2023-08-06 We're All Esau

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.