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The Attitude of Esau
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIn ancient Israel, the firstborn son held a special status within the family, representing the father's authority and inheriting a double portion of possessions along with significant responsibilities. Occasionally, however, the elder son fell out of favor and was replaced by a younger sibling, as seen in the case of Esau being replaced by Jacob. Esau, described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, loved the things of the world and lived for immediate pleasures. In contrast, Jacob dwelt in tents, focusing on an eternal dwelling place and believing in the promise given to Abraham. The story in Genesis 25 reveals Esau's attitude toward his birthright. When weary from the field, Esau asked Jacob for stew and, in his hunger, agreed to sell his birthright for food, swearing an oath to Jacob. Thus, Esau despised his birthright, considering its responsibilities and honors unimportant. After satisfying his immediate needs, he rose and went his way without reflecting on the bad bargain he had made or showing any regret. In Hebrews 12, Esau is described as a profane person who, for a single morsel of food, sold his birthright, treating something sacred as common. He prioritized temporary and material needs over his rights as the firstborn and his responsibilities as heir to the covenant blessing given to Abraham. Later, when Esau sought to inherit the blessing, he was rejected and found no place for repentance, despite seeking it with tears. This serves as a warning to beware of counting as unimportant what God considers sacred and holy, lest one forfeit a precious inheritance as Esau did.
All About Edom (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, are a classic model of sibling rivalry, and their contentious relationship has had a tremendous impact on history.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBy studying eating in the experiences of those in the Bible, we plumb a deep well of instruction from which we can draw vital lessons to help us through life.
Treasure Your Birthright
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJacob, though having a conniving spirit, nevertheless knew the superior value of the birthright, and struggled with everything he had to hang onto it.
How Expensive Is Your Religion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordChristianity is not for the faint of heart. Jesus urges us to count the cost of discipleship. Many of the patriarchs had to make hard choices, as do we.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the Bible, eating can be a symbol of fornication. Like Jacob and Christ, we must learn to curb our appetites, learning to distinguish holy from profane.
All About Edom (Part Three): Obadiah
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible's most comprehensive prophecy about Edom appears in Obadiah. This "minor" prophet foretells the future for the descendants of Esau.
Concerning Edom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.
What is Your Bowl of Lentil Stew?
'Ready Answer' by StaffEach of us has the potential to do just as Esau did. What does the story of Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew mean to us?
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.
What Is Your Lentil Soup?
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe story of Esau and his selling his birthright for a bowl of soup is a cautionary tale for today. What we treasure will ultimately determine our destiny.
The Israel of God
Article by Charles WhitakerPaul refers to the church as 'the Israel of God.' Why not 'the Judah of God'? Why did God not inspire Paul to call the church "the Jacob of God"?
God Hates?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod hates hypocritical religious convocations when people pay lip service but no heart service to Him. Mankind does not know how to stop hate, but God will.
Reasons for Optimism
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epilogue to Job's story reveals a lesson for us. Job's 'golden age' was before him, not behind, and the key to his optimism was his relationship with God.
Esther (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.
All About Edom (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughEsau was prophesied to be the father of a nation, Edom, and the Bible gives us plenty of clues about the character of his descendants.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Twelve): Joseph
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod frequently bypasses the firstborn, selecting for His purposes another sibling. Jacob selected Joseph's second son, Ephraim, to receive the blessing.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Three
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConsider two end-time, dominant forces: the Beast power of Revelation 13 and God. To whom will we yield to in the coming years?
Sabbathkeeping (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical instructions for Sabbath keeping apply far more to the church than to the Israelites, who did not have the fullness of scriptural counsel.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are what we eat. The same can apply spiritually to what we put into our minds. God wants us to desire His Word with the eagerness of a baby craving milk.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible frequently uses analogies from physical life to explain spiritual principles. There are over 700 references to eating in Scripture.
Building Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Scriptures provide many examples of how difficult relationships were dealt with by humility, deference, longsuffering, and prayer.