JACOB'S PROGRESS

GENESIS 29:14-30:43

Pastor Rick Jackson

We have seen from the Scriptures that Jacob was not quite the scoundrel many of us have heard all our lives. Oh, he is definitely not perfect. But like those of us who are saved he was a sinner saved by grace. A man with an old nature. A man without the indwelling Holy Spirit which those of us saved since the resurrection of Christ have. It's almost surprising he did as well as he did isn't it?

Much of the conflict we see in these next few verses probably wouldn't even have happened had Jacob and his mother waited on God to handle the situation. But even amidst his trouble Jacob's faith is in Jacob's God and Jacob's God is able!

I. JACOB BECOMES A HUSBAND [29:14-30]

1. Recognized as a good man [v. 14-19]

2. Reaping what he'd sown [v. 20-26]

3. Realizing his dream [v. 27-30]

NOTE: -no prohibition of polygamy had been given though the pattern God gave was monogamy

II. JACOB BECOMES A FATHER [29:31-30:24]

1. Leah gives Jacob 4 sons [29:31-35] Note - Leah's faith in naming her sons

2. Bilhah gives Jacob 2 sons for Rachel [30:1-8]

3. Zilpah gives Jacob 2 sons for Leah [30:9-13]

4. Leah gives Jacob 2 more sons and a daughter [30:14-21]

5. Rachel gives Jacob a son with a promise for another [30:22-24]

III. JACOB BECOMES RICH [30:25-43]

1. Jacob's testimony [30:25-30]

2. Jacob's faith [30:31-33]

3. Jacob's prosperity [30:34-43]