Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro:

Laban’s Search

Laban had been restrained by God from harming and/or hindering Jacob

Gen 31:32-

Gen 31:

Wicked people think they have great power, but they forget that they have nothing other than what the Lord temporarily allows them to possess.

Wicked people think they have great power, but they forget that they have nothing other than what the Lord temporarily allows them to possess.

Remember Jesus Christ told Pilate, “You have no power other than what has been given to you from above.”

Wicked people think they have great power, but they forget that they have nothing other than what the Lord temporarily allows them to possess.

Remember Jesus Christ told Pilate, “You have no power other than what has been given to you from above.”

Do not fear the wicked since God is the ruler of everyone.

Do not fear the wicked since God is the ruler of everyone.

He sets the limits on others

He blesses and curses

He delivers from oppressors and to the oppressor.

Laban goes on his search in part to justify the pursuit.

Like all wicked, they feel that they can deceive men, but God is never deceived.

They will bear the full measure of their sin.

There is no one who can hide from God

Laban states that all that Jacob took really belonged to Laban—but what could he do to resist?

Rachael’s deception did not allow Laban to retrieve his household gods.

AP: Others may still try to disgrace good people with evil insinuations.

Do not listen to their empty lies as they will lead to nothing but eternal harm for you.

God is able to stifle, frustrate and chasten the wicked that abuse the righteous.

David wrote,

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Develop a thick shield of faith that can protect you from their evil attempts to place wrong deeds upon you.

Learn to develop a thick shield of faith that can protect you from their evil attempts to place wrong deeds upon you.

Oppressive people hate to admit that they are wrong or have made mistakes because of their foolish pride.

Those who tend to be unfair in little things are usually oppressive when they are given greater power.

Be careful of who you choose to work for as there is a tendency to become like those we associate ourselves with.

Learn to be bigger than the problem person by reacting as Christ would.

Jacob teaches us how to forbear under persecution for the sake of our godly testimony.

Instead of fighting Laban, Jacob speaks patiently, graciously and cooperatively with his father-in-law.

When you are falsely accused trust the Lord to give you the strength to bear up under false accusations.

Learn to be bigger than the problem person by reacting as Christ would.

When you are falsely accused trust the Lord to give you the strength to bear up under false accusations.

The Lord will rescue and deliver you from every difficulty.

It is great comfort to know that we have a clear conscience even if no one else understands our innocence.

God will vindicate the righteous in the proper time.

God will vindicate the righteous in the proper time.

Avoid vengeance

Do not take vengeance into your own hands, but leave that for the proper authority--the wrath of God.

In fact, if your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If your oppressor is thirsty give him something to drink for you will add greater conviction to him by your good deeds.

Don’t seek revenge with your own hands, but leave that for the proper authority--the wrath of God.

We are told that if your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If your oppressor is thirsty give him something to drink for you will add greater conviction to him by your good deeds.

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.”

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Rachael’s deception did not allow Laban to retrieve his household gods, the least Laban can do is to make a covenant with Jacob which would guarantee that he will never make use of those gods to further encroach upon Laban’s possessions in the future.

Treaty Between Rivals

Gen 31:36-4

Notice the treaty is initiated by Laban and that its terms are spelled out by him.

Notice the treaty is initiated by Laban and that its terms are spelled out by him.

Since Laban has not succeeded in holding Jacob in check, due to the immense blessings of Jacob’s God, Laban now calls upon Jacob’s God to do so.

Since Laban has not succeeded in holding Jacob in check, due to the immense blessings of Jacob’s God, Laban now calls upon Jacob’s God to do so.

A stone was set up as a pillar (v 45), and a pile of stones was erected as a monument (v 46).

Also, a covenant meal was shared by Jacob and Laban and the other relatives (v 54).

Laban and Jacob agreed before God to several particulars.

First, Jacob promised never to mistreat Laban’s daughters and never to take any other wives in addition to them (v 50).

Second, each covenanted that they would not pass that point to harm the other (v 52).

After having agreed to these matters, Laban said a last farewell to his daughters and their children.

Blessing them, Laban returned to his home (v 55) and Jacob to his home with his family and his possessions which were secured under the Promise of God.

AP: Seek peace

Living in peace is desired.

Though some may be rivals, seek peace

Live in a way that doesn’t intentionally offend

We can be abrasive, DON’T

The message we share can be offensive

speak it in love

Our life can convict and thus draw critieque

Live it boldly.

If you have any prayer needs of concerns please let us know, we would love to pray for you.

Closing Prayer.

Conclusion: