Shadowboxing: Jacob and Jekyll: Navigating Identity and Fear

Shadowboxing: Unmasking the Monsters Within In this episode of the sermon series 'Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters Within,' we explore the concept of the 'false self' and the inner 'monster' through personal anecdotes and literary references like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. By delving into the Bible story of Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau from Genesis 27:1-20, we uncover the masks we wear to navigate life's challenges and seek acceptance. Insights from Christian psychologist David Benner and the Enneagram help us differentiate the false self from our true God-given identity. The sermon concludes with reflections on autumn's symbolism of letting go, inspired by Lucille Clifton's poem, 'The Lesson of the Falling Leaves.'

00:00 A Memorable Mistake in London

03:06 Facing Fears and Cultural Monsters

06:43 Exploring the Monster Within

07:29 The Tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

11:09 The False Self and Genesis 27

15:54 Setting the Stage: Isaac's Prayer and Rebecca's Revelation

16:20 Jacob and Esau: The Struggle Begins

17:12 The Shrewdness of Rebecca and Jacob

18:43 The Deception Unfolds: Jacob's Mask

20:12 The Consequences of Deception

20:45 Reflecting on Identity and the False Self

21:56 Understanding the False Self in Christian Context

22:46 Personal Journey: Confronting the False Self

23:34 The Enneagram and Self-Discovery

25:34 Jacob's Transformation: From Supplanter to Israel

27:00 The Struggle of Marginalized Identities

28:11 The Spiritual Journey: Losing the Self to Find the Self

28:55 Confronting Our Fears: The Lesson of the Falling Leaves