Big Idea: That’s going to leave a scar.

In the Beginning: Jacob
Genesis 32: 24-32

I. You don’t have to fight for what Jesus already offers you. 24-29
Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip. Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.

II. You don’t have to fear what Jesus has already conquered for you. 30-32
Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” The sun shone on him as he passed by Penuel—limping because of his hip. That is why, still today, the Israelites don’t eat the thigh muscle that is at the hip socket: because he struck Jacob’s hip socket at the thigh muscle

Next Steps: 

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
Become: I have let fear come between me and Jesus.
Be Sent: I want people to see that I’m a person who has been with Jesus.

Group Discussion Questions: 

Do you have a regular habit of spending alone time with God?
If God wants a close relationship with people, why can’t we see his face and life?
If Jesus has all the power, why couldn’t win the wrestling match?
Do you have to wrestle with God to get his blessing?  Explain your answer. 
When was the last time that you struggled with God?
Does your family have an important tradition influenced by faith?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to shape us into Christ’s likeness this week.