Children, Young Men, and Fathers As Seen In The Life Of Jacob
In this message, the speaker reflects on the spiritual journey of growth in the Christian life, using the life of Jacob as a powerful example. The progression from child to young man to father in faith is drawn from 1 John 2, where children are forgiven and know the Father, young men are strong and overcome the evil one through the Word of God, and fathers know Him who is from the beginning. Jacob’s life illustrates this journey: starting as a deceiver relying on his own cunning, he is gradually transformed by God’s grace and discipline. The Lord reveals Himself to Jacob in moments of solitude and struggle, such as the dream of the ladder and the wrestling with God, showing that spiritual maturity comes through dependence on God rather than self-reliance. Jacob’s growth is marked by learning to trust God’s promises, overcoming fear, and ultimately becoming a spiritual father who understands God’s eternal purposes, blessing his descendants with insight into Christ’s coming kingdom. The message encourages believers to embrace each stage of spiritual growth, to rely on God’s grace, and to be faithful in their walk, overcoming the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The call is for more spiritual children, young men, and fathers in the church, all growing in faith and obedience to God’s will.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction: Spiritual growth from children to young men to fathers (1 John 2)
Jacob’s early life: deception and reliance on self
God’s revelation to Jacob: ladder dream and wrestling with God
Jacob’s transformation: learning dependence on God through trials with Laban
Jacob’s prayer and faith: overcoming fear of Esau by trusting God’s promises
Wrestling with God: prevailing by being defeated yet holding on
Young men overcome the evil one by faith, the blood of the Lamb, and testimony
Jacob as a father: blessing his sons with spiritual discernment and understanding God’s eternal plan
Encouragement to the church: embrace all stages of spiritual growth and be faithful witnesses
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me.
