Wrestling with God: Transformation Through Humility

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Humility and Repentance

Jacob's encounter with God begins with a wrestling match that leaves him physically weakened but spiritually awakened. When God asks Jacob his name, it is a call for Jacob to admit his true nature as a deceiver. This moment of humility and repentance is crucial for receiving God's blessing. We, too, must come to God with a humble heart, acknowledging our sins and our need for His grace. This act of humility is not just about admitting our faults but also about recognizing our dependence on God for transformation and blessing. [47:19]

Hosea 12:3-4 (ESV): "In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us."

Reflection: Think of a time when you had to admit a fault or weakness. How did it change your relationship with God or others? Can you bring a current struggle to God in humility today?

Day 2: Transformation Through Encounter

Jacob's name change to Israel signifies a profound transformation. This change is not just ceremonial but reflects a deep, internal change in Jacob's character and relationship with God. Similarly, when we encounter Jesus, we are transformed. Our old identity is replaced with a new one in Christ, and this transformation is ongoing as we grow in our faith. The story of Jacob reminds us that our encounters with God are meant to change us deeply, affecting how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. [49:53]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt transformed by an encounter with God. How has this transformation affected your daily life and relationships? What areas of your life still need to be transformed by Jesus?

Day 3: Persistence in Seeking God

Despite his injury, Jacob clings to God and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. This persistence is a powerful lesson for us. In our spiritual journey, we must persistently seek God, even when it is difficult. Our persistence in prayer and faith signifies our dependence on Him and our trust in His promises. Jacob's story encourages us to hold on to God, especially in times of struggle, knowing that He is faithful to bless us. [56:12]

Luke 18:1 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to persist in seeking God? How can you commit to being more persistent in prayer and faith this week?

Day 4: God's Sovereignty in Our Struggles

The story of Jacob wrestling with God reminds us that God is always in control, even in our struggles. While it may seem like we are wrestling with life's challenges on our own, God is sovereign and uses these moments to draw us closer to Him. Our struggles can become opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. Recognizing God's sovereignty helps us to trust Him more fully, even when we don't understand our circumstances. [57:32]

Romans 8:28 (ESV): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Think about a current struggle you are facing. How can you see God's hand at work in this situation? What steps can you take to trust in His sovereignty more fully?

Day 5: The Gospel in the Old Testament

Jacob's wrestling match with God is a foreshadowing of the gospel. Just as Jacob was blessed despite his sin, we are blessed through Jesus' sacrifice. Jesus willingly laid down His life to bestow every spiritual blessing upon us. This story, like many others in the Old Testament, points us to Jesus and the transformative power of the gospel. Understanding the gospel in the context of the Old Testament enriches our faith and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive plan. [01:03:05]

Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Reflection: How does seeing Jesus in the Old Testament stories change your understanding of the Bible? What is one way you can seek to find Jesus in your daily Bible reading this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Before diving into today's message, I want to take a moment to pray for our students heading to summer camp. Summer camp has been a transformative experience for many, including myself, and I pray that God will work powerfully in their lives this week. May they not only have fun but also encounter the gospel in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Let's pray for their safety, the counselors, and that the Word of God would take root in their hearts.

Today, we begin a new sermon series titled "The Gospel of Old." This series aims to explore the Old Testament stories many of us grew up hearing in Sunday school, but with a fresh perspective. Often, we focus on personal application, asking, "What does this story mean to me?" While that's important, we must first ask, "What does this story mean?" and more importantly, "Where is Jesus in this story?" The Old Testament is rich with imagery and foreshadowing of Christ, even in books like Leviticus. Jesus Himself, after His resurrection, explained to His disciples how the Old Testament pointed to Him.

Our first story is from Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with God. Jacob, the younger son of Isaac, had a history of deceit, having stolen his brother Esau's birthright. After years of tension and separation, Jacob is now returning home, fearing Esau's wrath. He sends his family and possessions ahead and finds himself alone. Suddenly, a man wrestles with him until daybreak. This man is no ordinary man but a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus, known as a Christophany.

Jacob's wrestling match with God is a profound moment. Initially, it seems Jacob is winning, but God is merely allowing him to prevail. When God touches Jacob's hip, dislocating it, Jacob realizes the true nature of his opponent. Despite his injury, Jacob clings to God, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. God asks Jacob his name, prompting Jacob to admit his identity as a deceiver. This admission is a moment of humility and repentance.

