob encountered God’s presence twenty years later.

a. Threat from his father-in-law. “Laban caught ... Laban demanded … Laban challenged, why did you deceive me” (31:25-27).

b. Threat from brother. “Esau came, and with him four hundred men” (33:1).

c. Threat from an intruder. Left Jacob all alone, and man came and wrestled with him until the dawn” (32:24, NLT). A Christophany an appearance of God. “Jacob named the place Penial, “face of God” “I have seen God face to face” (32:30, NLT).

3. Every imperfect believer needs:

a. A dream: (1) to be reminded who you are, (2) to keep your focus of God’s future, (3) to motive you and empower you.

b. An encounter with God must demonstrate: (1) to show God your determination to serve Him, (2) to let God “touch” you, (3) to see God’s face.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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