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

Deacon Hui Zhen - 11 December 2014

True Gospel Man, The Wise Builder, The Gospel-Driven Living

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A true gospel man knows that the reason why Jesus gave the sermon on the mount is not to force upon us a certain code of conducts that believers should adhere too. Instead, he knows that God wants us to restore the original love with God in Christ, one that is grounded in love, and thus fearless. A gospel man knows that he is called by the gospel not because of his esteemed conditions but purely the grace and sovereignty of Lord, despite his weaknesses and ordinary conditions. Because of the irrevocable love of God, he will want to face the Lord in all things and in all times, and his focus will gradually be shifted from the earthly matters to the matters concerning the kingdom of God, the spiritual matters. No one can walk in this journey of faith without confirming what God has done in her life, and how faithfully God has led her through all this while. If the gospel we believe in is true and from God, He will prove Himself to be true - our eyes will be able to see the evidences of His sovereign leading in our lives if we live in obedience to God - for the fruits of the Spirit will emerge and blossom in our lives, inside out. Test and confirm if you have been walking closely with God today. One who is walking closely and needing Lord at all times will delight herself in prayers in all things and in all times, only want to hear from God alone. The set apart life she leads will lead to beautiful spiritual fruits developing in her life, manifesting the glory of God through all her conditions.

Related Topics: Knowing Jesus, Regeneration & Sanctification | More Messages from Deacon Hui Zhen

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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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