July 24, 2005

 

Intro: Genesis 29:1-14- Jacob finds a wife while fleeing from

Esau

I. Jacob discovers his life-partner: 29:10

1) While in ________________ to parents- 28:1,2, 7

 

2) His discovery & decision was made _________ assurance

by the Lord of God’s blessing.  28:10-15

 

3) Jacob’s initial love was sorely tested- 29:11

>by required 14 yr. labor to win Rachel’s hand

>by endurance of his work under Laban 31:38-41

 

II. Ways in which your love is tested:

Outwardly

  1. By a driven obsession with financial prosperity and

extravagance

  2. By a _________  __  _________to maintain the

relationship

  3. By a society that condones ________________

Inwardly

  1. By a lack of respect for spouse

  2. When one avoids _____________________

  3. By failure to act as  a __________________

 

III. Some suggestions to develop and maintain love:

1) Seek God to ________   _________   _________

 

2) Practice ___________ and ____________  love

 

3) Ask & seek God to let you grow in grace

 

4) You keep Christ first ___________  ________ spouse

_________ or _________