13 September 2009

Text: Genesis 28

“I AM THE LORD GOD OF ABRAHAM”

(I) THE GRAVE DANGER OF HAVING NO REGARD FOR GOD

1. A danger to family members

a) Stealing from a brother (Genesis 25:33)

b) Deceiving one’s father (Genesis 27:36)

2. A danger to self

a) He was hated by Esau (Genesis 27:41)

b) He was marked for death. (Genesis 27:41)

c) He had to flee for his life (Genesis 27:43)

(II) THE SPIRITUAL REALITY OF GOD AS A PERSONAL LORD

1. Taught through family sources

“…’I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac…’ ” Genesis 28:13

2. Taught through the circumstances of life

a) Tough circumstances

b) Promised blessings

(III) THE PERSONAL RESPONSES TO GOD AS LORD

1. New feelings – The fear of the Lord

a) Unconscious of the Lord’s presence

“…’Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.’ ” Genesis 28:16

b) Consciousness of the Lord’s presence

“And he was afraid…” Genesis 28:17

2. New thoughts

“…’How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God and this is the gate of heaven!’ ” Genesis 28:17

a) Awesomeness of place

b) House of God

c) Gate of heaven

3. New faith

“…’If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.” Genesis 28:20-21

a) Simple prayer

b) Including God as Lord in our lives

c) Embracing the Lordship of God