March 21, 2024 | Pastor Robert Lee
Passage: Genesis 32:22-31
1. Alone (22-24)
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children,[a] and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone.
2. Difficult (24b-25)
And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
3. Desperate (26)
26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
4. Powerful (27-28)
27And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,[b] for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
5. Intimacy (29-31)
29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,[c] saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
CROSS REFERENCES
- Genesis 32:6-7a
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "we came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and htere are four hundred men with him." Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. - Matthew 6:6
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. - Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What were some of the highlights and lowlights of your week? What has God been teaching you? Be honest, be real.
2. Why do you think many young people struggle to be alone in silence with their thoughts?
3. What are some of the difficulties that we face in prayer? Some people think prayer should be easy and come naturally. Explain whether you agree or not.
4. Jacob was desperate to receive God's blessing in prayer. When you pray, how would you describe your mindset or attitude in prayer?
5. Why do you think prayer has the power to change us? What's so special about prayer? How has prayer changed you? Explain.
6. None of us will persist through the difficulties of prayer, unless we truly desire to see God "face-to-face." In this season of your life, on a scale of 1-10 (1 being weak and 10 being strong), where would you place your desire for God? Explain.
RISEN is a ministry of the Sheboygan eFree Church for students in grades 6 - 12 that aims to transform lives by proclaiming the resurrected Jesus Christ in all of His grace and glory.
Would you like to join us? Find more information at our website.
► Student Ministries
CONNECT WITH SHEBOYGAN EFREE STUDENT MINISTRIES
► Instagram
LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST
► Apple Podcasts
► Spotify
Series Information
