January 3
Lesson 5
A BRIDE WORTH WAITING FOR
DEVOTIONAL READING: 1 Timothy 1:12–17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Genesis 28–30
GENESIS 29:15–30
15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.
30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
KEY VERSE
He went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
—Genesis 29:30
SACRED GIFTS AND HOLY GATHERINGS
Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral
LESSONS 5–9
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Describe Jacob’s expectation and Laban’s deception.
2. Compare and contrast Laban’s actions with modern “bait and switch” deceptions.
3. Write a prayer of commitment to honest dealings.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Marriage Chaos
B. Lesson Background
I. Contract Agreed (GENESIS 29:15–20)
A. Laban’s Request (v. 15)
B. Laban’s Daughters (vv. 16, 17)
C. Jacob’s Offer (v. 18)
D. Laban’s Acceptance (vv. 19, 20)
Perils of a Family Business
II. Deception Rationalized (GENESIS 29:21–26)
A. Expectation (vv. 21, 22)
B. Substitution (vv. 23, 24)
C. Confrontation (vv. 25, 26)
III. Contract Modified (GENESIS 29:27–30)
A. Seven More Years (v. 27)
Bankruptcies, Fiscal and Otherwise
B. One More Wife (vv. 28–30)
Conclusion
A. Mixed Families
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Abraham Ay-bruh-ham.
Bilhah Bill-ha.
Canaan Kay-nun.
Esau Ee-saw.
fait accompli fay-tuh-kom-plee.
Jacob Jay-kub.
Laban Lay-bun.
patriarchs pay-tree-arks.
Zilpah Zil-pa.
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, is it unwise to work for a relative? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding temporary situations or specified periods of time
■ Regarding permanent or open-ended situations
■ Regarding Christian vs. non-Christian relatives
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, would a very lengthy engagement be a good idea today?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Considering the emotional maturity of those to be married
■ Considering the spiritual maturity of those to be married
■ 1 Corinthians 7:9, 36
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways to prepare for a wedding that will honor God and serve as a witness to unbelievers in attendance?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding location
■ Regarding vows
■ Regarding budget
■ Regarding scheduling
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
What lessons have you learned about healthy relationships with in-laws?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding the handling of holidays
■ Regarding grandchildren
■ Regarding expectations of visits
■ Regarding non-Christian in-laws
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
How can we prevent preferential love in family relationships? Why is it important to do so?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Parent-to-child
■ Grandparent-to-grandchild
■ Sibling-to-sibling
■ Other
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