The sermon examines the story of Jacob fleeing to Haran after Esau threatens to kill him. It analyzes God's sovereignty in orchestrating the events, even through the sins of the characters.

Isaac blesses Jacob before he leaves, promising he will become a "company of peoples." This expands the Abrahamic covenant in a new way.

Jacob leaves unaware of what it truly means to be in covenant with God, having relied on deception his whole life. God is now setting him on a journey of spiritual maturity.

Rebecca's plan to send Jacob away temporarily ends up separating them for 20 years until her death. Her excuses become the real reasons due to God's sovereignty.

Esau foolishly tries to gain his father's favor by marrying relatives of Ishmael, not understanding the spiritual reality of his situation as an unbeliever.

Unbelievers can only see the outward works and blessings of faith, not the spiritual reality. Esau tries to mimic behaviors instead of having true faith.

The sermon warns believers not to substitute works for faith, and encourages seeing opportunities to share the true gospel with unbelievers focused on works instead of relationship with God.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_28a/file/notes/Genesis_28A.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_28a

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc

The sermon discusses Genesis 27, where Jacob receives Isaac's blessing by deceiving his father into thinking he is Esau. This fulfills God's word that Jacob would receive the birthright.

Isaac realizes he has blessed the wrong son. He trembles in fear of God for disobeying and trying to outmaneuver God's plan. Esau cries bitterly for losing his inheritance.

The sermon refers to Hebrews 12 which says Esau despised his birthright by selling it casually. He now regrets losing the material inheritance. But he has no room in his heart for repentance toward God.

Isaac confirms he has given everything to Jacob. His new "blessing" for Esau focuses on separation from God's blessings and living in conflict with Jacob. This fulfills God's decree of enmity between believers and unbelievers.

The sermon uses the Isaac/Esau/Jacob story to illustrate the eternal spiritual conflict between God's chosen people and the wicked, represented by Christ and Satan. Believers receive God's spiritual promises while the world grieves earthly losses but ignores God.

In summary, the sermon examines how God sovereignly works through sin and deception to fulfill his promises to Jacob, while Esau represents the unrepentant worldly person who loses both material and spiritual blessings.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27d/file/notes/Genesis_27D.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27d

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc

The sermon is examining Genesis 27, where Jacob tricks his blind father Isaac into blessing him instead of his brother Esau, with the help of his mother Rebecca.

Isaac favored Esau because Esau reminded him of the worldly lifestyle he couldn't have. But God's plan was for Jacob to receive the blessing.

All the characters are acting sinfully in pursuing their own desires, but God sovereignly works his plan through their sins. No one can stop God's purposes.

Jacob technically owns the birthright already, but has to deceive Isaac to prevent him from wrongly blessing Esau. Jacob tells 3 lies during the encounter.

Isaac pronounces a prophetic blessing over who he thinks is Esau, blessing him with prosperity, domination over others. Ironically, it fully applies to Jacob and Israel instead.

The scene shows God's sovereignty and human sin working together. God accomplishes his plan despite the characters' selfish motives and deception.

Christians still struggle with sin, but can take comfort that God can work through it. There are consequences to sin though, so obedience is best.

The story is a reminder that no one can thwart God's purposes, and he turns even sinful acts to bring about his good plans and prophecies.

.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27c/file/notes/Genesis_27C.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27c

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc

The sermon begins with the importance of parents imparting biblical principles to their children through their actions and decisions. It emphasizes that both parents need to work harmoniously to teach their children to follow God. If one parent bears most of this responsibility alone, particularly the mother, success is unlikely. The father must lead, and if parents work against each other, it undermines the goal of raising godly children.

The story of Isaac's family is used to illustrate this point. Isaac and Rebecca had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was godless and had sold his birthright for immediate gratification, marrying Canaanite women against God's commands. Jacob, on the other hand, respected his parents' authority and sought to please them. The sermon explains that Isaac and Rebecca needed to recognize God's choice of Jacob and protect him from Esau's negative influence, even if it meant sending Esau and his wives away.

Isaac's favoritism towards Esau, despite his godlessness, worsened the family dynamics. Isaac’s decisions were often driven by fleshly desires rather than spiritual discernment. The sermon stresses that parents should prioritize nurturing the faith of their godly children while acknowledging the reality of the ungodly ones, mitigating their influence.

Rebekah, knowing of Isaac's plan to bless Esau, resorted to deceit to ensure God's will was followed. The sermon criticizes Isaac for not publicly conducting the blessing ceremony, as doing so would have honored Jacob's legal claim to the birthright. This secretive behavior reflected Isaac's resistance to God's will and his preference for Esau.

The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's sovereignty is at play, working through human sinfulness to achieve His purposes. Despite Isaac and Rebekah's flaws, God's plan prevailed. This story serves as a lesson for parents to follow God's guidance and align their actions with His will, ensuring their family operates within His divine framework.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27b/file/notes/Genesis_27B.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27b

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc

This passage recounts a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative where Isaac, the aging patriarch, prepares to bless his eldest son, Esau. However, through deception orchestrated by his wife Rebekah, the blessing is ultimately received by his younger son, Jacob. This event sets the stage for significant future developments in the lives of these key biblical figures.

Isaac, now old and nearly blind, calls for his favored son, Esau, to prepare a meal for him. He expresses his desire to bestow his blessing upon Esau before his death. This blessing was not merely a paternal favor but a formal and binding transmission of leadership, prosperity, and divine favor.

