Pastor Teacher

2. Pastor Teacher Evangelist Visionary Sermon Title: “A Promise is a Promise” Genesis 32: 23-26    

3. Genesis 32: 23-26 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."  But Jacob replied, " I will not let you go unless you bless me." 

4. Romans 9:10-13 (Message Bible) And that's not the only time. To Rebecca, also, a promise was made that took priority over genetics. When she became pregnant by our one-of-a -kind ancestor, Isaac, and her babies were still innocent in the womb- incapable of good and bad - she received a special assurance from God.  What God did in this case made it perfectly plain that this purpose is not a hit or miss thing dependent on what we do or don't do,

5. but a sure thing determined by his decision, flowing steadily from his initiative.  God told Rebecca,  "The firstborn of your twins will take second place."  Later that was turned into a starked epigram:  "I loved Jacob; I hated Esau”

6. Pastor Teacher Evangelist Visionary Sermon Title: “A Promise is a Promise” Genesis 32: 23-26    

7. Commentary Good Morning Friends! Well God has provided another time that we can gather as a community of faith. We come together to testify not only of the goodness of the Lord, but to receive strength and comfort in our time of need. My friend, this is a classic narrative that we all remember told in our bible study and Sunday School classes. This is where Jacob wrestles with this angel. The point here is not whether this was a authentic angel or symbolism. 

8. But I believe the premise here is that when God makes a promise it is well able to withstand the problem. In fact, the mystery here is that the problem is part of the plan of his initiative.  By this I mean a plan is unfolding with the promise that brings forth purpose in our lives. I remember times when I would tell my son that I was going to do something at a particular time or event. He would become zealous and excited to the point that he would say, "promise Mama", say you promise". 

9. He knew that if I said I promised that no matter what , I would see it through. The promise was there in circumstances and conditions. This promise was not dependent on anything at the time he was doing or could do. It was based solely on what I said  I would do with a sense of timing for this promise. I was the provider, protector and nurturer. Likewise God knows when, what and how the promise should be unfolded in our lives.

10. However there were times that he did not deserve nor could he earn what I said I would do, but a promise was a promise.  I might add that there were times that his behavior did not warranted what I had promised and even held up the actual manifestation of the thing.  But "a promise is a promise". Well my friends, what promises has God promised you? What have you been assured of from the Almighty God? Are you looking at the problem? 

11. Does it seem that the circumstances are unfair where you stand? Scripture tells us that God is faithful. Jacob came to a place in his life that his heart desired a change in spite of the perceived situation. He no longer viewed his situation in light of just human effort which consequently brought the promise into fruition. Jacob's struggle now becomes his place of receiving the promise. You see, my friends, the promise is not forfeited because of problems. It's there because God said so. 

12. As believers the promises in God is yes and amen! Like Jacob, there may be times in our lives that we wrestle with the problems that will lead us right into the promise.  This helps us to understand that the promise is not just based in human effort or whether we deserve it.  It is a part of our Christian DNA but we must learn to persevere in character development.

13. My friends, just because you don't see it yet, doesn't mean it's not there.  "A promise is a promise”. Dr. Janice Gilbert, Senior Pastor McKinney UMC

14. Pastor Teacher Evangelist Visionary Sermon Title: “A Promise is a Promise” Genesis 32: 23-26    

15. Life Application Statement: The promises of God impacts purpose deriving from His own initiative.

16. Life Application Principles 1.  Why could Jacob not rest in the promises of God? 2.  Did Jacob's old scheming nature interfere with obtaining the promise? 3.  Like Jacob, is there a place in our lives that we wrestle before obtaining the promise?

17. Life Application Conclusion The Lord uses this lesson that we see in Jacob’s life for the purpose of stabilizing us to understand that what he has promised, He is able to perform in spite of ourselves. A huge part of this wrestling match had to do with giving up control and understanding the one who affords a basis for expecting the promise.