 Genesis 32:24-28  Jacob & man’s determination  Aim tonight is to help us understand that God will do whatever it takes to make the vessel of his grace prepared to receive his grace

› Q: What is grace? › God’s riches at Christ’s expense › Grace is God’s unmerited favor. › We receive grace through Jesus Christ  Acts 15:11  Romans 3:24  1Cor. 1:4

 We need grace because without it we cannot inherit eternal life › Romans 5:21  God’s grace is manifested through our spiritual gifts › Ephesians 4:7  Grace abounds when we use those gifts for his glory  Grace can be wasted › 2 nd Cor. 6:1

A.Jacob’s hands 1.Hands perform both sin and sacrifice a)Gripped the heels of Esau in the womb b)Prepared the stew to barter for his hungry brother’s birthright c)Built an altar at Bethel d)Worked for Rachel e)Folder in prayer f)Held tightly to the unknown man out of determination to be blessed

B.Jacob’s experience 1.2 nd spiritual encounter Jacob had with the Lord  1 st at Bethel  Saw a ladder  Became a believing man  Became a son of God  Died from his sins  Left with a spring in his step  2 nd at Jabbok  Saw the Lord  Became a broken man  Became a saint of God  Died to himself  Left with a lasting limp & a changed heart

C.Just like us 1)All need to have a Bethel experience 2)Most settle at Bethel when they are supposed to move into Jabbok 3)Although the Bethel experience is important we also need a Jabbok experience if we ever hope to be useful to the Lord 4)Jacob spent the night talking with the Lord and was never the same

A.Jacob was very much alone (v.24a) 1.Jacob was facing a serious test a)Hosea 12:4 2.Many people are afraid of this kind of loneliness a)Matthew 27:3-5 b)People fear that kind of intimacy with the Lord yet it is what they need the most in their lives

3.When we are busy we can occupy the heart and mind but when we are alone it is easier to hear the Lord when he is speaking 4.To be strong in the Lord we must make time to be alone with the Lord 5.No Christian should ever be afraid to be alone with the Lord as he only has good planned for us a)Jeremiah 29:11

A. Jacob was very much alive 1. Jacob prayed for a theophany (visible manifestation of deity) a)Jacob represents the fleshly nature of man. b)Many of us can recall the wrestling match we had with God when he wanted us to repent and become a part of his family c)God will show us that something is wrong and commend us when do right  Col. 3:5-10  Eph. 4:22-24  Gal. 5:19-25 Who is alive in me? › the flesh or the Lord

A.The lesson of Jacob 1.Outward wrestling was a symbol of the spiritual struggle 2.God wrestles with us when we make poor choices 3.In every occasion where temptation seeks to devour us, God enters a wrestling match for our soul

Q.Our determination to be good Christians may become weakened when surrounded by adversity or complacency. What impact does the world’s negative responses have on your Christian life? Does it affect your willingness to witness?

 For next week’s discussion Assignment 4: Think Tank (Lesson 4)  Scripture References: Genesis 37:1-35  Read and Research the above scriptures for understanding then answer the following questions. Be prepared to discuss your answers during next week’s lesson. Discussion Question 1: Make it a point to fellowship with someone in our congregation who appears to be suffering from isolation. What would you do to make him/her feel included in God’s family.