20060709m_You Dont Have to Stay the Same

You Don’t Have to Stay the Same!—Genesis 32:22-32

3 In the womb he tried to supplant his brother, and in his manhood he struggled with God. 4 He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor…Hosea 12:3-4a

4 PHASES GOD USES TO CHANGE YOU

PHASE 1.             A CRISIS: [CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE CHANGED] !

22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Verses 22-24

29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30

PHASE 2.             A COMMITMENT: [YOU REFUSE TO QUIT] !

25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me. Verses 25-26

35 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Hebrews 10:35-36

PHASE 3.             A CONFESSION: [ADMIT YOU ARE THE PROBLEM] !

So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “JACOB”. Verse 27

JACOB = Deceiver (Manipulator)

“O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. Ezra 9:6

PHASE 4.             A CONVERSION: [YOU ARE GIVEN A NEW IDENTITY]

28 Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” 29 …. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved. 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip” Verses 28-31

ISRAEL = Struggles with God

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Personal Questions

·         In What Areas Are You Struggling With God?

·         In What Areas Have You Felt Like Giving Up?

·         What Do You Need To Admit About Yourself?

·         Will You Let Christ Give You A New Identity?