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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Pastor Vincent - 26 March 2015

Let God Be True, And Every Man A Liar

We may have heard the gospel often enough. Sometimes, listening to the gospel gives us some practical contradiction as we detect what we feel, think and do right now may not be in agreement with what God says of us. Sometimes, when we are being driven by our emotions, make decisions according to our own desires, pride and gains, we unconsciously defend ourselves by justifying for them without even verifying them through the truth of God. But in the midst of justifying for our disbelief and unfaithfulness, God's faithfulness remains unchanged. Paul said - Let God be true and every human being a liar - including your emotions, your thoughts, the things that draw much of your attention. Nothing in this world, seen and unseen, is more real than God Himself. And this has to be the starting point of faith, ie acknowledging the unchanging God and thus yield to Him first. This is like putting God's will and truth on the other side of the weighing scale, and let it be accentuated in all aspects of our lives more than our own emotions, will and thoughts. Next, knowing the disparity between what we feel and what God says of us, God asks us to test the trueness of His word, so that we will come to know Him better, and see how He's still leading us in His covenant today. As we seek reconciliation with God through what the truth says, our thoughts, emotions and living will be directed to the truth. As we submit to His will, God will prove Himself to be true. Through the message today, may it expose the hidden dilemmas we have been sweeping under the carpet. God says, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV)" . Indeed, God wants us to know Him, follow Him and be convinced by the truthfulness of God in everyday of our lives so that we can enjoy the happiness this precious reality brings us!

Related Topics: Regeneration & Sanctification | 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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