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

Preacher Huijun - 5 November 2015

Anxiety-Free In Christ

All English Service

Anxiety is one major state that distract saints from following God. Do you worry easily? We cannot worry and seek God soberly at the same time. When we worry, not only the devil is attacking us like a roaring lion in an attempt to destroy our trust in God, our overpowering desires also prevent us from trusting God that He loves us supremely and knows what we need best. Unconsciously, our body, mind and spirit enter into a "labouring on our own" state. Jesus said, "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". We often hear people say "Do not worry, be happy". What then is the surety we can rest on for not being worrisome; and what is the assurance that we can be happy? When Jesus gives us the word "Do not worry about tomorrow", He means to tell us that the Father God loves you so profoundly deep that He is willing to give up His one and only Son to die for our sins, so that we can be clothed in His righteousness, as long as we believe in Him. The Father our God who clothes even the flowers and grass of the field, how much more will he clothe you today, who are being called and justified by Him? That is the surety we can rest on today for not being worrisome - He cares for you, more profoundly and more unimaginably and so goodly than we think. How then can we be sure that we can be happy? We can be happy today as long as we know what is God's will for us today - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (not your focus and your goodness that you fight on your own)" and be faithful today in the roles, time, tasks which God has entrusted to you, today. We can plan for tomorrow, but we plan knowing God is with us tomorrow, and He's the one who is responsible of the outcomes come what may.

Related Topics: Healing, Personal Issues, Regeneration & Sanctification | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

From Series: "All English Service"

Download Video     View Notes

More From "All English Service"

Powered by Series Engine

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.
Tags:
Print page
Avatar
Preacher Hui Jun
[email protected]

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.

No Comments