The WrestlE You Must Win
Pastor Adrian delivers a message about the spiritual wrestle we must engage in with God, drawing from Jacob's wrestling match in Genesis 32. He emphasizes that while we face spiritual battles against dark powers, we win these battles by wrestling with God Himself - seeking His face, not letting go until He blesses us, and allowing Him to transform us. The pastor shares personal testimonies about how wrestling with God led to breakthroughs in his marriage and ministry calling. He explains that when we wrestle with God, three things happen: we see incredible breakthroughs, we are transformed and changed, and we carry a limp that reminds us of our dependence on Him.
The message concludes with the revelation that God is El Shaddai - our all-sufficient one. Rather than seeking sufficiency in worldly things, relationships, or our own strength, we must find our complete sufficiency in God alone. The pastor challenges the congregation to continue wrestling with God, especially during their 21-day fast, and not to give up when the battle becomes difficult.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together in this small group, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to speak to us today. Lord, we come with different backgrounds, different struggles, and different stages in our faith journey, but we all need You. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and receptive to Your Holy Spirit. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions, and help us to wrestle with You through Your Word just as Jacob did. We want to encounter You in a fresh way today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have a wrestling match with any fictional character (superhero, cartoon character, movie character, etc.), who would it be and why?
Key Verses
Ephesians 6:12
Philippians 3:12-13
Genesis 32:24-31
Genesis 33:3-4
2 Corinthians 12:9
Questions
Pastor Adrian mentioned that sometimes we need to wrestle with God alone, just like Jacob did. What does it look like practically to 'wrestle with God' in your personal prayer life?
Jacob's name was changed from 'deceiver' to 'one who wrestles with God.' What areas of your character do you feel God wants to transform or change?
The message talked about seeking God's direction before making big decisions, like Pastor Adrian did regarding his relationship with Narelle. How can we better involve God in our decision-making process?
Pastor Adrian shared that Jacob bowed seven times before Esau in humility rather than trying to manipulate the situation. Can you think of a relationship in your life where God might be calling you to respond with humility instead of trying to control the outcome?
The sermon mentioned that when we wrestle with God, we will 'carry a limp' - a reminder of our weakness and dependence on Him. How has God used your weaknesses or struggles to draw you closer to Him?
God revealed Himself to Jacob as 'El Shaddai' - the all-sufficient one. What are some things you tend to look to for sufficiency instead of God (relationships, career, money, etc.)?
Pastor Adrian emphasized that breakthrough comes from wrestling with God rather than trying to make things happen in our own strength. What breakthrough are you currently believing God for in your life?
The message concluded with the truth that when we wrestle with God, we're not just fighting for ourselves but for future generations. How does this perspective change the way you view your current spiritual battles?
Life Application
This week, commit to spending focused time 'wrestling with God' in prayer about one specific area of your life where you need breakthrough or transformation. Set aside at least 15-30 minutes each day to seek God's face about this matter, and don't give up even when it feels difficult. Like Jacob, determine in your heart that you won't let go until God blesses you and shows you His will for this situation.
Key Takeaways
We win spiritual battles not by fighting in our own strength, but by wrestling with God and seeking His face until we receive breakthrough
When we wrestle with God, He transforms our character and changes us from the inside out, just as He changed Jacob's name and nature
God allows us to 'carry a limp' - areas of weakness that remind us of our dependence on Him and keep us humble
God is El Shaddai, our all-sufficient one, and we must find our complete sufficiency in Him rather than in worldly things
The wrestle with God is not just for our own benefit, but impacts future generations and those around us
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion around Your Word. We are grateful that You invite us to wrestle with You, knowing that You want us to win. Help us to be people who don't give up when the spiritual battle gets tough, but who press in closer to You. Transform our hearts and characters, Lord, and help us to find our complete sufficiency in You alone. Give us the courage to humble ourselves in our relationships and trust You for the breakthroughs we need. May our wrestling with You impact not just our own lives, but the generations that come after us. Lead us on, Jesus, for it's not ourselves we're leaning on, but You. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.