March 6, 2005

Carlon Tschetter, Covenant Community Church, Yukon, Oklahoma

 

MESSAGE: “Grace Triumphs Over Sin”                       Genesis 38:1-30

 

Big Idea: Sin can erect no barrier that God’s grace cannot overcome.

 

I. Background to Chapter 38

A.     Why do we have this account, and why here?

1.      It shows again God’s providence even in the sinful acts of men

2.      It reveals the grave moral danger that Jacob’s family faced.

3.      It magnifies the faithfulness of Joseph

4.      It pictures the marvelous grace of God

B.     What is the significance of a Levirate marriage?

1.      It was a common practice of the day

2.      It was a brother’s moral responsibility

3.      It’s purpose was to carry on the family name

 

II. Increased Sin, Increased Grace

            A. Judah’s Family  vs. 1-11

                        1. His departure

                        2. His sinful choice

                        3. His deplorable sons

            B. Judah’s Foolishness  vs. 12-19

                        1. His questionable company

                        2. Her wrong method

                        3. His shameful pursuit of pleasure

            C. Judah’s Hypocrisy  vs. 20-26

                        1. Making good on his promise

                        2. Making too quick of a judgment

                        3. Making things right

            D. Judah’s Lineage  vs. 27-30

                        1. “Déjà vu” all over again

                        2. Matthew 1

                        3. Jesus identifies with us, but is sinless

 

III. APPLICATIONS

            A. Sin by it’s nature ruins, ensnares and leads to despair

            B. Grace by it’s nature overcomes, embraces and leads to hope.

            C. Run from sin, pursue what is good.