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

Pastor Vincent - 17 October 2013

Beware Of The Influence Of Sin

All English Service

Man often understand sin loosely. To many, sin is committing adultery, telling lies, taking drugs, murdering and more.. But sin is more than just the action of committing the wrong doings, it is the spiritual problem inside man that slowly creeps into us, without us knowing, that drives us away from the truth of God. It takes away our wanting to approach God fearlessly and stripping away our desire to come to Him. Sin is Satan's strongest weapon against evangelism. Because the moment you separate from the love of God, you lose the conviction in testifying for God. As a result, the world attracts you for it fulfills the desires inside you; the word gives you pressure and make you feel accused, for you know the truth but you cannot do it. Slowly, we are captured by fear than love. One day, we even lose the ability to love self and others. In fact, the most frightening thing in this world is not sinning but the unconsciousness of sins. It is through regeneration in Christ (born again) that one comes to realize the depth of our sins and the immense power of the finished work on the cross. If you want to overcome sin, you have to become a new person, born again in Christ. With a new life, there will be birth of new desire - and that is to seek God always and pursue Holy Living. Come to Lord and tell Him about your sins. Taste the sweetness of repentance today and leave Satan with no room in your heart to accuse you and toy your emotions. For Satan drives you away from God using the sins, God is still loving you and waiting for you to return, just like the prodigal son. Those forgiven much, love much. A person who has tasted the immense depth of God's love will hate sins and yearn to be in sync with God and testify for Him.

Related Topics: Sin & Temptations | More Messages from Pastor Vincent

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