Rebekah, overhearing Isaac's plan, quickly devises a scheme to secure the blessing for her preferred son, Jacob. She instructs Jacob to fetch two choice young goats, which she will prepare to Isaac's liking. Rebekah's actions highlight her favoritism and her belief in the prophetic message that Jacob, the younger son, was destined to be greater than Esau.

Jacob expresses concern about the deception, fearing a curse rather than a blessing if his father discovers the ruse. Rebekah reassures Jacob, insisting that any curse will fall upon her, not him. This moment underscores the deep bond and trust between Jacob and his mother, as well as Rebekah's determination to see the prophecy fulfilled.

Rebekah dresses Jacob in Esau's best clothes and covers his hands and neck with the goatskins to mimic Esau's hairy skin. Jacob, now disguised, takes the prepared meal to his father. Isaac, though suspicious due to the quick return and the voice sounding like Jacob's, ultimately relies on the touch and smell of Esau's garments to confirm the identity.

Isaac proceeds to bless Jacob, believing him to be Esau. The blessing includes promises of abundance, dominion over nations and family, and divine protection and favor. This blessing, once spoken, is irrevocable and cements Jacob's future as the primary heir of Isaac's legacy.

Shortly after Jacob departs, Esau arrives with his prepared meal, ready to receive his father's blessing. The realization of the deception brings Isaac to tremble violently. Esau's grief is palpable as he pleads for any remaining blessing, highlighting the gravity and finality of Isaac's earlier words to Jacob.

Isaac ultimately blesses Esau with a lesser blessing, indicating a life of struggle and servitude to his brother. This stark contrast between the blessings given to Jacob and Esau emphasizes the significant consequences of the deception and the fulfillment of Rebekah's favored prophecy.

The chapter concludes with Esau harboring a deep resentment towards Jacob, vowing to kill him after Isaac's death. Rebekah, learning of Esau's intentions, advises Jacob to flee to her brother Laban's house for safety. This chapter marks a turning point, setting in motion a series of events that will shape the future of Jacob and Esau and their descendants.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27a/file/notes/Genesis_27A.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27a

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc

In the second part of this series, "Tickling Ears in Times of Biblical Illiteracy," we delve deeper into the roots and repercussions of the growing lack of biblical knowledge in contemporary society. This talk focuses on practical solutions and strategies to combat this crisis, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and the role of the Church in fostering biblical literacy. Join us as we explore how to equip believers with the knowledge and tools necessary to discern truth at a time when many are swayed by teachings that merely tickle the ears.

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/YRYGN0GCVR#Bvlt2apdSwyK

This seminar, part one of a two-part series, from the 2013 VBVMI bible conference, delves into the growing issue of biblical illiteracy within the Christian community. Pastor Steve addresses the cultural and spiritual implications of this trend, exploring how a lack of deep scriptural knowledge leads to a vulnerability to false teachings—referred to as "tickling ears." The talk aims to highlight the urgent need for robust biblical education and offers practical steps for individuals and churches to combat this pervasive problem. Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/2H8KW8PAVW#TP1ocafBkMxT

Dive into the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham, in this exploration of Genesis 26. We'll uncover the story of a man who faced famine, deception, and conflict, yet remained faithful to God's promises. Discover how Isaac's journey mirrors our own walk of faith, as we learn to trust in God's timing and provision, even when life throws challenges our way.

Key Points:

• Isaac's obedience to God's command to stay in the land during a famine.
• The consequences of Isaac's deception about his wife, Rebekah.
• God's miraculous provision for Isaac through a bountiful harvest.
• The challenges Isaac faced with the Philistines over water rights.
• Isaac's encounter with God and the reaffirmation of His promises.
• The covenant between Isaac and Abimelech, king of Gerar.
• Isaac's life as a picture of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's promises.

This episode is for you if:

• You're seeking encouragement in your own walk of faith.
• You're curious about the life of Isaac and his role in the biblical narrative.
• You want to learn more about God's faithfulness and provision.
• You're interested in exploring the parallels between Isaac's story and our own lives.

Join us as we delve into the life of Isaac and discover valuable lessons for our own journeys of faith.

Summary of Genesis 26:12-33:

Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a hundredfold in the same year, growing very wealthy. The LORD blessed him with many possessions, including flocks and herds, and a large household, causing the Philistines to envy him. Out of envy, the Philistines filled the wells dug by Abraham’s servants with earth. Abimelech, the Philistine king, asked Isaac to leave because he had become too powerful. Isaac then moved to the valley of Gerar and reopened the wells that had been dug by his father, Abraham, naming them as Abraham had.

Isaac’s servants discovered new water sources, but the local herdsmen quarreled over them. The first well was named Esek because of the contention, and the second was named Sitnah due to further disputes. Isaac then dug another well without any quarrel and named it Rehoboth, meaning the LORD had made room for them to be fruitful in the land.

Isaac then traveled to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him, reiterating His promise to bless Isaac and multiply his descendants for Abraham’s sake. Isaac built an altar there, called upon the name of the LORD, and his servants dug a well.

Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and army commander Phicol to make a peace covenant with Isaac, recognizing that the LORD was with him. Despite being sent away earlier, they sought to ensure mutual non-aggression, acknowledging the good treatment they had given Isaac. Isaac prepared a feast, and the next morning, they exchanged oaths of peace. On the same day, Isaac’s servants reported finding water, and he named the well Shibah, leading to the city's name, Beersheba, which endures to this day.

Notes: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_26b/file/notes/Genesis_26B.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_26b

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing two episodes a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc