We have transitioned now to the story of Isaac. This week, we focus on Rebekah's deception to secure the birthright for Jacob (Gen. 27). Then we looked at the ensuing consequences of those actions and the steps God took to grow Jacob in his faith.
Skills:
How can we get better applications of the Bible?
Getting better applications at the top-level, part 2
Activation:
Jacob and Rebekah deceive Isaac and Esau
Jacob meets God and receives the covenant promises
Jacob's time in Haran
At-Home Skills Practice:
Step 1: Read through Genesis 37–50 at least twice this week. This is the account of Jacob and his family. Don’t forget that you can use an audio Bible to help you.
Step 2:We will focus our in-class discussion this week on Genesis 37. So you will want to meditate on the meaning of that part of the larger context.
Step 3: The story of Joseph (and the other patriarchs) is recounted in Acts 7. Read through that account. How did Stephen understand these Old Testament stories? Top level, middle level or bottom level?
Step 4: How is the story of Genesis 37 typically preached? Go online and do a quick search. Write down a few sermon titles or “main ideas” from sermons that summarize or illustrate common approaches to this passage.
Step 5: Evaluate: Do you think the common approach to the story of Genesis 37 reflects the big idea of the text itself (the author’s main idea)? Give me an idea of how you would preach this sermon based on your own study of the text.
This week, we arrive at the end of Abraham's earthly journey. We looked at the events of Abraham's life before his death, the birth of Isaac's sons, Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25), and the passing of the covenant to Isaac (Gen. 26).
Skills:
How can we get better applications of the Bible?
Getting better applications at the top-level, part 1
Activation:
Abraham's children from Keturah
Abraham's death
Birth of Jacob and Esau
Esau trades his birthright for stew
The covenant promises passes to Isaac
At-Home Skills Practice:
Step 1: Read through Genesis 26:34–33:20 at least twice this week. This is the account of Jacob and Esau and their rivalry. We want to read the entire story in its entire context. Don’t forget that you can use an audio Bible to help you.
Step 2:Write out a main idea sentence for this entire section (chs. 26:34–33:20). Remember to include its connection to the larger redemptive story.
Step 3: Create a brief (not detailed) outline of this section. How do these pieces of the Jacob and Esau story fit together?
Step 4: What repetition of previous stories we’ve covered in Genesis do you notice in this section? Make a list. Include references. Why do you think the author includes this information?
Step 5: How is the rivalry of Jacob/Esau used by New Testament writers? Include references. What do you think the top-level application is of the story of Jacob and Esau?
