The God of Promise...

1. Gave renewed hope to Jacob

• by changing his name 

  • Genesis 35:9-10

  • Genesis 32:28

  • Genesis 25:21-26

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*Jacob - heal grabber, supplanter, cheater; Israel - he struggles with God. 

** Jacob is no longer defined by his grasping and scheming. Now he is defined by his encounter with God. Israel's identity is now wrapped in God's call. Jacob's past is now a testimony of God's faithfulness despite his sin and weakness.

• by revealing Himself thru a new name

  • Genesis 35:11

  • Genesis 17:1-8

______

*El Shaddai:  from the root shadad which means to destroy, overpower, devastate; Shaddai - The Almighty, The Overcomer, The One who devastates opposition; El Shaddai - God Almighty, God the Overcomer.

**El Shaddai - God Almighty overcomes infertility, deceptiveness, and failure.

2. Affirmed His promises to Jacob

• Genesis 35:9-14

• Genesis 28:10-15

3. Blessed Jacob with another son

• Genesis 35:16-18

Application (Original)

• They needed to remember God’s Promise(s)

• They needed Celebrate God’s faithfulness

• They needed to Seek God’s Glory

Application (Modern)

We need to live in the hope of your salvation!

• John 3:16

• Romans 8:18-25

• 1 Peter 1:3-7

We need to celebrate God's work in us!

• 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

• 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

• 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

• Philippians 1:6

We need to reframe suffering through faith and hope into blessing!

• Romans 5:1-5

• James 1:2-4

• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

• Hebrews 12:12-13

Opener:

Have you ever had a nickname or a name change (even just a funny one)? What’s the story behind it?

Read Genesis 35:9–10 and Genesis 32:28

(Optional deeper context: Genesis 25:21–26)

• What did the name "Jacob" mean? (Heel-grabber, deceiver)

• What did "Israel" mean? (He struggles with God)

• How does this name change reflect God’s work in Jacob’s life?

• Why is it hopeful to know God doesn't define us by our past?

• In what ways do you feel like your past defines you? How does God want to rename or reshape your identity?

[Jacob's identity shifted from deceiver to someone marked by God’s calling and presence. God rewrote his story.]

Read Genesis 35:11 and Genesis 17:1–8

• What name does God use for Himself? (El Shaddai)

• What does it mean? (God Almighty, the Overcomer)

• Why would that be important for someone like Jacob?

• Where do you need God to be “El Shaddai” in your life right now?

[God overcomes our weakness, deception, barrenness, and failure. He reveals Himself as mighty and faithful—strong enough for every need.]

Read Genesis 35:9–14

(Optional: Genesis 28:10–15)

• How does God repeat His promises to Jacob?

• Why would Jacob need to hear this again?

• Which of God’s promises do you struggle to believe right now? What helps you hold on to them?

[Even after failure, God reaffirms His promises. He doesn't let go.]

Read Genesis 35:16–18

• How does the birth of Benjamin show that blessing and suffering can happen together?

• Can you think of a time when a painful experience led to something good or redemptive?

[God doesn’t remove all pain, but He brings life and blessing through it.]

Application: Which of these 3 takeaways do you most need today?

Live in the hope of your salvation

(John 3:16, Romans 8:18–25, 1 Peter 1:3–7)

Celebrate God’s work in you

(2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 1:6)

Reframe suffering through hope

(Romans 5:1–5, James 1:2–4)