Jacob & Joseph(Gen. 31-39)

Overview of Section

In chapters 31-33, the account of Jacob continues to unfold.  Here, in these chapters, which cover the second half of Jacob’s life, we see that his heart is being transformed.  Jacob goes from one whose life is characterized by deceit to one who trusts in God, much like his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac.  It’s important to note the progress of faith in Jacob’s life.

Jacob has met his match when he goes up against his uncle Laban.  Laban’s trickery and deceit seems to be almost more than Jacob can bear.  Jacob learns one important principle that changes his life; God can be trusted.  No longer does he need to lie and manipulate the circumstances; God is with him (31:7-13).

Also, in this section we read about Jacob’s encounter with his twin brother Esau who has vowed to kill him.  Esau again shows that all he is concerned with is material possessions.

Chapter 33 reveals once more the materialistic orientation of Esau.  Esau expresses in verse nine that he had enough and therefore was satisfied.[1]

The rest of this section covers the family of Jacob (34-39).  Chapter 34 gives us the account of the foreigner Shechem lying with Dinah, Jacob’s daughter.  We also see the reaction by Jacob’s sons.  In 35 we have Rueben, Jacob’s oldest laying with one of Jacob’s concubines.  Chapter 36 traces Esau’s descendants.  In Chapter 37 we begin the account of Joseph.

We see the whole family has problems: Jacob loves Joseph more than the others because he is the son of his old age and he loved his mother more than his other wives.  Joseph was spoiled and taunted his brothers with this fact.  The brothers were jealous and as deceitful as their father was in his younger days.  All in all this is a family headed for trouble.

Main Theological Theme(s)

Throughout this section we continue to see the fact that the seed of Abraham is corrupt.  Sin is just as much a part of the descendants of Abraham as with anyone else.  The difference is the calling of God.  He works throughout their lives, often behind the scene, to transform sinners in saints.  We see man’s depravity and sin, we also see the mercy of God as He bears with men because of the covenant He originated with Abraham.

Approaching the New Testament

One important part of the promised seed of Abraham, which should be noted, is that each individual who has descended from Abraham had to also exercise saving faith in the promises of God.  Like with Abraham, who believed God and it was counted as righteousness, so each descendant had to exercise that same faith.

The turning point of Jacob’s life comes at Peniel, where he is humbled by the Angel (Hosea 12:3-5).  He turns from his old ways of craftiness and deceit and begins to rely solely upon the Lord in prayer.[2]

We see a similar picture in the life of the Apostle Paul.  He too had a turning point of faith while on the road to Damascus.  He did battle with the Lord and immediately Jesus threw him to the ground and conquered his rebellious heart (Acts 9).

Application Points

We too must exercise faith in order to be a child of God.  Abraham believed God and eventually all his descendants who were in the seed-line did as well.

Christians enjoy the same blessing, but with one important difference: Abraham trusted God and looked forward to the Promised Son; we trust God and look back and see the glorious fulfillment in the Promised Son.  While Abraham had believed in the Lord for many years (Heb. 11:8), it is here revealed that the faith which was ‘counted as righteousness’ was the faith that believed what God said concerning the coming Seed.  Abraham believed the promise of God that pointed to Christ.  [3]  We must exercise that same faith that is fixed on Jesus Christ

(Jn. 8:56).

Jacob Wrestles with God

(Gen. 32:22-32)

[1] God’s Plan Unfold by Jack B. Scott

The Calling of Abraham (Genesis 11:27-23:20)

Overview of Section

This section of Genesis covers the first of four important chosen leaders of the people of God called The Patriarchs.  Abraham was called by God to leave his father in Ur and travel some one thousand miles to an unnamed destination.

Through his life, beginning with his call and continuing through to the end, Abraham was called to exercise faith in God.  Sometimes this went well and other times his faith failed.

As you read this section note some of the different times Abraham’s faith was tested.  Note God’s promise made to Abraham, and then record what struggle or obstacle presented itself.  Then, note how he responded (two should be fine).

