Message Notes

LIFE WITHOUT GOD: BLEAK

1. The character of Jacob

a. Cunning

b. Deceiver

2. The result of his bad behaviour

a. Esau sought to kill him

b. He was forced to leave home

LIFE WITH GOD: BLESSING

1. God reveals Himself to Jacob   (Genesis 28:12–13)

a. A ladder from earth to heaven

b. The angels of God were ascending and descending on it

c. The LORD stood above it

2. God’s promise to bless

a. The Abrahamic blessing was given to him   (Genesis 28:13–14)

i. Land

ii. Descendants

iii. The Messianic seed

b. The greatest blessing is God Himself and His promises   (Genesis 28: 15)

i. Presence of God (“Behold, I am with you”)

ii. Protection of God (“And will keep you wherever you go”)

JACOB’S RESPONSE: BELIEVE

1. Recognition of the presence of God   (Genesis 28:17)

a. “How awesome is this place”

b. “This is the house of God”

c. “This is the gate of heaven”

2. Conditional faith response   (Genesis 28:20)

a. If

i. “God will be with me” (presence)

ii. “And will keep me” (protection)

iii. “So that I come back to my father’s house in peace” (promise of God to be fulfilled)

b. Then

“The LORD shall be my God” (personal)

CHALLENGE TO US ALL

1. Let us choose to live a life with God

a. From bleakness

b. To blessing

2. Our part is to believe in God