Genesis 35-36 - 2009 - Skip Heitzig

Prayer and Reflection 00:36

"We thank you for a time of nourishment; we pray for a time of being enriched in our faith as we grow in the Word of God."

• The opening of the sermon emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to gather and worship freely in a country that allows the practice of faith without hindrance.

• The speaker highlights the importance of acknowledging those who cannot worship freely due to political or social constraints.

• A prayer is offered for strength and ministering to individuals in oppressive circumstances, reinforcing community support and spiritual connection.

Introduction to Genesis 35-36 01:36

"Tonight we're in Genesis chapter 35 and 36... we want to finish 35 and 36, Lord willing."

• The speaker outlines the focus of the evening's discussion on Genesis chapters 35 and 36, indicating a methodical approach to scripture that recognizes the genealogy in Chapter 36 as less significant and thus likely to be expedited.

• He expresses hope to successfully navigate both chapters while leaving room for divine intervention.

• This plan stems from a desire to prepare for future teachings, especially concerning Joseph's life in Chapter 37.

The Story of the Scorpion and the Turtle 02:26

"Both the scorpion and the turtle did not live happily ever after; all of us have a sin nature."

• A parable is introduced, involving a scorpion and a turtle crossing a pond, illustrating the inherent nature of beings—sin being likened to the scorpion's nature to sting.

• This allegory serves as a foundation for discussing the concept of sin nature, suggesting that just as the scorpion acted according to its nature, humanity is marked by a sinful condition.

• The narrative foreshadows Jacob's flaws, likening him to the scorpion for his repeated acts of deception and moral failures.

The God-Filled Chapter of Genesis 35 06:20

"Chapter 35 is a God-filled chapter; it’s a radical departure from a godless chapter."

• The narrative of Genesis chapter 35 contrasts sharply with the preceding chapter (34), which is described as devoid of God's presence and filled with moral decay.

• In Chapter 35, God's name appears frequently, signifying a return to reverence and spiritual vitality.

• The chapter is seen as a personal revival for Jacob, highlighting the transformation from a place of despair to one of divine engagement and obedience.

Revival and Obedience to God 06:40

"Revival really boils down to a new beginning of obedience to God."

• The essence of revival is articulated as the rekindling of obedience towards God, prompted by an awareness of sin and a desire for repentance.

• Historical examples are cited, indicating that revival often follows periods of significant moral decline within communities.

• The message stresses the need for individuals to recognize their shortcomings and seek restoration through obedience, often becoming more evident during crises in personal or communal life.

God's Initiative in Revival 12:23

"God always initiates the revival; man doesn't."

• The sermon emphasizes that revival starts with God's initiative, as exemplified by His command to Jacob to return to Bethel.

• It is noted that revivals cannot be orchestrated or scheduled; true spiritual awakenings are birthed from God's actions in the hearts of individuals.

• The speaker reflects on the absurdity of scheduling a revival, reiterating the idea that it must arise organically through divine prompting and individual responsiveness.

The Importance of Purging Idols 13:59

"Now it's time to do something about it."

• Jacob addressed his family, calling on them to rid themselves of foreign gods and purify themselves as they prepared to return to Bethel. This marked a significant moment where he recognized that long-tolerated wickedness needed to be confronted and dealt with.

• This plea came after past instances where idols were hidden in their home, such as when Rachel stole her father's idols, demonstrating that idolatry had previously been allowed to flourish within their family dynamics.

• Idolatry is not limited to tangible idols from the Old Testament; it extends to anything that replaces a genuine relationship with God, indicating that modern worship can often be diluted by various distractions in life.

Parental Responsibility in Spiritual Leadership 17:24

"You have the right, in fact you have the calling and responsibility to admonish your children."

• Jacob's shift from passivity to active leadership in his family's spiritual life emphasizes the critical role of parents in guiding their children. He instructed them on what is right and wrong, marking a turning point in his parenting approach.

• It's essential to acknowledge that the majority of a child's life is spent at home under parental influence, as opposed to brief moments spent in church or educational settings. Therefore, parents bear a significant responsibility in modeling and reinforcing spiritual principles.

• Jacob's realization of his failures in failing to address idol worship serves as a reminder that open communication and the willingness to acknowledge one’s shortcomings are vital in fostering a healthy familial relationship.

The Act of Commitment to God 21:50

"So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands."

• Jacob's decision to take responsibility and lead by example had a profound impact, as his children willingly followed suit in abandoning idolatry. Their action of giving Jacob their foreign gods symbolizes a collective commitment to God.

• This renewed dedication to God is marked by Jacob's intention to build an altar as they travel to Bethel, reflecting a revived spiritual commitment and acknowledging God's guidance through distressing times.

Divine Protection Amidst Challenges 24:24

"When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him."

