Introduction
- An experience here.
- What was it? Conversion?
- There are experiences all our life.
THE WAY IN WHICH JACOB FACED HIS FEARS
- The approach of Esau - a grave fear.
- Memories of the past - now rise up again.
- The defensive action which he takes.
- But - his special resort to prayer.
LESSONS
- God's people have many fears in this life
- Our supreme defence - prayer
- Assurance of God's care (texts).
JACOB'S EXPERIENCE WITH THE ANGEL
- Alone with God - a good experience.
APPLICATION: Make time for this, as Christ did.
- This Angel - who?
- The ministry of the angels - not to be forgotten by us:
(i) Psalm 34 (ii) Elisha (iii) Christ (iv) Paul on board ship
- The Wrestling experience - why?
- How could Jacob win?
OBSERVE: Faith the secret of a believer's victory over all his evils.
THE WEAKNESS WHICH JACOB RECEIVED
- A painful victory - he limped away.
- The thigh that was damaged and the respect paid to it by his descendants.
OBSERVE: To respect our fathers in the faith.
LESSONS:
- God weakens us for our good: Psalm 102
- Sanctification includes weaknesses.
- Blessing may come with pain too.
JACOB'S VICTORY OVER ALL HIS FEARS
- Not "Jacob" but "Israel". Explain.
- "He blessed him there" - wonderful!
- The fears of Jacob are now conquered.
LESSONS
- The battle with our fears is a very real one. ("Yesterday's and tomorrow's).
- The victory over our fears is gained in the secret place of prayer.
- Every battle won is a princely crown to our soul's sanctification.
CONCLUSION
All who win through to the end will be princes with Christ forever!