Kingdom Covenant Part 8 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Covenant Part 8 Discussion Guide

1 Title

“Embracing the Struggle: Jacob’s Transformation”

2 Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explore the transformative wrestling match between Jacob and God by the Jabbok River. Jacob, who has been known for his deceptive ways and reliance on his own wits, encounters God alone and is forever changed. This struggle is not just physical but marks a spiritual turning point, leading to a new identity and a new way of walking, both figuratively and literally. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal encounters with God, meeting Him in our brokenness, and the paradox of overcoming through surrender. It highlights the significance of Jacob’s limp as a reminder of his divine encounter and a symbol of his newfound reliance on God rather than his own strength.

3 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into the message of Jacob’s encounter with You, we ask for open hearts and minds. May we be receptive to the lessons You have for us and be willing to wrestle with the truths that challenge us. Help us to embrace our own struggles and to seek You earnestly, trusting that through our vulnerabilities, You are shaping us into Your image. Guide our discussion and lead us into a deeper understanding of Your transformative love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

4 Ice Breaker

If you could choose one biblical character to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

5 Key Verses

• Genesis 32:24-26 (NIV): “So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’ But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.'”
• Genesis 32:28 (NIV): “Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.'”

6 Questions

1. What does Jacob’s wrestling match with God symbolize in your own spiritual journey?
2. How can we recognize when God is calling us to a deeper level of trust and surrender?
3. In what ways have you experienced personal transformation through struggles or challenges?
4. Why do you think God asked Jacob for his name, and what significance does this have?
5. How can we, like Jacob, hold onto God and seek His blessing in our lives?
6. Discuss the importance of having a personal relationship with God, separate from communal worship.
7. What does Jacob’s limp teach us about the marks of our encounters with God?
8. How can we embrace our “limps” or weaknesses as opportunities for God’s strength to be displayed in our lives?

7 Life Application

This week, let’s each identify an area of our life where we may be wrestling with God. Commit to seeking God earnestly in this area, asking Him for a blessing of understanding, transformation, or breakthrough. Let’s also be intentional about spending quiet time alone with God, developing our personal relationship with Him.

8 Ending Prayer

Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the lessons learned from Jacob’s life. May we go forth with the courage to face our struggles, the humility to cling to You for blessing, and the faith to walk in the new identity You give us. Help us to remember that in our weakness, Your strength is made perfect. Bless each person here, that we may carry the truths of today into our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.