Dealing with Fear- Gen. 32

This passage has two major events. First, Jacob learns about the coming of his brother, Esau, who’s last words about Jacob were, “I will kill my brother Jacob” (Gen. 27:41). Rebekah told Jacob about Esau’s plan (Gen. 27:42–45).

Skip ahead about 20 years to our present passage, and you understand Jacob’s desire to send people and gifts ahead of himself and his family. In fact, Jacob himself will tell God in prayer, “I fear him,” Gen. 32:11.

I think this passage, which demonstrates God’s sovereign accomplishments of His plan, also provides us with a glimpse into the heart of a man who struggled with fear.

Perhaps you have faced an issue where you struggled with fear, too, and were not sure how to handle it. Maybe you were prepared for it, maybe you weren’t.

Either way, there will come greater trials for our faith with the potential of greater experiences of fear, so prepared or not, we must be ready.

Tonight will be a bit more interactive, with the goal of seeing how Jacob responds, what lessons we can draw from him, and then practical ways we can implement them into our lives.

What is the source of fear? Gen. 32:1–7a

The source of fear for Jacob came initially from Esau and then, upon receiving further news, from the 400 men who were coming to meet him.

What sources of fear we do have?

Jacob is afraid of Esau and his men, but why?

Because they can kill Jacob

Because they can harm or kill his wives and children

Because they can steal or destroy his livestock and servants

On a side note, we see some growth in Jacob’s life, a shift from self-focus to others-focus

The source of fear is as wide as human beings are diverse—the follow-up question to what is the source of fear is—can I trust God?

The chapter starts with a mention of God’s angels, and reminds us of the dream Jacob had in Gen. 28:10–17 (which also mentions angels)

How did (or, do) I respond? Gen. 32:7b–21

How do we respond to that source of fear?

Jacob is proactive—he sends messengers ahead to “find favor in your [Esau’s] sight” (32:5)

Jacob is proactive—he prepares to divide his group for safety (32:9–21)

Jacob is prayerful—an instructive prayer indeed

Jacob acknowledged his unworthiness of the Lord’s love (32:10)

Jacob acknowledged his complete dependence on God’s salvation (32:11)

Jacob acknowledge his feelings (32:11)

Jacob claimed the promises of God (32:12)

What can we do?

Be proactive as much as possible (prayer, Scripture memory and meditation, avoiding certain situations/people)

Be prayerful—the more intense the fear the more necessary is prayer

How can I apply these truths?- Gen. 32:22–32, Hos. 12:4

Now we come to a test of Jacob’s faith, if you will, and often times the Lord will grow our faith in Him through increasingly difficult trials (Like resistance training)

God challenges Jacob with one man as opposed to 401 men- 32:24

Jacob fought with God-empowered intensity (or, God’s promise-based strength)- 32:25, cf. 32:11, 28:10–17

Jacob believed the promises of God and wrestled for “the blessing”- 32:26

God gives Jacob a new name—a name based on Jacob’s relationship to God, or, a new identity (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17)

“This transaction was designed to fortify Jacob against the fear of his brother Esau.” John Gill

Seeing God face to face—through Jesus (Ex. 33:20; John 1:18; 1 John 3:2)

This “skirmish” will lead to the encounter with Esau

How can I minister to others?

Listen to their fears and seek to understand their struggles

Ascertain their relationship with and their knowledge of God

Build off of their relationship with and knowledge of God with the goal of them trusting the Lord