Promises Kept Genesis 31 Knowing the Will of God Homeward Bound Pursuit and Protection “Cut a Covenant” 1

Promises Kept Genesis 31 Knowing the Will of God How did God prepare Jacob for the fulfillment of the promise to return? Jacob developed a desire to leave Haran. Genesis 29:20 Genesis 30:25-26 His circumstances pushed him in that direction. Genesis 30:27 Genesis 31:1 Jacob waited until God said to go! Genesis 31:3 2

Promises Kept Genesis 31 Knowing the Will of God Principles of knowing God’s will A definite conviction in our hearts that God desires something for us The path God would have us take is indicated by outward circumstances. While waiting on God, we receive confirmation from Scripture through the Holy Spirit – Psalm 40:1-5. 3

Psalm 40:1-5 (NASB) 1  I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2  He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.

4  How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5  Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

Promises Kept Genesis 31 Knowing the Will of God Principles of knowing God’s will A definite conviction in our hearts that God desires something for us The path God would have us take is indicated by outward circumstances. While waiting on God, we receive confirmation from Scripture through the Holy Spirit – Psalm 40:1-5. Then, do the will of God – Ezra 7:10. 3

Ezra 7:10 (NASB) 10  For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Promises Kept Genesis 31 Homeward Bound Jacob was determined to obey God! There is no record of Jacob ever building altars, worshipping, praying, or calling on the name of the Lord. Jacob goes about God’s command in the wrong way. His wives agree with Jacob’s assessment of Laban. They willingly follow Jacob because of his example to them. 4

Pursuit and Protection Promises Kept Genesis 31 Pursuit and Protection Laban shows his true colors. Laban pursues his assets. God warns him against harming Jacob. Laban starts with wounded dignity – vv. 26-28. Laban then becomes a bully – vv. 29-30. Jacob now speaks up, speaks his mind, and speaks the truth. Laban now tries to save face. 5

Promises Kept Genesis 31 “Cut a Covenant” The lines are drawn. Not a blessing but a warning – v. 49 Laban wants a blood covenant. They build a “witness heap.” Laban recognizes Jacob’s God and his very serious relationship with Him. Laban, who represents the world, is now left behind so Jacob can look forward to wholeheartedly serving God. 6

Promises Kept Genesis 31 Application Where are your desires? Where are your circumstances leading you? Are you in a place that God’s Spirit and Word can direct you? Are you obeying that Word? 7