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The Man Between
Text: Gen 25:19-20; 24:67; 25:21-28
I. Isaac, the Son (Gen. 22:1-19)
A. A close, loving relationship with his father (v. 2 - "Your only son, whom you love")
B. An exercise of faith
1. Abraham's faith
a. Faith as trust (vv. 7-8; Heb. 11:17-19)
b. Faith as commitment, leading to obedience
2. Isaac's faith (Heb. 11:20)
II. Isaac, the husband (Gen. 24:1-4, 10, 15, 61-67)
A. His spirituality (v. 63 - "He went out to meditate.")
B. His love for a controlling and manipulative wife (v. 67b; observe her behavior in Gen. 27:5-19)
III. Isaac, the father
A. His example of quiet godliness
1. "Turning the other cheek" for the herdsman of Gerar (Gen. 26:17-22)
2. His toleration ofEsau's Hittite wives (Gen. 26:34-35; 28:6-9)
B. His failure: Showing favortism between his sons (Gen. 25:21-28)
1. The consequences of favoritsim
a. Rivalry
b. Feeling unloved (low self-esteem)
2. Correctives for favoritism and its consequences
a. As a parent:
(1.) Correct the imbalance
(2.) Demonstrate genuine love
b. As a son or daughter:
(1.)Stop competing
(2.) Experience the love of your Heavenly Father (Ps. 103:13; 2 Thess. 2:16-17)
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