Genesis 25:29-34

Introduction:

1. How often do we succumb to sin in moments of weakness, longing, or desperation?

2. Satan is masterful at convincing us to give up the spiritual for the carnal.

3. Esau committed this fallacy in this text, and we can learn from his folly.

Discussion:

I. The Ancient Birthright

A. In patriarchal times, the eldest son received a birthright from his father.

B. This brought a number of special privileges and responsibilities:

1. He received a double portion of the inheritance.

2. He became the family head upon the death of the father.

3. Part of this headship was serving as priest to the family (Nelson’s, pg. 351).

II. The Nature of Esau’s Folly

A. When Esau sold his birthright, it was even heavier than normal.

B. Consider the nature of the family he had the opportunity to lead:

1. The land promise of Israel ran through his family (Genesis 15:5; 26:3).

2. Above all, the Messiah was to come through his family (Genesis 26:4).

C. He traded major spiritual blessings for a very brief, carnal benefit, a trade he would soon regret and with no means of reversal (Genesis 27; Hebrews 12:17).

III. Will We Sell Our Birthright?

A. Though not spoken in such language, Christians have a birthright too (Ephesians 1:11).

B. Though different in kind, this brings various blessings and privileges as well:

1. By our new birth, we become heirs of God (Romans 8:14-17).

2. This inheritance is unlike any earthly inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:15).

C. As with Esau, the reception of our birthright is conditional:

1. We must receive the Christ by faith (John 1:11-13; Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 1:3).

2. We must be led by the Spirit rather than live for the flesh (Romans 8:13-14).

Conclusion:

1. Though it is easy to get swept up in the carnal, we must hold on to the spiritual.

2. When we succumb to fleshly lusts, we sell our birthright for fleeting pleasures.

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you ever, or do you ever, find yourself giving up the spiritual for the temporal?

2. Can you name a single occasion where you could look back and say it was worth it?

3. How do you think we can defend ourselves against our tendency to temporal thinking?