Dominion – Jacob’s Triumph

Week 3: The Bigger Picture – Prevailing with God

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Genesis 29-32

Pilot text

Genesis 32:24-31 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but [i]Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.

Discussion Points

How do we situate this scripture within the wider context of the scripture as a whole and God’s covenant with His people? A rather strange encounter is described in this passage. The language used indicates that the “Man” with whom Jacob grappled was in fact God himself. This profound story gives us only a brief glimpse of a much bigger picture, the full glory of which is only revealed in the context of the entire narrative of scripture.

• Jacob’s encounter reveals to us the heart of God’s salvation plan; that God himself took on the form of humanity in order to save us from what we fear the most. See Hebrews 2:14-15.
• In order to truly experience transformation Jacob had to be alone, separated even from his nearest and dearest (for a while only). In this quiet place of alone-ness we can be shaped, moulded into God’s image and changed from what we were (Jacob; supplanter, pretender) to who we have become (Yis-rael; one who rules as God). This is our dominion.
• A truly transformational encounter with God always leaves us walking differently. Since the encounter happened in secret (when Jacob was alone), the only external evidence to others was that Jacob’s walk changed. If there is no evidence in our walk, then transformation has not happened.

Closing Thoughts: We don’t always choose the experiences we have, or the path we take in life. Sometimes it can seem forced upon us by decisions and actions that happened at a different time, place or were even done by other people. Jacob’s story illustrates this quite powerfully, if you consider how the most important events of his life were not solely due to his choices; and in fact sometimes happened despite his choices. But one thing we also see here is that, regardless of how we got to where we are, God is not taken by surprise. As just one example, Laban’s repeated scheming distressed Jacob while it was happening, but our salvation story depended on it (Jesus descended from Leah, not Rachel)! In all of this, the one thing that was an anchor for Jacob was his relationship with God, and therefore knowing, understanding and believing God’s promise to him. His belief in God’s promise was the reason for Jacob’s courageous action to confront and overcome the fears of his past, in order to step into his dominion. So it should be for us.

For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God. (2 Cor 1:19-20, AMP)

Application Questions

1.⁠ ⁠A Christian brother tells you that he believes he is under a curse because his life is not turning out as planned, even after much prayer. What would you advise him?

2.⁠ ⁠Sometimes the best way to be delivered from fear is to walk away. Agree/disagree

3.⁠ ⁠Must every Christian have times of separation (also known as retreat) in order to experience God? What if a person has a very busy schedule?