God then changes Jacob's name to Israel, meaning "one who strives with God" or "God contends." This name change signifies a transformation in Jacob's character and his relationship with God. Jacob's limp becomes a lifelong reminder of his encounter with God and his dependence on Him.

This story is not just about Jacob but also about us. We, too, wrestle with God in our lives, often seeking blessings on our terms. Yet, true transformation comes when we humble ourselves, admit our weaknesses, and cling to Jesus. The story of Jacob wrestling with God points us to the gospel, where Jesus willingly laid down His life to bestow every spiritual blessing upon us.

As we continue this series, let's remember that the Bible is not just a handbook for life but a revelation of Jesus Christ. Every story, every command, and every prophecy finds its fulfillment in Him. May we seek Jesus in every part of Scripture and allow His Word to transform us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Humility and Repentance: Jacob's encounter with God begins with a wrestling match that leaves him physically weakened but spiritually awakened. When God asks Jacob his name, it is a call for Jacob to admit his true nature as a deceiver. This moment of humility and repentance is crucial for receiving God's blessing. We, too, must come to God with a humble heart, acknowledging our sins and our need for His grace. [47:19]
2. Transformation Through Encounter: Jacob's name change to Israel signifies a profound transformation. This change is not just ceremonial but reflects a deep, internal change in Jacob's character and relationship with God. Similarly, when we encounter Jesus, we are transformed. Our old identity is replaced with a new one in Christ, and this transformation is ongoing as we grow in our faith. [49:53]
3. Persistence in Seeking God: Despite his injury, Jacob clings to God and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. This persistence is a powerful lesson for us. In our spiritual journey, we must persistently seek God, even when it is difficult. Our persistence in prayer and faith signifies our dependence on Him and our trust in His promises. [56:12]
4. God's Sovereignty in Our Struggles: The story of Jacob wrestling with God reminds us that God is always in control, even in our struggles. While it may seem like we are wrestling with life's challenges on our own, God is sovereign and uses these moments to draw us closer to Him. Our struggles can become opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. [57:32]
5. The Gospel in the Old Testament: Jacob's wrestling match with God is a foreshadowing of the gospel. Just as Jacob was blessed despite his sin, we are blessed through Jesus' sacrifice. Jesus willingly laid down His life to bestow every spiritual blessing upon us. This story, like many others in the Old Testament, points us to Jesus and the transformative power of the gospel. [01:03:05]
### [63:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:35] - Prayer for Students
[28:42] - Introduction to the Series
[29:46] - Sunday School Stories
[30:57] - Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
[32:11] - Jesus in the Old Testament
[33:27] - Jacob's Story
[34:37] - Jacob's Deception
[35:58] - Jacob's Journey
[37:18] - Jacob Wrestles with God
[38:31] - The Significance of the Wrestling Match
[39:36] - Recognizing God
[40:58] - God's Identity
[42:07] - The God-Man
[43:30] - God's Comfort in Unexpected Ways
[44:42] - Jacob's Humility
[46:03] - The Gospel Foreshadowed
[47:19] - Jacob's Admission
[48:40] - Jacob's Transformation
[49:53] - Name Change to Israel
[51:04] - Israel's History
[52:27] - God's Mercy
[53:44] - God's Unchanging Nature
[55:03] - Lessons from Jacob's Story
[56:12] - Persistence in Prayer
[57:32] - God's Sovereignty
[58:53] - Transformation Through Encounter
[60:24] - Blessing Through Suffering
[61:45] - The True and Better Jacob
[63:05] - The Gospel in the Old Testament
[64:31] - Final Reflections
[65:58] - Clinging to Jesus
[67:25] - Invitation to Faith

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Jacob's initial reaction when he realized he was wrestling with God? How did his understanding of the situation change over time? ([39:36])
What significance does Jacob's name change to Israel hold in the context of his encounter with God? ([49:53])
How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God foreshadow the gospel and the coming of Jesus? ([42:07])
What was the physical reminder of Jacob's encounter with God, and what did it symbolize? ([38:31])

