Jacob Outline

HOMILETICAL OUTLINE

Genesis 34:1-31 (“Taking God’s Name in Vain”)

·        Image: Imagine your sister being raped.

·        Need: For spiritual leaders to act boldly and swiftly, avoiding apathy.

·        Subject: When spiritual leaders fail to act...

·        Text: Genesis 34:1-31

·        Preview: In this text we are going to see at least three things: first, the exegetical meaning, usurpation of leadership leads to the taking of God’s name in vain, resulting in the distress of Jacob’s family. Second, the theological point, apathetic leaders breed misguided usurpers. Third, the homiletical proposition, act decisively when a church/staff/family member crosses the line sexually creating a blemish on the face of God’s church.

I.                   Usurpation of leadership leads to the taking of God’s name in vain, resulting in the distress of Jacob’s family (1-31) Exegetical.

A.               When Dinah went to visit with the women of Canaan, she was raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor (1-3).

B.               Jacob’s sons made a deceitful pact with the people of Shechem when Hamor bargained for intermarriage between Israel and the people of Shechem (4-24).

C.               Simeon and Levi ruthlessly killed all the men of the city while they were still sick, rescued their sister, and destroyed the city causing Jacob much distress (25-31).

II.                Apathetic leaders breed misguided usurpers (taking God’s name in vain) Theological.

A.               Mingling with pagans leads to defilement (1-3).

B.               Unresponsive leaders incite drastic reactions from subordinates who are directly affected by life’s inevitable tragedies (4-24).

C.               Ungodly acts of vengeance stain the image of all believers (25-31).

III.             Act decisively when a church/staff/family member crosses the line sexually creating a blemish on the face of God’s church Homiletical.

A.               Don’t be wimps – wives and congregations want to be lead.

B.               Family members expect to be told what to do and where to go.

C.                 Church staff members look to the pastor for leadership in most cases.