Genesis 33 Discussion Guide
Sermon Date: July 30, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seek Night - Thursday, August 3rd, 6:30pm, Westview High School - childcare is not provided, but kids are welcome. Join us as we examine the character of God and worship Him together through song, spiritual gifts, and prayer.
Baptism Class - July 30 or August 6, 1:00-1:30pm, Zoom - learn what baptism is, why it matters, and how we do it here at CLB to prepare us for our Citylight Family Baptism Aug 13, 2023 @ 10am down at the Gene Leahy Mall!
Evangelism Tool - The Holy Spirit is using CLB’s google reviews to bring people in. Please consider leaving a review, as an evangelistic tool
WHY CITY GROUPS?
The point of a City Group is to help us apply God’s Word to our everyday lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to multiply faithful intimates of Jesus who make more disciples of Jesus. So we gather regularly to give ourselves to three basic Christian practices: sharing stories, reading the Bible, and praying.
PRAY
Ask if anyone would like to open up in prayer and ask God to bless your time together
STORY
Break the ice with a testimony..
Who has prepared their 5-7 minute story?
Who can give testimony of God’s goodness right now? (i.e. answered prayer, provision, transformation, etc.)
VISION FOR THIS DISCUSSION
Jacob is learning to let God rule his life rather than himself. He is learning that forgiveness and grace are important themes under God’s rule. He’s also learning that those things are all ways God leads us to something a step beyond—reconciliation. He learns this as he comes to face Esau for the first time since their split.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PASSAGE
Use the OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) tool to read, study, and use Scripture to grow in knowing and following God.
OBSERVATION
Take time to read the passage and make observations.
Any repeated words, phrases?
Any comparison/contrast between characters, topics, passages/stories?
Specific characters—named or unnamed?
Any connecting words/phrases to bridge verses, stories, or ideas?
(“therefore..”, “however..”, “In the same way..”)
INTERPRETATION
-What?
What does Jacob try initially in order to try to get Esau’s favor?
What would you say Jacob wants most from Esau?
What do you think is going through Jacob and Esau’s minds as they weep?
-Why?
Why does Jacob bow before Esau?
Why does Esau not accept Jacob’s gifts at first? Why do you think Esau responds the way he does?
Why does Jacob say “it is like seeing the face of God!” when he sees Esau’s favor?
-So what? (So what does God want me to do about it?)
So what are regular practices/habits we can do in order to keep our hearts soft towards others?
So what can we do in order to move towards reconciliation with those who have wronged us and/or those we have wronged?
So what does this story show us about the connection between receiving favor with man and receiving favor with God?
APPLICATION
-Inward Application (for myself)
Head—What are the biggest hurdles to forgiveness and moving towards reconciliation?
Heart—Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. How does the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus show us God’s heart for the important theme of reconciliation? Are there any ways you need to embrace your reconciliation with God more fully? (operating in fear/shame or maybe even straying or hiding?)
Hands—Who is the Holy Spirit putting on your heart to possibly move toward reconciliation with? What is your next best step?
-Outward Application (for others around me)
Head—What biblical counsel would you give to someone who is struggling with forgiveness and reconciliation?
Heart—What questions would you ask someone who doesn’t want to reconcile with someone? Who does want to?
Hands—Who in your life may the Holy Spirit be asking you to help pursue forgiveness and possible reconciliation?
PRAYER
Feel free to ask the group for any pressing prayer requests that would be good to pray over together.
Use the TACOS acronym to let the text you studied pray for you:
Thanksgiving - “Father, thank you…”
Adoration - “Father, You are…”
Confession - “Father, I confess…”
Others - “Father, I pray for…”
Self - “Father, please help me…”
*If size or group dynamics seem to hinder prayer, consider dividing into groups of men/women or groups of 3-4 to reduce barriers to praying out loud.