The Story Begins: A Life of Dependence

The Story Begins: A Life of Dependence

Genesis 32:22-32

3-29-20 

1. Twenty years of Broken Promises.
2. Twenty years of struggle.
3. He has unfinished business at home.

 I. The Wrestling (Genesis 32:1-21) 

Wrestling is about who is in control.

Crisis experiences- Times of testing and shaking of our faith.

“Remember” - Focusing on God, His promises and how He has worked on our behalf in the past.

 Psalm 42:5-6 - “Why are you cast down, O my soul…why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God…I shall again praise him,  my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you…”

II. The Limping (Genesis 32:25) 

“It often takes an experience of crippling weakness for us to finally discover [God’s blessing]. That is why so many of the most God-blessed people limp as they dance for joy.” - Tim Keller  

III. Identity (Genesis 32:26-30) 

IV. Impact (Genesis 32:31-32) 

Hebrews 12:2 “…for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross…” 

March Transformation Verse: Psalm 25:4 – “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”

Weekly Transformation Verse: Genesis 32:10a – “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant…”

Weekly Reading Plan: Genesis 32-35; Psalm 26; Matthew 26

Going Deeper This Week

1. What is the history behind your name and what does it mean?
2. Have you had a Gospel conversation lately? Have you met anyone new that you can start to build a bridge?
3. Matthew Henry comments: “The best we can say to God in prayer is what He has already said to us.” How does praying Scripture reveal true dependence? How often do you pray using Scripture?
4. How do you plan to pass on to others the value of the special places where you intentionally meet God?
5. What weakness is becoming your greatest strength and who can you explain that to this week?
6. What legacy or impact to do you want to leave in your family? Church? Those you disciple? This world? Be specific as possible and then use these scriptures to pray. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Psalms 78:4, 145:4, Proverbs 13:22, 1 Timothy 6:6,   2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, John 15:7-8, 3 John 1:4)