2023-08-06 We're All Esau

2023-08-06

Jacob & Esau - Genesis 25 vv 19-34

• Abraham's family is a mess. This is common in Genesis and throughout scripture.

• Remember, not everything in the Bible is Biblical. Describe vs Prescribe.

• Jacob & Esau are described as caricatures, exaggerated stereotypes.

• Birthright: Jacob is still grasping, as at birth

• v34: Not that he despised his birthright after this, but he gave it away because he didn't value it in the first place.

So how about us?

• Short term decision vs long term consequences.

• Point of the story is: We're all Esau.

  • Hebrews 12 v16 uses Esau as an example in the area of sexuality. We are not to devalue our bodies in the way Esau devalued his birthright.
  • Author of Hebrews is gently and gracefully warning his hearers.

• In NT, what is sexual immorality? Where / how is it defined?

  • There are no real model marriages in Scripture
  • So look at how Jesus loved & what he taught.
    • Jesus spoke frequently on these things.
    • Matthew 19 vv 4-5: Jesus refers Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 as containing God's design for marriage. Thus, immorality is what falls outside.

• All have sinned in this area. We are all guilty of sexual immorality- All of us are Esau. Jesus takes sexual sin seriously.

• Jesus invites all of us as we are. He is more concerned about where we are going than where we've been.

• Christian life isn't about morality. It's about being called to Jesus.