• As Jacob and his family journeyed, the terror of God fell upon surrounding cities, preventing any vengeance from those who might seek retaliation for previous events involving Jacob's sons. This illustrates how divine intervention can create peace even in potentially hostile situations.

• The principle highlighted here is that God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events in ways that might not be immediately visible. This demonstrates His ability to protect and guide those who follow His path, reinforcing faith in His constant presence and support.

God's Protection and the Fear of the Lord 25:45

"The terror of the Lord was upon them; God was protecting them."

• Skip shares a personal story about how he once used a remote-controlled car at his church to playfully scare staff members, drawing a parallel to how God is invisibly at work, even when we cannot see His hand guiding and protecting us.

• He recounts a harrowing experience from a visit to the Philippines during a time of civil unrest, where a guerrilla group known as the New People's Army threatened a church congregation. The group had previously demanded church offerings under the threat of violence, creating fear among the locals.

• On the subsequent Sunday, despite the tension and threat of attack, the church was filled with congregants who chose to gather and pray. They committed themselves to seek God, believing that His protection would be over them.

Restoration and Spiritual Growth 29:20

"God always seeks to bring us to the highest possible level."

• Skip emphasizes the importance of returning to one's spiritual roots and recognizing God's desire for our restoration. He approaches Jacob's journey back to Bethel, explaining that it signifies a return to a place of deep spiritual connection with God.

• He highlights how Jacob went from being at a lower spiritual ground to ascending back to where God intended him to be, which illustrates the principle that God aims to elevate us spiritually if we allow Him to guide us.

• The mention of the church of Ephesus serves as a reminder for believers to reflect on their spiritual journey, encouraging them to remember where they have fallen from in terms of their relationship with God.

The Shift from Place to God 31:54

"Sometimes we can get so hung up on the house of God that we forget the God of the house."

• Skip articulates a shift in Jacob’s perspective, where he transitions from being in awe of the place he called "house of God" to recognizing that it is the "God of the house" who truly matters.

• He shares a childhood anecdote, reflecting on how he was often told not to run in church because of its sanctity, illustrating that the focus often can be misplaced on the physical location rather than the divine presence within.

• The focus should always remain on God rather than the material signs or locations associated with faith, reminding the audience that true worship and reverence emerge from our relationship with God, not merely from the places we gather.

God's Reconfirmation to Jacob 34:35

"Sometimes you will meet someone who just has to have a new revelation; what we need more than anything else is just a reminder of what God already said."

• Skip highlights the encounter where God reaffirms Jacob's new name, Israel. This reaffirmation serves not as new information but as a necessary reminder of God's constant truths in Jacob's life.

• He points out the tendency among Christians to seek new revelations instead of reinforcing and applying the truths they already know. The emphasis should not be on seeking novelty but on understanding and embodying the teachings and principles already established in the Bible.

• He draws a parallel to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus explained Scripture to them, emphasizing that it wasn't about presenting new information, but rather providing a fresh perspective on familiar truths that ignited their hearts.

The Story of William Randolph Hearst 37:03

"It’s pretty rich when you don’t even know what you own."

• Skip Heitzig shares a story about William Randolph Hearst, an affluent billionaire who discovered that a coveted piece of art he had been searching for was already in his possession, stored away and forgotten. This anecdote serves as a metaphor for how individuals often overlook the blessings they possess in their spiritual lives.

• The speaker emphasizes that believers are enriched with all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, but many fail to recognize and appreciate what they already have. He cites 2 Peter 1, affirming that God has provided everything necessary for life and godliness.

God's Last Appearance to Jacob 38:30

"This is the last occasion where God appears to Jacob; from now on, communication is through dreams."

• In this segment, Heitzig points out that God directly appears to Jacob, marking the final instance of such divine encounters recorded in Genesis.

• He notes that after this, God communicates through dreams, indicating a shift in how divine messages are conveyed. He explains that a vision occurs while awake, while dreams happen during sleep.

The Significance of God’s Promises 39:10

"This land is God's land, and it is God who decides who occupies it."

• Heitzig discusses the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He clarifies that the ongoing dispute about land ownership between Israel and Palestine is fundamentally about God's promise, stating that it is ultimately His land.

• He emphasizes that God decides who gets to inhabit the land, having granted it to Abraham and his descendants, specifically Isaac and Jacob, thus establishing a divine lineage through which blessings flow.

Jacob's Drink Offering 40:10

"This is the first mention in the Bible of a drink offering, a symbol of pouring one's life out to God."

• The speaker describes how Jacob sets up a stone pillar after God speaks to him and pours a drink offering on it, which Heitzig presents as a historical and spiritual symbol.

