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Christian Life Church

June 9, 2024 at 8:30am & 10:00am

June 9, 2024 at 8:30am & 10:00am

In the birthright, one inherited resources that had to be built upon. In the blessing, one inherited a guarantee that God would bless with resources. Jacob stole both the birthright and blessing of Esau.

Locations & Times

Christian Life Church Columbia

2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA

Sunday 8:00 AM

A BIRTHRIGHT & A BLESSING (Part 2) JUNE 9, 2024

SCRIPTURE
But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau, ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.” “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of bless me.” But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you.”

Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?” Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.” Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.

Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.” So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son.

Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, “Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And yes, that blessing must stand!” When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged. But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept. Selections from Genesis 27, NLT


BIRTHRIGHT & BLESSING

In the birthright, one inherited resources that had to be built upon. In the blessing, one inherited a guarantee that God would bless with resources.

Jacob stole both the birthright and blessing of Esau.


DECENDING INTO DYSFUNCTION

Dysfunction abounds between Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, Jacob, Laban, Rachel, and Leah.

Their sins involved evading God’s word, favoritism, deception, using the Lord’s name in vain, anger, trickery, sexual immorality, unethical business dealings, theft, and idolatry.

The common sins of this family were passed down generation to generation.
EXAMINING TWO EXTREMES

(There is) a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:7, NIV

The first extreme is to always speak without regard for others.

Too many Christians in the West have matched the tone of the world.

We will speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15, NLT

The second extreme is to never speak for fear of offending others.

“The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other.” G.K. Chesterton

We cannot be afraid to speak for truth, but it can’t be isolated from love and tenderness.


REACHING FOR RECONCILIATION

Most aren’t as dysfunctional as Jacob. But most of us have some Jacob in our bones.

Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

“…what were all the flock and herd I met as I came?” Esau asked. Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.” “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.” But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God! Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift. Selections from Genesis 33, NLT

1/ I should ask God for a sensitive conscience.

Jacob could have avoided Esau but allowed his conscience to guide.

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16, NIV


2/ I should seek reconciliation immediately.

Jacob delayed for two decades before reconciling with Esau.

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-25, ESV

Unity is a matter of worship in the eyes of the Lord.
3/ I should pray going into reconciliation.

Jacob asked the Lord to go before him in meeting with Esau.

It’s wise to invite the Holy Spirit.

It’s wise to confess my shortcomings to the Father.

It’s wise to remind myself of the Word.


4/ I should plan going into reconciliation.

Jacob developed a plan as he approached his meeting with Esau.

It’s important to say the right thing, in the right way, at the right time.


5/ I should move past fear.

Jacob was intimidated and fearful of Esau but continued into reconciliation.

Panic and peace are on opposite sides of obedience.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18, NLT


6/ I should walk humbly into reconciliation.

Jacob referred to himself as “your servant” and bowed before Esau.


7/ I should offer the gift of repentance.

Jacob offered material gifts to Esau as a gesture of repentance.

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18, NLT


8/ I should rejoice if I win my brother/sister.

Esau rejoiced at Jacob’s repentance.

You cannot control their response. You can only control your responsibility.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9, NIV


CLOSE

Reconciliation is an outflow of spiritual maturity.

“God had to deal with Jacob before Jacob could deal with Esau.” Kent Hughes

Christian Life Giving Link

https://www.clcolumbia.com/give

Christian Life Giving Website

https://www.clcolumbia.com