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 - 25 June 2015

Being Called To Be Set Apart

We are chosen to be set apart. It's God's divine election, none of our faith and human merits play a part in it. Often, we ask God, "Did you really choose me? But I am a nobody, I can't be like Abraham or David who had great faith, I'm just a nobody." But through the story of Zechariah, God brings an emphasis to Zechariah and us - No matter how ordinary or utterly nothing we are, God's supremacy transcend all insufficiencies of man, i.e. there's no condition too ordinary that God cannot use; God shames the proud but lifts up the humble; because God wants to reveal to us His sovereign grace and will. Instead of sinking into fallible human conditions and desiring the good conditions of others, God wants us restore an upright heart before Him first, for God is a God who searches the heart of men. It is your believing heart in His promise that pleases Him; it is your believing heart that enables you to pray and open the spiritual eyes in anticipation knowing He is the Lord who hears your prayer and knows your deepest need; it is your believing heart that enables you to participate in His plan no matter how weak or tiny you feel, for He is great nonetheless; it is your believing heart that compels God to want to prove to you that indeed He is a faithful God. As we receive the calling of God through our believing heart, the spirit within us will move us into setting apart. But when you find it hard to be set apart, look to God's promise and find strength in Him. Rather be small in the eyes of men but great in the sight of the Lord! Let the "commissioned" heart lead you to each blessed and assured footstep of your life.

Related Topics: Faith, Regeneration & Sanctification | 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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