Lesson 1

Cheater

Genesis 25:20-26; Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1

Overall Objective: To learn about the life of Jacob

Objective of this Lesson: To learn to value and build a good reputation

Twin boys were born in the home Isaac and Rebekah. It had been evident that God had brought this couple together (see Genesis 24). But then, after their marriage, Rebekah had been barren, unable to conceive. The couple went twenty years without children. Isaac had prayed and intreated the Lord for his wife to be able to have a baby. The Lord heard Isaac's prayer and Rebekah conceived twins.

What Shall We Name The Babies?

The scriptures say that the children struggled together within the womb of their mother. Rebekah wondered why this was so. She inquired of the Lord who answered by saying, "Two nations are in thy womb" (Genesis 25:23). It was true. When Rebekah gave birth to the twins, the first one "came out red all over like a hairy garment" (v. 25). This probably means that he was born with a head full of red hair and that his complexion was red and freckled. He was named Esau which means "burly." Later, "his name was called Edom" (v. 30) which means "red." Have you ever known a red-head boy or man who was nicknamed Red? Most of us have. Esau was the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:9, 43) which are mentioned more than a hundred times in the Bible (Edom; Edomite; Edomites) and seemed to be a continual source of conflict with the Jews (2 Chr 28:17) although God had commanded the Jews not to hate the Edomites (Deuteronomy 23:7). The struggle between Edom and Israel began in the womb of Rebekah. Today, the Edomites are within the nation of Jordan.

The second baby would also "father a nation." His boys would one day become the twelve tribes of Israel and the nation would be named after him! When this second twin boy was born, his hand had a grip on Esau's heel. It was as though he was tripping his older brother. This boy was named Jacob which means "heel-catcher" or "surplanter" or "tripster." In other words, his name meant "cheater." He was born trying to trip his brother and so he was named "cheater." In many ways, his name would, indeed, reflect his character. In modern American culture, names are generally selected on the basis of the beauty and appeal of their sound or in honor of another person. In ancient Jewish culture, however, names were selected on the basis of their meaning. A name was a reflection of one's attributes, perhaps physically, but especially of one's character attributes. Jacob's name reflected his nature, and it was a sinful nature (which we all possess at birth), see Romans 3:10, 23; 5:12; Psalm 51:5.

What does your name mean? (Look up the names of your students and tell them about the meaning of their name).

The Value Of A Good Name

The Bible speaks clearly of the value of a good name. Proverbs 22:1 says that a good name is more valuable than great riches. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says that a good name is worth more than precious ointment, a rare commodity in the ancient world. What is meant by the phrase "a good name"? It refers to one's reputation, or, in Bible terminology "a good report". The dictionary defines reputation as "the estimation in which a person is generally held." If you have "a name for being honest" (as the saying goes) you have a reputation for honesty. Jacob, from the time he was born, had a name, a reputation for being a cheater. The character of some people is so awful that it has ruined the name forever! Would you want to be named Judas or Jezebel? According to God's word, the Bible, a good reputation is worth more than money can buy. Proverbs 15:30b "A good report maketh the bones fat."

You have a first name. Whenever someone who knows you mentions your name something of your character and reputation comes to that person's mind. If you, like Jacob, were named for your most significant character trait, what would your name be? Kindness or meanness? Truthfulness or deceitfulness? Diligence or laziness? Openness or sneakiness? Nice or nasty? Proud

or humble? Hostile or happy?

You have a family name. Not only do you have a first name; you also have a last name - your family name. Your reputation not only reflects on you, personally, it also reflects on your family. In fact, entire families can earn a reputation on the basis of one person. For example, school teachers are likely to have a pre-conceived idea about one child based on the reputation of his/her older brothers and sisters. Your reputation should bring honor and respect to your family name.

If you are a believer, you wear your Father's name. The name of Christ is right in the name Christian. A Christian is someone who is "like Christ." We should be careful "that the name of God be not blasphemed" (I Timothy 6:1). We are to "let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Your reputation should reflect well and bring respect to the name of God.

How To Have A Good Reputation

Learn to value your reputation. The right attitude about your reputation will cause you to build it and protect it at all costs.

Your reputation is built one day at a time by the little things that you do. Be careful to do what is right even when it seems small and insignificant. A "little white lie" here and there will earn you the reputation, the name, of being a liar. And "every cup of cold water" (Matthew 10:42) over the course of time will earn you the reputation of kindness and compassion. Be mindful of the little things that you do. A good reputation takes years to earn and can be destroyed overnight.

Your reputation is also affected by who you associate with. "Evil communications (the word means associates) corrupt good manners" (I Corinthians 15:33). Your reputation can be seriously damaged or even destroyed by running with the wrong crowd. Learn early to select good friends. A good friend is someone who brings out the best (not the worst) in you.

The following list comes from Gene Getz in his book God's Plan For Building A Good Reputation, which is based on Titus 1:7-8.

Don't be overbearing (self-willed).

Control your temper (not soon angry).

Don't Overindulge in Anything (not given to wine).

Never Resort to Violence (no striker)

Be Honest In All Relationships (not given to filthy lucre)

Use What You Have To Serve Others (a lover of hospitality)

Love What Is Good (a lover of good men)

Maintain Self-Control (sober)

Always treat People Fairly (just)

Seek to Reflect God's Character (holy)

Live A Disciplined Life (temperate)

Just from what others see in you, what opinion do they have of Christ?