Wrestling with God
Part 2 of 2 "Don't Give Up'
December 20, 2020
Genesis 32:22–28 (ESV)
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Central Idea:
The sermon emphasizes that, like Jacob, we must confront our fears with faith, maintain the right mindset, and set spiritual goals to ultimately reach our heavenly home.
Keywords:
• Wrestling with God
• Conflict
• Fear
• Suffering
• Steadfastness
• Faith
• Mindset
• Goals
Outline Objectives:
1. The Struggle – What’s your mindset?
• Encourages self-examination of one’s attitude during struggles.
2. The Struggle – What’s the Goal?
• Highlights the importance of setting spiritual objectives.
3. The Struggle – What has changed?
• Reflects on personal transformation through faith.
Bible References:
1. Genesis 32:22–28
2. Genesis 32:1–2
3. Genesis 32:9–12
4. 1 Chronicles 22:19
5. Colossians 3:2
6. Philippians 3:17–21
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Jacob wrestled with an angel at the ford of the Jabbok.
2. After wrestling, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel.
Multiple Choice:
1. What did Jacob seek from the man he wrestled with?
• A) Wealth
• B) A blessing
• C) Land
• D) Forgiveness
2. Which scripture advises setting our minds on things above?
• A) Genesis 32:9
• B) Colossians 3:2
• C) Philippians 3:17
• D) 1 Timothy 1:5
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. Jacob’s hip was put out of joint when the man ________ his hip socket.
2. Philippians 3:20 states, “But our ________ is in heaven.”
Short Essay:
• Reflect on a personal experience where you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith influence your mindset and goals during this time? What changes did you observe in yourself after the experience?
Part 2 of 2 "Don't Give Up'
December 20, 2020
Genesis 32:22–28 (ESV)
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Central Idea:
The sermon emphasizes that, like Jacob, we must confront our fears with faith, maintain the right mindset, and set spiritual goals to ultimately reach our heavenly home.
Keywords:
• Wrestling with God
• Conflict
• Fear
• Suffering
• Steadfastness
• Faith
• Mindset
• Goals
Outline Objectives:
1. The Struggle – What’s your mindset?
• Encourages self-examination of one’s attitude during struggles.
2. The Struggle – What’s the Goal?
• Highlights the importance of setting spiritual objectives.
3. The Struggle – What has changed?
• Reflects on personal transformation through faith.
Bible References:
1. Genesis 32:22–28
2. Genesis 32:1–2
3. Genesis 32:9–12
4. 1 Chronicles 22:19
5. Colossians 3:2
6. Philippians 3:17–21
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Jacob wrestled with an angel at the ford of the Jabbok.
2. After wrestling, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel.
Multiple Choice:
1. What did Jacob seek from the man he wrestled with?
• A) Wealth
• B) A blessing
• C) Land
• D) Forgiveness
2. Which scripture advises setting our minds on things above?
• A) Genesis 32:9
• B) Colossians 3:2
• C) Philippians 3:17
• D) 1 Timothy 1:5
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. Jacob’s hip was put out of joint when the man ________ his hip socket.
2. Philippians 3:20 states, “But our ________ is in heaven.”
Short Essay:
• Reflect on a personal experience where you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith influence your mindset and goals during this time? What changes did you observe in yourself after the experience?
| wrestling_with_god_part_2.pdf |
| wrestling_with_god_part_2.docx |
| wrestling_with_god_part_2_dont_give_up.pptx |
Wrestling with God
Part 1 of 2 "The Fear"
December 13, 2020
Church of Christ in Park Forest, IL
Genesis 32:22–28 (ESV)
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Central Idea:
The sermon draws parallels between Jacob’s struggle and the believer’s journey, emphasizing the need to confront past issues and navigate present challenges to avoid a future dominated by fear.
Keywords:
• Jacob
• Fear
• Struggle
• Past
• Present
• Future
• Faith
• Transformation
Outline Objectives:
1. The Past: Encourage believers to release past burdens and recognize God’s transformative work.
2. The Present: Advocate for living wisely and faithfully in the current moment.
3. The “Fear-ture”: Promote a future shaped by love and trust in God, free from fear.
Bible References:
1. Genesis 32:22–28
2. Isaiah 43:18–19
3. Philippians 3:13–14
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
5. Matthew 6:34
6. 1 John 4:18
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Jacob wrestled with an angel at the ford of the Jabbok.
2. The sermon suggests that believers should dwell on past mistakes.
Multiple Choice:
1. Which scripture advises not to be anxious about tomorrow?
• A) Matthew 6:34
• B) Philippians 4:6
• C) Isaiah 41:10
• D) Romans 12:2
2. What new name was Jacob given after wrestling with God?
• A) Israel
• B) Isaac
• C) Esau
• D) Abraham
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. “There is no fear in love, but __________ love casts out fear.”
2. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the __________ call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Short Essay:
• Reflect on a personal experience where you had to confront a past fear or mistake. How did your faith influence your approach, and what was the outcome?
Part 1 of 2 "The Fear"
December 13, 2020
Church of Christ in Park Forest, IL
Genesis 32:22–28 (ESV)
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Central Idea:
The sermon draws parallels between Jacob’s struggle and the believer’s journey, emphasizing the need to confront past issues and navigate present challenges to avoid a future dominated by fear.
