The Father’s will – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Genesis 28:20-21 – “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, ‘If God will go with me and keep me on this journey that I am taking, and give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and I return in peace to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
Introduction to Genesis 28:20-21
Since creation, God has always longed for his will to be carried out on earth as it is in heaven. However, He seeks hearts willing to live under His guidance.
In this text, we see Jacob at a turning point in his life. He is leaving home and facing an uncertain future. But instead of leaving alone, he makes a vow with God, demonstrating his desire to live according to the Father’s will.
Like Jacob, we too face complex challenges and uncertainties. However, if we learn to submit to God’s will, we will experience His abundant provision, constant protection and peace on our winding journey.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the elements of this sacred vow and understand how they apply to our nuanced Christian life.
Development
“If God goes with me”
The path on earth led by the Holy Spirit
Jacob recognizes that he cannot go it alone. He needs God’s presence guiding his steps.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
On our journey, we need to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We often try to make decisions without consulting God and end up facing unnecessary difficulties.
When the Father’s will is done in our lives, the Holy Spirit leads us on the right path:
He gives us the discernment to make decisions. How good it is to have God’s direction in our decisions. Remember how King David always sought God’s guidance before battles? Have you been doing that in your walk?
He strengthens us in difficult times. If he is in the boat, it won’t sink, even if the storm is great, he will never abandon us.
Have you allowed God to guide your life or have you followed your own path?
“Clothes to wear”
The Coverage of Jesus’ Blood
Garments in the Bible represent sanctification and righteousness. Sin leaves us spiritually “naked”, but Christ clothes us in purity. When we accept Him as sufficient Savior, we receive new garments, the garments of Salvation.
“But now also put off everything: anger, wrath, malice, slander, the filthy words of your mouth. And put on the new garment, which is renewed unto knowledge, after the image of him that created it.” (Colossians 3:8,10)
When we accept the Father’s will, he equips us with:
- The Blood of Jesus – which purifies us and frees us from sin.
- The Armor of God – To resist the snares of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11).
- New Spiritual Clothes – Like the prodigal son, who received new clothes when he returned to his Father (Luke 15:22).
Are you wearing the garments of holiness or are you carrying clothes stained by the world?
“Bread to eat”
Jesus is the bread of life
Jacob asked for bread, but Jesus came as the Bread of Life, who feeds our souls and gives us eternal life. Bread is so common on everyone’s table, rich and poor alike have access to material bread. So this metaphor shows how much the Lord Jesus wants to be part of our lives.
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
When we do God’s will, he sustains us:
- With the Word of God, which strengthens us daily.
- With the presence of the Holy Spirit, who fills and renews us.
- With spiritual nourishment, which gives us the strength to overcome our struggles.
Have you been feeding on the Bread of Life or seeking sustenance in fleeting things?
“Make peace”
Jesus is the Prince of Peace
Jacob wanted to return home in peace. In the world, peace is based on favorable circumstances. But Christ’s peace is different: it remains even in the midst of difficulties. We can only find true peace in Jesus Christ and in his project of Salvation.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Whoever walks in the Father’s will:
- Has peace with God – Because he has been justified by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:1).
- He has peace in his heart – because he trusts in God’s faithfulness.
- You have peace with others – Because you learn to forgive and love.
Does your peace depend on your circumstances or on your trust in God?
“To the Father’s house”
The place where Jesus made his home
Jacob longed to return to his father’s house. In the same way, we who follow God’s will have an eternal home prepared by Jesus. Our longing is for eternity with Christ!
“In my Father’s house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
The Father’s will is not limited to this life. God wants us to live in obedience here so that one day we can be with him in eternity.
Are you living for this earth or with your eyes on eternity?
“The Lord will be my God”
The Father’s will being done on earth
When Jacob declares that the Lord will be his God, he is saying that he will submit to God’s will. God tests us every day to do his will. In every choice we make and every word we speak, we must always seek what pleases Him.
Jesus taught us to pray:
📖 “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Doing God’s will means:
- Submit to his Word and the guidance of his Holy Spirit. Deny yourself every day!
- Denying oneself and carrying one’s cross. We must understand that in the world we will have to carry our cross, but we are aware that at the end we will have our crown of life.
- Live to glorify God. Praise is the fruit of lips that confess His name!
Have you been living according to your own will or according to the will of the Father?
Conclusion of Genesis 28:20-21
Jacob’s life was transformed when he decided to walk according to God’s will. And what about us?
- Do we want God to come with us? We need to seek him.
- Do we want to be clothed? We need to abandon sin.
- Do we want to be fed? We need the Bread of Life.
- Do we want peace? We need to trust in Jesus.
- Do we want to reach the Father’s House? We need to persevere in our faith.
Examine your life and see in which areas you need to align yourself with the Father’s will. May we, like Jacob, declare with conviction: “The Lord will be my God!”
Preaching Outline on Genesis 28:20-21 – “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, ‘If God will go with me and keep me on this journey that I am taking, and give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and I return in peace to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
More Preaching Outlines
- I Samuel 1:10-11- The Dedication of Hannah
- Peace for Gideon – Judges 6:23
- The Faithful and the Unfaithful – Matthew 21:28-30
