Introduction: Through the stages of life, we find that our family relationships play a large role in who we become. This is a discovery Jacob makes as he embarks on a new life apart from the family he’s known living with Laban.

1. THE COURAGE TO SET OUT ON HIS OWN (31:1-21):

A. Jacob’s Desire (Genesis 30:25).

B. Jacob’s Dilemma (31:1-2).

C. Jacob’s Direction (God’s Word) (31:3).

D. Jacob’s Deliberation (31:4-16):

1. The Reasoning Jacob Used (4-13).

2. The Response from Rachel & Leah (14-16).

E. Jacob’s Departure (17-21).

2. THE CONFRONTATION BY A FAMILY MEMBER (31:22-42):

A. The Pursuit from Laban (22-25).

B. The Protest from Laban (26-30).

C. The Plea from Jacob (31-32).

D. The Probe by Laban (33-35).

E. The Proclamation from Jacob (36-42).

3. THE CEASE-FIRE BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS (31:43-55):

A. The Covenant Offered by Laban (43-44).

B. The Commemoration Made by Jacob & Laban (45-50).

C. The Commitment Stated by Laban & Jacob (51-53).

D. The Contribution Made by Jacob (54).

E. The Concluding Farewell Made by Laban (55).

CONCLUSION: If we’re open to the leading of God, He will guide us through our decisions in family matters.

Introduction: Some decisions in life determine our character and destiny. Let’s look at the three decisions Jacob had to make.

1. MARRIAGE – FINDING YOUR MATE (29:1-30):

A. The Meeting (1-13):

1. The Arrival of Jacob (1-8).

2. The Attraction to Rachel (9-13).

B. The Method (14-20):

1. The Work for Laban (14-18).

2. The Wait for Jacob (19-20).

C. The Marriage (21-30).

1. The Trick With Leah (21-26).

2. The Treat With Rachel (27-30).

2. FAMILY – BUILDING YOUR FAMILY (29:31 – 30:24):

A. The Children of Leah (29:31-35, 30:14-21).

B. The Children of Bilhah (30:1-8).

C. The Children of Zilpah (30:9-13).

D. The Children of Rachel (30:22-24).

3. CAREER – ESTABLISHING YOUR LIVELIHOOD (30:25-43):

A. The Request (25-34):

1) From Jacob: “Let me move away” (25-26).

2) From Laban: “Please stay” (27-28).

3) From Jacob: “Let me keep certain animals for pay” (29-34).

B. The Results (35-43):

1) The bad sheep became Jacob’s (35-37).

2) The burden became Jacob’s (38-40).

2) The blessing became Jacob’s (41-43).

CONCLUSION: These are decisions made on the road of life where we seek God’s guidance and blessings along the way.

Introduction: Isaac’s family was a “masterpiece in pieces” because they had forgotten their Master and their family fell apart.

1. ISAAC’S DECLINE (27:1-4):

A. He decided to go ahead of the Lord (1-3).
B. He directed his life by his feelings (4a).
C. He disobeyed God’s command (4b).

2. REBEKAH’S DECEPTION (27:5-17):

A. She made a decision to eavesdrop (5).
B. She manipulated things (6-17).
C. She made a deceptive vow (13).

3. JACOB’S DEFENSE (27:18-29):

A. He lied about his name (18-19).
B. He lied about the food and the Lord (19-20).
C. He lied about his identity and about his love (21-27).

4. ESAU’S DESPAIR (27:30-46):

A. Isaac’s trembling over his mistake (30-33)
B. Esau’s tears over his missed blessing (34-40)
C. Esau’s treason planned for Jacob (41-46)

5. JACOB’S DEDICATION (28:10-22):

A. A Significant Dream (10-12)
B. A Significant Declaration (13-15)
C. A Significant Decision (16-22)

CONCLUSION: A family in pieces reflects the different approaches they each had toward life and the spiritual direction of their lives.