16 Mar Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly
Preacher Huijun - 13 November 2014
Confirm Your Calling And Election: Grow In Christian Virtues
We have the dignified purpose of being God's image bearer and His spokesperson, but often, we seem to give people the wrong impression of what Christians really are because we have overlooked the need to grow in Christian virtues in our lives. True gospel brings true transformation - not only in the external but also transformation of one's character. A genuine follower of God will naturally pursue Christ-likeness in life, and confirm his election repeatedly through his progressive sanctification. Through this message, may we examine our lives again and confirm if we are indeed in a continual pursuit of Christian virtues God wants us to restore and develop in increasing measure. The cornerstone of a Christian character is faith and love, followed by goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness and mutual affection. May we see these growing in us through the help of Holy Spirit until it becomes our second nature, manifesting the glory of Christ in the darkness of the world.
From Series: "All English Service"
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Let The Pure Gospel Transform Your Inclinations20 March 2014 |
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Match Your Spiritual State With The Truth27 March 2014 |
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Go Deeper Into A Gospel-Directed Life19 June 2014 |
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Receive Added Grace By Responding To God-Given Grace26 June 2014 |
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Find Hope In Hopelessness14 August 2014 |
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Confirm Your Calling And Election: Grow In Christian Virtues13 November 2014 |
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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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