SESSION 6

Future (Genesis 30:41-43)

the result of Jacob’s work.

41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding,
Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, in full view of the flocks,
and they would breed in front of the branches.
42 As for the weaklings of the flocks, he did not put out the branches.
So it turned out that the weak sheep belonged to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob.
43 And the man became very rich.
He had many flocks, female and male slaves, and camels and donkeys.

Application Point:

Believers can celebrate God’s blessings in their lives.

Explain:

Point out that Jacob’s methods may have related
to an ancient cultural practice or superstition.

Emphasize that the ultimate success of his flocks
and the increase in his wealth came from God, not from striped branches.

Note that Jacob trusted God and that is what led to God’s blessings.

Ask:

• In what ways should God’s faithfulness to bless His people impact the thinking and lives of His people? (PSG, p. 62)

Write:

Future

“God blessed Jacob’s flocks.”

Highlight that this was part of the promise God made to Jacob
Alexa resume when he saw the vision of the stairway at Bethel.

Transition:

Jacob’s actions demonstrated his trust in God.
Even though Jacob had been deceitful in the past,
he acted with transparency in his agreement with Laban
and in relying on God to provide for Him.

Challenge

Summarize:

Review these points from Apply the Text on page 63 of the Personal Study Guide:

• Believers can be encouraged by God’s past blessings.
• Believers should demonstrate honesty in every area, including their business dealings.
• Believers can celebrate God’s blessings in their lives.

Guide:

Lead the group to determine whether the following statements are true or false.
(NOTE: All are true.)

• Blessings do not relate only to material provisions.
• Believers should bless others.
• God’s blessings are evidence of His faithfulness.
• Believers can be encouraged by God’s past blessings.
• Believers should celebrate God’s blessings in their lives.

Reflect:

Read aloud the chorus of
“Count Your Blessings” (Baptist Hymnal, 2008, No. 585).
Encourage adults to reflect on God’s blessings in their lives.
Challenge them to look for ways they can bless others.

Pray:

Lead the group to offer sentence prayers,
thanking God for His blessings and faithfulness.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by sending a text or e-mail encouraging the group to remember ways God has blessed them. Encourage them to write a prayer of gratitude to God for all He has done for them and provided for them. Challenge them to intentionally look for ways to be a blessing to others.

Music

Secure a copy of
“The Blessing” by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes.
Invite the group to listen to the song and to meditate on ways that God is faithful to bless His people.
Spend a few minutes allowing volunteers to share the connections they see between the song and the blessings they’ve experienced in their lives.