This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 14th April 2024.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

In this famous chapter we see Jacob wrestle with God, and in doing so we see how much he has changed since fleeing home in Canaan, where he is now returning to. Rather than be be a self-assured, self willed, even deceitful young man, he has now reached the point where he won’t let go of God. And in the lessons he learns, there are lessons for us in our daily lives.

Application questions

• Are you acting in faith in what God has told you to do?
• Are you carrying everything to God in prayer?
• When you pray, do you do so believing God is able?
• How is God refining you to rely on Him?