Genesis: Week 49

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Read aloud Genesis 32:1-21. Pray together.

Genesis 32:1-21

LAUNCHING QUESTION

After gathering together on Sunday morning (through seeing and talking with each other, Phil’s greeting, prayers, worship in song, Bible reading, listening to the sermon, benediction, etc.), in what ways were we helped to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ by knowing Him and making Him known? How can the main idea of the message help equip us to help others?


Main Idea: When you’re fearful of the things ahead, look to your faithful God instead.

Three Questions - From Genesis 32:1-21

What does this passage teach us historically?

  • After Jacob departed from Laban he went on his way to return home. What does this detail tell us about God’s character? What is the significance of the angels of God meeting Jacob on his return home? (see Gen.28 and Jacob’s ladder) 

  • Starting in verse 3, Esau is reintroduced into the story. Reread Genesis 27:41. What does Jacob do in response to anticipating seeing his brother Esau? What does Jacob’s response tell us about how he views his brother?

  • Jacob divides his family into 2 camps. Why does he do this?

  • In the midst of 1) the bad news that Jacob hears, 2) the fear that grips him, 3) and the strategy he puts in place, what do you make of the author taking 4 verses to describe Jacob’s prayer to God? Why does Moses take 20% of this passage to describe Jacob’s prayer? 

  • In what ways are we to understand the further preparations Jacob makes to meet Esau found in vv. 13-21?

What does this passage teach us theologically?

  • God wants His people to call on Him in their moments of fear. How should knowing God’s heart motivate us to pray in times of fear? 

  • Read 1 Peter 5:7; Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:6-7. What do these verses tell us about God? What do these verses tell us about ourselves? What are some ways we can apply this insight into God and our lives? 

What does this passage teach us practically? 

  • When we are tempted to be afraid due to unpromising circumstances:

    1. Go to the LORD in prayer casting your anxieties on Him.

    2. Obey Jesus and “look at the birds of the air.” (Matt. 6:26). After you bird watch, remember that “you are more valuable than they.” Think of God's love and His provisions for you!

    3. How was your heart affected when Pastor J. read his grandma’s favorite hymn to us? (“His eye is on the sparrow”). REMEMBER THIS EXPERIENCE. 

    4. In closing, we can respond to fear by:

      1. Trying to take control of our circumstances.

      2. Trying to run away from our responsibilities.

      3. Trusting the LORD in prayer.

REMEMBER: When you’re fearful of the things ahead, look to your faithful God instead.