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 - 31 October 2013

The Undeserved Became The Deserving

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Why the Gibeonites, the cursed and undeserved group eventually became deserving? Because they had come to Israelites, with fear, humility and trembling knowing that Israelite's God is truly the one and only God. We often use our judgment to perceive others, thinking that they will never understand what you believe. But the Word says share the gospel to the ends of the world, for the deserving ones will respond. Have you become the stumbling block of gospel? Blessed are you who can listen and believe in the gospel, for your salvation is purely by grace of God. One who has received much, will share abundantly of the good news he receives, and he will also realize that the purpose in life is none other than world evangelism. We have heard the truths many times. We have heard sermons after sermons in church and from the website. However, if one does not intentionally seek out the person of Christ of what he has heard through prayers with God, it will not give birth to the right spirit. May the Lord restore the right spirit inside us as we seek Him in our prayers, nailing our pride, worldly and convenient thinking on the cross repeatedly. May His heartbeat becomes ours.

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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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