Genesis: Week 53
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Read aloud Genesis 35:1-15. Pray together.
Genesis 35:1-15
“God confirms our calling right after He corrects our sin.” ~ Pastor Jason
LAUNCHING QUESTION
After gathering together on Sunday morning (through an elder's prayer, worship in song, sitting under the sermon, attending a UBC class, serving UBC in various ministries, enjoying conversations with each other, etc.), in what ways were we helped to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ? How can the main idea of the message help equip us to help others in wholeheartedly following Jesus Christ?
Main Idea: When God’s people go off track, He is faithful to bring them back.
Three Questions - From Genesis 35:1-15
What does this passage teach us historically?
Summary: Genesis 35:1-15 presents God’s faithfulness in bringing back His people to Bethel which is found in the promised land.
In these verses, how many times is God seen doing the action? (notice the following verses: vv. 1,5,7,9,10,11,13). What is Moses communicating to the reader with all these references to God leading the action? Why is it necessary to hear of God’s faithfulness over and over to His people?
Notice the verses Jacob is pictured as a responder to God. (see vv. 2-3,6-7,8,14-15). What do you make of all these verses dedicated to showing the reader Jacob’s activity? What was meant by Jacob making an altar, setting up a pillar of stone in that place, and pouring out a drink offering and oil on it? (Hint: Bethel means “house of God” and El-Bethel means “God of the house of God”. Think Temple. Think worship.).
Notice how God’s people responded to Jacob’s leadership. What does this communicate about God’s work in Jacob’s life? How does this observation help us to understand how God uses faithful leadership?
Jacob’s household and all who were with him had idols (v2). Pastor Jason spent some time talking about idols - what they were/are and what to do with them. Discuss what repentance looked like in chapter 35:1-15.
What does this passage teach us theologically?
God is faithful to His people, even when His people aren’t faithful to Him.
Don’t hold back from talking with each other about this revelation about God with us.
Read aloud the third stanza of “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. This might be a good time to simply worship God in prayer and praise for the next few minutes.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
What does this passage teach us practically?
He corrects your sin.
He confirms your calling.
How does knowing His correction in our lives show us His heart for us?
How does knowing His confirmation of our relationship with Him show us His heart for us?
Pastor Jason used John 21:15-17 to help us feel the surprise and amazement over the love and faithfulness of God. Slowly read this passage and get ready to worship heartily Jesus Christ and whole-heartedly follow Him wherever He goes!