Genesis 25:21-34
21 And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples from within you shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
the older shall serve the younger.”
24 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
27 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.
28 Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and
Esau - Edom
Jacob - Israel
Ezekiel 35:15 As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the Lord”
1) I need to know my lack of self-control can
Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
1 Corinthians 9:25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
2) I must not undervalue my
Hebrews 12:16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.
3) I need to ask,
Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
For Further Discussion
1) How does the story of Esau illustrate the consequences of impulsive decisions?
2) In what ways can immediate physical satisfaction undermine long-term spiritual blessings? Provide concrete examples.
3) Read Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 9:25, and Galatians 5:22-23: Why does the Bible so often speak of self-control? Are there ways to cultivate greater self-control in our lives?
4) What lessons can we learn from Esau’s undervaluing the spiritual heritage he received from his family?
5) Read Hebrews 12:16-17. Why do you think the text calls Esau immoral and unholy for selling his birthright?
6) According to Pastor Chad, how were the prophecies made about Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:23) fulfilled in the ongoing historical narrative between the Edomites and Israelites?
7) What does this tell you about God’s control of history?
Have you seen negative family experiences undermine the faith of members of that family?
8) Read Matthew 13:44-46. What two illustrations does Jesus use to describe the kingdom of God for our lives? What are strategies we can use to make our faith our most prized possession?
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