1.God’s Promise________________________________________________________________________

The Obstacle to Overcome_______________________________________________________________

Abraham’s Response____________________________________________________________________

2. God’s Promise_______________________________________________________________________

The Obstacle to Overcome_______________________________________________________________

Abraham’s Response____________________________________________________________________

Main Theological Theme(s)

The main theological theme in this section is the Abrahamic Covenant found first in Genesis 12:1-3 then restated in chapter 15. It’s in this covenant God promises Abraham that He will make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.  This covenant in chapter 15 also promises Abraham a multitude of descendants.  Of these descendants one will come who will bless the nations.

Approaching the New Testament

Abraham is used in the New Testament as a picture of overcoming obstacles through faith.

“Hebrews 11:8-19 draws our attention to Abraham’s life as a struggle of faith.  Abraham received God’s promise and then struggled in the face of obstacles to the fulfillment of that promise.  So Hebrews draws an analogy with Christians.  We too have received promises of God, but daily confront obstacles.  Abraham is presented as an example in order to support the Christian reader in this struggle.”[1]

Application Points

It’s a good practice as you read the life of Abraham to place yourself in his shoes and ask, how would I respond?  God is so gracious in Abraham’s life and we can see how God always follows through when He makes promises.  Based on God’s 100% follow-through record, how should we respond to His promises made to Christians found in the Bible?

How do you respond when your faith is tested?

Another practical point is that through Abraham’s life he not only had to exercise faith but he also, had to exercise patience.  The writer of Hebrews comments on this point,

“They all received the promise but ‘did not receive the things promised’ (Heb. 11:13,39).  Promised a land, they received only a field; they were longing for a better country, ‘a heavenly one’ (Heb. 11:16).  For God’s promises are not inherited through faith only, but ‘through faith and patience’ (Heb. 6:12).”[2]

The fact remains that they all did eventually receive the promises, some while on earth and others as an eternal inheritance.

Jan 1-7: Four Significant Events  (Genesis 1-11:26)

Overview of Section

As you begin reading this week, focus your attention on the four significant events found in this first section of Genesis.

1. Creation by the Word…(Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5-7)

The Bible begins, In the beginning God.  This statement is the way in which we should look at everything; God is the source of all things.  God spoke and the universe came into being.  He said Let there be and it was done.  God had no beginning but the universe did.  Therefore, it was made from nothing, a fact that is often expressed by the Latin words, ex nihilo (from nothing) –Graham Goldsworthy[1]

2. The Fall of Man…(Lk. 4:3-4; Rom. 5:12; Heb. 4:15)

In this section we are exposed to the devil and his tactics.  In Genesis, the wiles of the devil are exposed (Eph. 6:11).  Here there is a clear indication of how the Evil One operates.  Studying Genesis should mean that we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).  He calls into question the Word of God: Has God indeed said…? (3:1).  He casts doubt on its trustworthiness, denies its truth: You will not surely die.  For God knows that in the day you eat it your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (3:4-5)—Crossley[2]

3. The Universal Flood…(Hebrews 11:7)

Two main words are to be highlighted in this section (Gen. 6-9), grace (6:8) and covenant (6:18).  Look for these words and look for God’s care of Noah and his family.

4. The Tower of Babel…

The Tower of Babel was built so that man could reach the heavens or so they thought.  God had commanded mankind to scatter and repopulate the earth; instead man tried to make a name for himself and stayed together in one place.  This building project was part of what was keeping them together.  God confuses their language so they can no longer work together but be dispersed as He had already commanded.

Main Theological Theme(s)

Genesis is the Book of Beginnings.  We are shown from the beginning that all this came about by God’s initiative.  He is the Author of creation and He is the Restorer of creation.

It is also a book about God’s grace to undeserving mankind.

Approaching the New Testament

In Romans 5:14, we read that Adam is a type of Christ.  In Romans 5:12-21 we learn that Jesus is the Second Adam.  The first Adam fell into sin and took all humanity with him.  The Second Adam triumphed over sin and all who are in Him are reconciled to God.

Application Questions

What are some important lessons we learn in this beginning section?

Do you see that mankind has often believed the “lies of the devil” before the “truths of God”?

Why do you think this is so?

How are you better equipped to spot the tactics of Satan after reading his encounter with Adam and Eve?

How did Noah express his faith and how does that help yours?

Noah listened to God, believed Him and acted on that belief by building the ark.  How does that differ from Adam and Eve?