We have all lied at some point. Some of us can be pretty slick, manipulating others and orchestrating circumstances. A man in the Bible mastered these skills. His name actually means “deceiver.” Watch and see how God squeezes this man to the point of repentance, changing his very identity. What hope there is in Jacob’s story.
About this Message
Eight chapters in Genesis focus on one man, Jacob, and God’s work on his character and soul. Read of his unique birth in Genesis 25:19-26.
Track Jacob’s deceit against his brother, Esau, over the birthright and blessing from their father in Genesis 25:29-34 and 27:1-41. This guy is a snake.
Read how the deceiver is deceived on his wedding night in Genesis 29, but then becomes quite the opportunist with his animal husbandry in chapter 30.
Carefully watch in Genesis 32 as God sovereignly breaks Jacob by bringing him to the end of his own resources and then, with Jacob’s repentance, God changes who he is – true conversion and regeneration.
Go Deeper Questions
God’s salvation, offered to men and women who are under His wrath (Romans 1), is so often seen in a metamorphosis that is soul deep, not just cosmetic or behavioral. What deeper changes in Jacob’s life can you can point to?
Reconciliation is a worthy pursuit. Make a list of the people that newly-converted Jacob “needs to go back to” and ask forgiveness. What might he say to each?
To show our desperate need of a Savior, God often begins to reveal our motives and attitudes and the stench that usually resides there, hidden from others. That’s called conviction and it contrasts the condemnation that often comes from the Accuser. Recognize the difference:
Conviction from God Condemnation from the Enemy
Direct Harsh
Specific Vague and General
Hard but Hopeful Discouraging and Defeating
With these in mind, think of a time when you experienced conviction and also a time when condemnation ruled your mind and heart.