Interpretation Questions

Why is humility and repentance crucial for receiving God's blessing, as seen in Jacob's admission of his name? How does this apply to our own spiritual journey? ([47:19])
In what ways does Jacob's persistence in seeking a blessing from God teach us about the importance of persistence in our own prayer life? ([56:12])
How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God illustrate God's sovereignty in our struggles? What does this tell us about God's role in our personal challenges? ([57:32])
How does the transformation of Jacob's identity from deceiver to Israel reflect the transformation that occurs when we encounter Jesus? ([49:53])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt you were "wrestling" with God. How did that experience impact your faith and relationship with Him? ([43:30])
Jacob's encounter with God led to a moment of humility and repentance. Is there an area in your life where you need to humble yourself and seek God's forgiveness? ([47:19])
Persistence in prayer is a key theme in Jacob's story. What is one specific prayer request you have been persistent about, and how can you continue to seek God in this area? ([56:12])
Jacob's limp was a lifelong reminder of his dependence on God. Do you have a "limp" or a reminder in your life that keeps you dependent on God? How does it shape your daily walk with Him? ([38:31])
The sermon emphasized finding Jesus in the Old Testament. How can you make a habit of looking for Jesus in your daily Bible reading? ([30:57])
Jacob's name change signified a transformation in his character. How has your identity changed since encountering Jesus, and what steps can you take to continue growing in your new identity? ([49:53])
The story of Jacob wrestling with God points to the gospel. How can you share this story with someone who needs to hear about the transformative power of Jesus? ([42:07])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The Bible is much more than just a product to be consumed. Something that you can say, let me weigh the pros and cons and decide whether or not this is good for me. The Bible actually offers transformation. It actually offers us not just stories, not just commands and laws, but it offers us Jesus, who's everything that we need." [01:03:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "How often do you read the Old Testament looking for Jesus? How often do we do that? Because his name is not there in the Old Testament, but he certainly is all throughout it. We see this very clearly as we enter the New Testament. Even the notorious book of Leviticus is full of imagery pointing to Jesus." [30:57](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "To truly encounter the Lord is to truly be changed by him forever. See Jacob's hip for reference. To truly encounter the Lord is to be changed by him forever. I say this often. I don't believe it's possible to truly know the Lord, to truly see the gospel and put your faith and trust in Christ and be the same. It's not possible." [58:53](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "Jesus willingly lost this battle to Jacob in order to bestow a blessing upon him. Jesus also willingly lost at the cross so that he may bestow every spiritual blessing upon us, and praise God the story didn't end there. But he rose from the dead, proving that it was he who willingly laid down his life. Nobody took it from him. It was the greatest victory that had ever been." [01:03:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "The story of the Christian life is not so much me holding on to Jesus, but Jesus holding on to me. And the more I recognize that, the tighter my grip around him becomes. And the more I recognize that it's not my grip, but his holding me up." [01:05:58](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jacob was blessed despite his sin. He was crushed for our sin. He was crushed so that we might receive a blessing despite there being no sin in him. Jacob fought for his blessing from the Lord. Jesus humbled himself to the point of death to grant us every spiritual blessing, and now he sits enthroned above the heavens. Jacob's name was changed from Jacob to Israel. Jesus has changed our name from sinner to saint." [01:03:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "Persistence in prayer is an important part of the Christian life. James 5.16 says, the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it's working. Other translations say, the fervent prayer of a righteous person has great power as it's working. How often have you and I prayed for something once, nothing happens, and we move on? We go, well, God didn't want to answer." [57:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "To be successful with God meant that he had to be crippled in his own self-sufficiency. And isn't that true of every single one of us coming to Christ? To be successful with God, to have a relationship with Christ, to be forgiven, it means to be crippled in our own self-sufficiency. It means to lay down ourselves, to die to ourselves, to admit our weakness, to admit our sin, and to cling to Jesus with everything we have because he's our strength. He's our righteousness." [48:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "Jacob walked away from this wrestling match, not bragging that he had wrestled with God and prevailed. And he walked away saying, how is it that my life was spared? How is it that I have seen God face to face? And yet by his mercy, he allowed me to live. That's the kind of humility that Jacob had. That's the kind of humility that we're all called to have in coming to Christ." [52:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "God blessed Jacob there because Jacob humbled himself and clung to Jesus for blessing. He wasn't trusting in himself anymore. He wasn't trusting in his own ways. How could he? His hip was broken. He literally had no strength left, but to hold on to Jesus. Jacob, at this point of his life, thought that the most important thing was safety from Esau. That was what consumed his mind. And it was at that moment that the Lord chose to meet him and to show him that the most important thing in his life was his faith in God." [55:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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