SERMON NOTES (click arrow to the right to open)Main Idea: You can't win until you give in.Sermon Notes: - Jacob was not a good brother: he took advantage of his older brother by taking his inheritance, lied to his father to get his brother's blessing, and then continued to lie to other in order to be successful (after having to run away from his brother). - Jacob was then the recipient of deceit: his uncle lied to him about marrying Rachel (whom he loved) and forced him to marry Leah first. - When it was finally take for Jacob to face his brother again, he was scared and he went to pray, where he wrestled with the Lord. -- The Lord sent him away with a limp, but also with a new identity (he went from Jacob, a deceiver, to Israel, a prince). - Sometimes, God creates limps (weaknesses) to remind us to depend fully on him. - When Jacob faced his brother, they were reconciled, due to the humility the Lord taught him through the wrestling match. - To win, you must give in (to the Lord). Application Questions: 1. What have you been wrestling with God about? How do you feel you can respond in obedience today? 2. Have you ever wrestled with God about something that left you with a limp? In retrospect, how has that limp helped you? 3. How have you seen God use your weaknesses, or your "stuff," for His glory?
