In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Jacob and how he evolved spiritually. Jacob started out as a man of the flesh, always striving to be first and taking what he wanted by any means necessary. However, through various experiences, including a visit to his uncle Laban, Jacob learned humility and dependence on God. Eventually, God crippled Jacob to break his self-sufficiency and bring him closer to Him. In his final moments, Jacob expressed his desire to be buried with his ancestors, showing his faith in the resurrection and God's promises to his descendants.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully man and fully divine. He highlights how Jesus, despite being the promised Messiah, did not fit the preconceived notions of the religious leaders of his time. The speaker urges the audience to seek God's illumination and understanding when reading the Bible and coming to church. The sermon also explores the lineage of Jesus, tracing it back to King David and Abraham, emphasizing their significance in foreshadowing Jesus' role as the Messiah.

Chuck Smith explores the life of Jacob, an unlikely candidate for the title 'Power with God.' Despite his deceptive actions and attempts to gain advantage over others, Jacob ultimately finds himself in a desperate situation where he must rely on God. In a pivotal moment, he wrestles with a divine being and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing, demonstrating that true power with God comes through struggle and surrender. This encounter transforms Jacob, leading him to a deeper relationship with God and a new identity.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes Jacob's relatable journey through human frailty, suffering, and the transformative grace of God. He illustrates how Jacob's birth, birthright, vision at Bethel, and struggles at Penuel reflect our own spiritual journeys, highlighting the importance of faith, earnest prayer, and the need to rely on God's strength rather than our own. Simpson encourages believers to claim their spiritual inheritance and to remain steadfast in their covenant with God, warning against the dangers of returning to old ways after experiencing divine blessings. Ultimately, he reassures that despite our imperfections, God's faithfulness and grace can lead us to victory and eternal hope.

Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the danger of impatience with God, using examples of everyday frustrations to illustrate the impatience we often feel. He delves into Psalm 13:1-6, where David expresses his impatience with God, questioning how long he must wait for God's intervention. Wiersbe highlights the importance of trusting God's timing, citing biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, and Moses who had to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. He encourages the congregation to have patience, reminding them that God's delays often lead to greater blessings and miracles.