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

Posted at 09:29h in English Service, Featured by

Pastor Vincent - 25 September 2014

Genuine Confession Of Sin, Denying Self

Today, in our unresolved problems and unhappiness, little do we realise these are actually symptoms of a damaging issue in our lives - Sin. Many think that sin refers to the great crimes such as murdering, stealing or harming others, but actually, from the Word of God, God says that sin is when one does not acknowledge God in his life. Because man is not conscious of God, what ever they do is under the influence of the world, i.e. Satan. As a result, we always live according to our flesh and needs, seeking self-glorification without us knowing. For example, we want to be approved by others in all areas of our lives, we want to feel worthy and thus we work hard to prove something, we care so much about our own feelings rather than paying attention and truly knowing what our Creator says about us. The deceptive pleasure of these sins sometimes cause us to immerse in these fleeting joy so much, causing us to take things into our own hands rather than surrendering our sovereignty to God. When we seek to satisfy our infinite spirit with the tangible finite things, we enter into expectations, unfulfillable enjoyment and eventually being enslaved by the joy we pursue. Therefore, blessed are you who are being touched and awakened by the gospel of God. The gospel reveals the "Big-I" inside us, showing us how powerless and fallen our desires and self-gratification are because we have disregard God in our lives. This is indeed sin. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5 NIV) Today, if the truth we hear expose the big me inside us, respond to God immediately. Confess your sin and do not remain ignorant, wage wars against the self inside you and offer your bodies as a living sacrifice. A man who is truly repentant will constantly deny self even in his weakness, and seek to walk in the will of God. He will find strength in God to reject and fight the sins.

Related Topics: Regeneration & Sanctification, Sin & Temptations | More Messages from Pastor Vincent

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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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