• He clarifies that this act signifies a commitment of everything Jacob has to God, underscoring the idea of total devotion. He compares Jacob's offering to the Apostle Paul's declaration of being poured out as a drink offering, highlighting the theme of surrender.

The Birth and Death of Rachel 42:20

"Rachel's difficult childbirth leads to a naming that reflects her sorrow and the stark reality of loss."

• Heitzig recounts the sorrowful event of Rachel's death during childbirth, noting how Rachel names her son Ben Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow." However, Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of my right hand," illustrating Jacob's attempt to find hope amid grief.

• This sorrow illustrates deeply emotional themes within the narrative of Jacob’s family, reflecting on Rachel's significance as Jacob's beloved wife.

The Importance of Ephrath 45:00

"This is the first mention of Bethlehem in the Bible, a city of profound significance in biblical prophecy and history."

• The discussion shifts to the significance of Ephrath, known as Bethlehem. They highlight its biblical relevance, linking it to future events, including the birth of Jesus Christ and the prophecy found in Micah.

• Heitzig notes that Rachel’s tomb in Bethlehem is a pilgrimage site today, ensuring her legacy is remembered through biblical history.

Reuben's Actions and Consequences 46:20

"Reuben's actions cost him the birthright and preeminence due to his instability."

• He describes the troubling incident between Reuben and Bilhah, his father's concubine, suggesting Reuben may have sought to assert dominance within the family structure through this act.

• As a result of this action, Reuben loses his birthright, a theme of accountability and the consequences of one's choices that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Heitzig foreshadows the further repercussions Reuben will face as they will be elaborated upon later in the text.

The Significance of Judah and the Birthright 48:30

"Judah means praise, and your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's children shall bow down before you."

• The tribe of Judah is significant as it represents the line from which Jesus will come, highlighting the prophetic importance of Judah's position among the tribes of Israel.

• Jacob's blessing elevates Judah to a place of preeminence, describing him as the one whose lineage will carry forth the promises of God.

Isaac's Death and Its Implications 50:20

"Isaac breathed his last and died, gathered to his people."

• Despite his belief that he was near death, Isaac lived an additional 43 years, which emphasizes that God controls the life span of individuals.

• This highlights the theme of human perception versus divine reality, illustrating that one may feel they are approaching the end while God has other plans.

The Genealogy of Esau 51:50

"This is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom."

• Chapter 36 records the descendants of Esau and serves as a concluding section for his lineage because the narrative focus now shifts to Jacob and his descendants, forming the nation of Israel.

• The genealogy of Esau reflects God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, as it shows the growth and prosperity of Esau's family despite his disregard for spiritual matters.

The Legacy of Esau and Its Consequences 58:22

"Be careful not to miss the grace of God, and let no root of bitterness arise."

• Esau's choice to sell his birthright for a bowl of beans symbolizes neglecting spiritual blessings for immediate gratification, leading to a life of decline and enmity with Israel.

• The New Testament references Esau as a cautionary figure, emphasizing the importance of valuing God's blessings and the terrible repercussions of failing to recognize their significance.

• The prophecy of Obadiah underscores the judgment that awaits the descendants of Esau, illustrating the consequences of their decisions throughout history.

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance 01:00:43

"We pray for healing and deliverance for those trapped by their own appetites."

• The speaker expresses gratitude for God’s grace and mercy, emphasizing the lessons learned from the Old Testament that remain relevant to the present.

• A prayer is made specifically for individuals who feel trapped by their own desires, likening their struggles to those of Esau.

• The intention is for God to perform miracles in the lives of those present, particularly for anyone who feels lost or beyond salvation.

Returning to Intimacy with God 01:01:41

"Bring us back to Bethel, the place of intimacy with You."

• The need for revival is highlighted, calling for a return to spiritual intimacy with God, referred to as Bethel.

• This message targets individuals who have wandered away from a close relationship with God and invites them back to worship and revelation.

• The speaker encourages a spiritual renewal that involves obedience and a fresh commitment to following God wholeheartedly.

Invitation to a Personal Relationship with Christ 01:02:30

"It’s about pouring yourself out as a drink offering."

• Acknowledging that some attendees may not fully understand the spiritual teachings, the speaker emphasizes the significance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• The prayer aims to bring those who have felt distant from God back into fellowship, urging them to surrender their lives.

• The idea is presented that faith is not merely a religious obligation but a deep, personal commitment.

Call to Action and Commitment 01:05:13

"If you raised your hand, put feet on that hand and come right up to the front."

• An invitation is issued for individuals who feel a need for spiritual renewal to physically respond by coming to the front.

• The speaker encourages attendees to not be embarrassed about publicly committing or recommitting their lives to Christ.

• A prayer is led for individuals to confess their sins and accept Jesus as their Savior, redefining their purpose and strengthening their faith.