16 Mar Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly
Pastor Vincent - 17 September 2015
Suffering In The Presence Of A Divine Relationship
"If we didn't choose Grace, we shouldn't choose our sufferings either. Yet believe that if we share in His sufferings, we will also share in His glory." - Pastor Vincent No one in suffering like the situation they are in, often we ask, "God do I deserve all these?" Why is there pain and suffering? Because of the presence of sin and evil, and the purpose of Satan is to inflict a sense of abandonment in God's children, and make us misunderstand the love of God. Like Job, our misery in suffering can be so overwhelming that we intensely protest against God, only to affirm the forsaken feeling even more and become an easier prey for Satan. And yet, what Satan meant for evil God use it for the good of His children, so that they will come to know He is the Giver of grace, righteousness, love and hope. Spiritual battle is indeed fighting against the voices of untruth and abandonment through the promise of God.
From Series: "All English Service"
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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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