As you know escapes and goes to Paddan-, the ULBC Sunday AM Bible Study land of ’s father. In that land he is to find safety The Story of Intro Lesson and a wife. It is at this time that Jacob begins to act like a man October 23, 2016 of faith. INTRODUCTION • God speaks to him at the outset of his journey to Today we begin a new Adult Sunday and he believes School Series entitled The Story of

Joseph . The study lasts nine weeks. • Jacob recognizes God’s activity as the source of Joel, Pierre, Courtney, Sherri and Josh prosperity (Genesis 31:1-16) will take us through the narrative in eight weeks. Jeff will wrap

it all up with in a single debrief meeting on December 18 th . • Jacob clings to God at a pivotal, frightening time in his life and is assured and changed (32:22-32) GETTING OUR BEARINGS IN GENESIS

What are the major events in Genesis? In Genesis 37 we pick up the story of Jacob and his family again. The saga begins with Jacob in the right place (the land of his Creation Fall (3) Curse First Flood Babel Israel father’s sojourning). It continues with Israel loving Joseph (1-2) (3) Gospel (6-8) (11) (12) Preserved above all his others sons, ten of his brothers hating him because (3:15) (12-50) of it and Joseph dreaming a dream. In these major events we see particular truths that will be developed through the progressively written Scriptures. These CONCLUSION truths were to be bedrock foundations for the people of Israel. What are these truths? I want to close with two thoughts. First , the Israelites were to understand from the Creation Story First , while there is much in Jacob’s life about which we can the greatness of their God . nitpick we would do well emulate the pattern in his life. We first encounter meet Jacob on the day of his birth grasping to the heel of his firstborn brother Esau.

Second , we should read these stories and always come away Second, the Israelites were to understand that the flaws in the with at least this truth in our minds: God will always fulfill His world and in their heart were the result of man’s rebellion against promises to His people and for His people. the Creator .

If the Israelites were to be a people that loved God Genesis tells the story of a powerful, holy God purposing to use with all their heart, soul, mind and strength and their one man to make a nation and bring the world blessing. neighbor as themselves they must be a people that believed God was good and that He gave His law for Tying the Story of Genesis to Joseph

their blessing. The Joseph story contributes to the grand theme of Genesis by revealing God’s power to preserve the promise and in so doing Third , the Israelites were to understand that God is holy and bring blessing to all the world through one man. forgiving and that He uses people to bring the blessing of reconciliation to the world. FROM ABRAHAM TO JOSEPH – FAMILY TREE NOTES

Family Tree Notes Abraham is the great, great grandfather of Joseph. Joseph never met Abraham but Jacob likely did. Fourth , the Israelites were to understand that God planned to spread His blessing to the earth through one man . • Abraham o Lived for 175 years o Fathered at the age 100 • Isaac o Isaac married at the age of 40 Fifth, the Israelites were to understand that nothing could o Isaac fathered Esau and Jacob at the age of 60 prevent God from keeping His promise or preserving His people. • Jacob o Knew Abraham o Abraham died when Jacob was 15 years of age

• We see a roadblock in the story of Cain and Abel Abraham’s brood is slowly growing but the promise is in danger again with Jacob. Why? Several reasons:

• We see a roadblock in the stories of Barren Women 1. Jacob is a scoundrel (quickly review the bad character of Jacob) 2. Jacob’s brother hates him (cf. Genesis 27:41) A Summary of the Purpose of Genesis 3. Jacob is to return to Paddan-aram to escape Esau (a The was written as a part of the Torah set. If place Abraham did not want Isaac to go) Exodus tells of Israel’s deliverance, Leviticus of Israel’s religious 4. Jacob must return to the Promised Land (Esau still practices, Numbers of her wandering & historical rebellion, and resides in the region [cf. Genesis 32-33]) Deuteronomy of the twofold nature of the Law (blessing or curse)… Genesis tells the story of God’s grand purpose for her .