Keywords:
• Jacob
• Fear
• Struggle
• Past
• Present
• Future
• Faith
• Transformation
Outline Objectives:
1. The Past: Encourage believers to release past burdens and recognize God’s transformative work.
2. The Present: Advocate for living wisely and faithfully in the current moment.
3. The “Fear-ture”: Promote a future shaped by love and trust in God, free from fear.
Bible References:
1. Genesis 32:22–28
2. Isaiah 43:18–19
3. Philippians 3:13–14
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
5. Matthew 6:34
6. 1 John 4:18
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Jacob wrestled with an angel at the ford of the Jabbok.
2. The sermon suggests that believers should dwell on past mistakes.
Multiple Choice:
1. Which scripture advises not to be anxious about tomorrow?
• A) Matthew 6:34
• B) Philippians 4:6
• C) Isaiah 41:10
• D) Romans 12:2
2. What new name was Jacob given after wrestling with God?
• A) Israel
• B) Isaac
• C) Esau
• D) Abraham
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. “There is no fear in love, but __________ love casts out fear.”
2. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the __________ call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Short Essay:
• Reflect on a personal experience where you had to confront a past fear or mistake. How did your faith influence your approach, and what was the outcome?
| wrestling_with_god_part_1_the_fear.pdf |
| wrestling_with_god_part_1_the_fear.docx |
| wrestling_with_god_p1_the_fear.pptx |
Necessity and Basis of Salvation
December 6, 2020
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)
6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Central Idea:
Humanity is separated from God due to sin and requires salvation to restore this relationship. This salvation isn’t achieved through human efforts but is a gift from God’s grace, demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Individuals must respond with repentance and faith to accept this offer.
Keywords:
• Salvation
• Sin
• Grace
• God’s Mercy
• God’s Love
• Repentance
• Faith
• Jesus Christ
• Separation
• Redemption
Outline Objectives:
1. Highlight the universality of sin and its role in separating humanity from God.
2. Emphasize that salvation stems from God’s love, mercy, and grace, not human deeds.
3. Discuss the pivotal role of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death in providing salvation.
4. Stress the necessity for individuals to respond through repentance and faith to receive salvation.
Bible References Used:
1. Isaiah 64:6
2. Romans 5:12
3. Isaiah 59:1–2
4. Romans 7:18
5. Ephesians 2:8–9
6. Ephesians 2:4–5
7. Romans 3:22–24
8. 1 Timothy 1:15
9. 1 Peter 3:18
10. John 3:36
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Salvation can be earned through good works and personal achievements.
2. Jesus Christ’s death is sufficient for the salvation of sinners.
Multiple Choice:
1. According to Ephesians 2:8–9, salvation is:
• A) A result of human effort
• B) A gift from God
• C) Achieved through wisdom
• D) Based on personal privilege
2. Which scripture states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?
• A) Romans 3:23
• B) Isaiah 59:2
• C) Ephesians 2:5
• D) John 3:36
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. According to Romans 5:12, sin entered the world through one man, and _______ through sin.
2. Ephesians 2:4 describes God as being rich in _______ because of His great love for us.
Short Essay:
Discuss the relationship between God’s grace and human faith in the context of salvation. How do these concepts interact according to the sermon and supporting scriptures
December 6, 2020
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)
6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Central Idea:
Humanity is separated from God due to sin and requires salvation to restore this relationship. This salvation isn’t achieved through human efforts but is a gift from God’s grace, demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Individuals must respond with repentance and faith to accept this offer.
Keywords:
• Salvation
• Sin
• Grace
• God’s Mercy
• God’s Love
• Repentance
• Faith
• Jesus Christ
• Separation
• Redemption
Outline Objectives:
1. Highlight the universality of sin and its role in separating humanity from God.
2. Emphasize that salvation stems from God’s love, mercy, and grace, not human deeds.
3. Discuss the pivotal role of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death in providing salvation.
4. Stress the necessity for individuals to respond through repentance and faith to receive salvation.
Bible References Used:
1. Isaiah 64:6
2. Romans 5:12
3. Isaiah 59:1–2
4. Romans 7:18
5. Ephesians 2:8–9
6. Ephesians 2:4–5
7. Romans 3:22–24
8. 1 Timothy 1:15
9. 1 Peter 3:18
10. John 3:36
Study Questions:
True or False:
1. Salvation can be earned through good works and personal achievements.
2. Jesus Christ’s death is sufficient for the salvation of sinners.
Multiple Choice:
1. According to Ephesians 2:8–9, salvation is:
• A) A result of human effort
• B) A gift from God
• C) Achieved through wisdom
• D) Based on personal privilege
2. Which scripture states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?
• A) Romans 3:23
• B) Isaiah 59:2
• C) Ephesians 2:5
• D) John 3:36
Fill-in-the-Blank:
1. According to Romans 5:12, sin entered the world through one man, and _______ through sin.
2. Ephesians 2:4 describes God as being rich in _______ because of His great love for us.
Short Essay:
Discuss the relationship between God’s grace and human faith in the context of salvation. How do these concepts interact according to the sermon and supporting scriptures
| necessity_and_basis_of_salvation.pdf |