Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

16 Mar Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

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Preacher Huijun - 19 June 2014

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As gospel enters into our lives, it is like a yeast, working through our knowledge on all things, sensibility and will such that we can start seeing all conditions of our lives with a kingdom purpose, even the slightest matter of our lives such as eating, sleeping and talking to others. When Holy Spirit convicts us through the gospel we hear, transformation takes places from our inside, affecting everything on the outside. However, Satan is a thief that is always stealing the joy and assurance we have in God, so that we will remain disillusioned by the big and daunting things before us. But Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Therefore, do not be deceived and continue to hold onto the truth even a little bit! Even when we have faith as small as a mustard seed, God will move mountains according to the truth we believe in. Instead of lingering in our own powerlessness, look upon the finished work on the Cross now and see how God has been helping you to this very day. Let it drive you into deep prayers and submit to the leading of God today. “To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?” - C.S Lewis

Related Topics: Gospel Discernment | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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Which comes first in salvation? Did we first believe in Jesus thus we are saved? Or were we first elected by God thus we could be saved in the end? From the example of Jacob and Esau, it is clear that salvation first came from God rather than any human factor. But while God offers grace, let us not be foolish to miss out on His grace. Often, when we exaggerate our needs and feelings and pursue instant gratification, we fall into folly. But the word of God can make us wise for salvation. Thus, may we treasure the word of God and take it seriously, so that we can stay on the course of wisdom.

Verses to Read: <Genesis 25:21-34>

1. God’s election not dependent on human works.

1) Esau and Jacob both undeserving sinners.

  • Esau’s folly and sin did not make Jacob less sinful.
  • Though God does not approve of Jacob’s method, God can still use it to fulfill His plan.

2) Salvation is by God’s sovereign grace alone.

  • Divine grace not based on any human factor.
  • Receive assurance of salvation from “God-factor”.
  • Salvation starts from God, not us <Ep 1:4; Ro 10:14-15>.
  • God’s saving plan cannot be frustrated by human sin.

3) Yet, we cannot judge who is “Esau” or “Jacob”.

2. The folly of despising spiritual blessings.

* Birthright: Special status of firstborn >>> symbolizes the father’s strength >>> double share of inheritance

1) It was not merely a moment of folly for Esau, but he had always been foolish.

  • <Heb 12:16>: Esau was godless to sell his birthright.
  • <Gen 26:34-35> Esau married pagan women, bringing grief to his parents.

2) How can we avoid falling into folly?

(a) Beware of “exaggerated needs or feelings”.

(b) Beware of “instant gratification”.

  • Impatience = Folly

(c) Restore wisdom from the word of God.

  • Always choose to recall, believe and act by God’s truth first.
  • The word of God makes us wise for salvation <2 Ti 3:15>.

3. The struggle between people of God and those who are not.

  • <v23> “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided.” [ESV]
  • Spiritual VS Carnal; Holy Spirit VS Flesh
  • We need to live differently from the world.
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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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