Genesis 26:23-35 - Homiletics

A good man's environment.

I. ISAAC AND JEHOVAH .

1. Jehovah ' s grace to Isaac .

2. Isaac ' s gratitude to Jehovah .

II. ISAAC AND ABIMELECH .

1. Abimelech's request of Isaac.

2. Isaac ' s reception of Abimelech .

3. Solemn adjuration . "And they swore one to another." Though religion does not lie within the sphere of politics, politics lie within the sphere of religion. Nothing should be done by a good man that he cannot sanctify by the word of God and prayer ( Colossians 3:17 , Colossians 3:23 ).

4. Peaceful dismissal . "Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace." Those who come for peace should never go without peace. It is the saint's interest as well as duty to follow after peace ( Matthew 5:9 ). No sooner had Isaac dismissed Abimelech and his ministers, than his servants came with tidings of their successful operations in sinking a well. Peace-makers seldom fail to find a recompense ( James 3:18 ).

III. ISAAC AND ESAU .

1. Esau ' s sinful marriage .

2. Isaac ' s bitter grief .

Learn—

1. That God's gracious visits to his people are always admirably suited to their needs in respect of time, place, and manner.

2. That when a man's ways please God he maketh even his enemies be at peace with him.

3. That while a wise son maketh a glad father, a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.