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 28th 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 chapter, we see God instruct Jacob to return to Bethel, the house of God. And Jacob is both obedient to do that, but also rids his family of their idols, burying them at Shechem. But we soon see that obedience doesn’t mean we cannot escape trials, for he will lose 3 family members soon after. But in this, there is challenge for us as to whether we are willing to praise God in the storms of our life.

Application questions

• Are you willing to make a sacrifice of praise in the midst of your trials?
• What are the idols in your life, and your home, that you need to bury forever?
• How can you better prepare your heart to hear God each Sunday?