WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:05.139 Well, please take your Bibles and open them up to the book of Genesis. 00:00:05.139 --> 00:00:09.500 It feels good to say that after a long break from the book of Genesis. 00:00:09.500 --> 00:00:14.160 We are back. It's our usual practice to preach through books of the Bible. 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:17.839 We took a little break for Advent and then there at the beginning of the year. 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:25.780 But we're back in Genesis, working our way through this incredible and glorious first book of the Bible. 00:00:25.780 --> 00:00:30.500 So if you don't have a copy of God's Word with you, if you didn't bring one, that's okay. 00:00:30.720 --> 00:00:33.280 We provide those for you in the seat back nearby. 00:00:33.719 --> 00:00:38.219 You can find our passage all the way back on page 18 of that Pew Bible. 00:00:38.380 --> 00:00:41.520 So if you'd like to use that, please feel free to do so. 00:00:42.060 --> 00:00:48.359 Our passage this morning is Genesis chapter 25, verses 24 through 34. 00:00:48.880 --> 00:00:51.980 And so when you found that, let's stand in honor of the reading of God's Word. 00:00:51.979 --> 00:00:56.679 Genesis 25, verses 24 through 34. 00:01:04.060 --> 00:01:05.819 Speaking of Rebekah, it says, 00:01:05.920 --> 00:01:09.759 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 00:01:10.659 --> 00:01:14.379 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak. 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:16.400 So they called his name Esau. 00:01:17.340 --> 00:01:20.640 Afterward, his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:22.900 So his name was called Jacob. 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:25.879 Isaac was 60 years old when she bore them. 00:01:26.900 --> 00:01:33.900 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:39.000 Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 00:01:40.260 --> 00:01:45.420 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field and he was exhausted. 00:01:45.420 --> 00:01:47.180 And Esau said to Jacob, 00:01:47.680 --> 00:01:50.359 Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:01:53.079 Therefore his name was called Edom. 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:56.960 Jacob said, Sell me your birthright now. 00:01:58.099 --> 00:02:01.400 Esau said, I'm about to die of what use is a birthright to me. 00:02:02.260 --> 00:02:03.859 Jacob said, Swear to me now. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:07.680 So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 00:02:07.680 --> 00:02:14.420 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. 00:02:15.040 --> 00:02:18.420 Thus Esau despised his birthright. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:25.100 The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of our God endures forever. 00:02:25.460 --> 00:02:26.700 Would you pray with me once more? 00:02:26.819 --> 00:02:31.819 Lord, we pray now as we return back to the book of Genesis. 00:02:32.060 --> 00:02:34.580 God, as we open up your word this morning, we pray once more. 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:37.219 Would you speak through the preaching of your word? 00:02:38.360 --> 00:02:43.340 Would you remind us of the glories of the promises you've made to us in Christ? 00:02:44.420 --> 00:02:49.340 And would you teach us not to forsake them, to trade them away for fleeting pleasures of this world? 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:50.400 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:51.480 Amen. 00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:53.600 You can be seated. 00:02:55.400 --> 00:03:00.000 Our boys, like a lot of boys their age, love Legos. 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:04.620 They have probably more than what's reasonable for anybody to have. 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:09.300 They collect them and get them for birthdays, special occasions, for Christmas. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:15.500 They enjoy putting them together and then tearing them apart, putting them together and playing with them. 00:03:15.699 --> 00:03:20.159 And unfortunately, they also like to trade them. 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:27.919 And I say unfortunately because, as you probably know, children are not great evaluators of value. 00:03:28.139 --> 00:03:30.579 They're not very good at making good, fair trades. 00:03:30.659 --> 00:03:35.939 And on the one hand, it's happened before where one brother will take advantage of another. 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:41.319 And they will capitalize on this obvious desire for a coveted peace. 00:03:41.419 --> 00:03:44.099 And they'll force them into this bad exchange. 00:03:44.099 --> 00:03:50.240 Or on the other hand, time will go by and everybody will forget that the trade was made in the first place. 00:03:50.319 --> 00:03:52.819 And so we're arguing over whose peace belongs to who. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:58.979 Or time will go by and someone will inevitably regret the trade that they made. 00:03:59.099 --> 00:04:00.819 They will wish that they had never done this. 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:05.539 And so my advice to them constantly in our house, over and over and over again, 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:08.759 is do not trade away your stuff. 00:04:09.959 --> 00:04:11.319 Now you didn't buy this. 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:12.979 You didn't work for it. 00:04:12.979 --> 00:04:14.859 All of this was given freely to you. 00:04:14.939 --> 00:04:16.159 This is for you to enjoy. 00:04:16.539 --> 00:04:22.360 Don't let your desires rule over you in such a way that you would trade away a wonderful blessing 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:25.439 and eventually come to regret it. 00:04:25.539 --> 00:04:28.339 Well, apparently I'm fighting a losing battle. 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:33.620 Because as we see in our passage here this morning, this apparently is a universal problem. 00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:40.539 This morning we have this story here of one brother taking advantage of another brother. 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:45.480 And one brother, on the other hand, making this incredibly foolish exchange. 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:49.720 He trades his birthright in for just one single bowl of soup. 00:04:50.500 --> 00:04:53.760 And there's a very clear and obvious lesson here for us this morning. 00:04:53.840 --> 00:04:54.240 And it's this. 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:56.220 It's the same advice that I give to my kids. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:03.200 It's don't trade away the blessings of God for worthless things. 00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:08.300 Don't let your desires rule over you. 00:05:09.440 --> 00:05:15.440 Don't make an exchange that you will later eventually come to regret. 00:05:15.439 --> 00:05:18.199 So, let's take a look at our passage this morning. 00:05:18.719 --> 00:05:20.519 And we're going to take it in two parts here. 00:05:20.600 --> 00:05:22.139 This will be our outline if you're taking notes. 00:05:22.259 --> 00:05:23.439 Just two parts here. 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:25.879 First, we see the wisdom of God. 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:29.100 And second, we see the foolishness of man. 00:05:29.860 --> 00:05:34.040 The wisdom of God and the foolishness of man. 00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:36.600 So first, let's consider the wisdom of God. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:44.439 And since it's been a little while, I do want to remind us just very quickly here of some of the main themes that we've seen so far in Genesis. 00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:50.680 You know, one of the things that keeps coming up time and time and time again, over and over and over again in the book of Genesis, 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:56.780 is this truth that our God is sovereign over all things. 00:05:57.600 --> 00:06:01.800 The God that we worship, the God that's presented to us here in the book of Genesis, 00:06:01.800 --> 00:06:06.920 is in complete control of everything that happens in His creation. 00:06:07.079 --> 00:06:10.800 He is the creator, He is the ruler, and He is the king. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:19.800 And we've seen also another theme, that our God has good plans and purposes for His creation. 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:25.080 He's ruling and He's reigning over all things, not aimlessly and not randomly, 00:06:25.439 --> 00:06:29.580 but He's moving and directing all things for a purpose. 00:06:29.579 --> 00:06:33.599 All things are moving towards a certain defined future. 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:41.120 All of human history, in other words, is the unfolding of the sovereign, wise plan of God. 00:06:41.479 --> 00:06:44.479 Now, we've seen this all the way back to the Garden of Eden. 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:50.099 If you remember, Genesis chapter 3, He promised all the way back in the Garden of Eden, 00:06:50.579 --> 00:06:56.599 His plan that He will send the seed of the woman to crush the head of the serpent. 00:06:56.719 --> 00:06:57.399 You remember this promise? 00:06:57.399 --> 00:07:03.599 He's promised that His plan is to magnify His glory in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:04.759 That's God's eternal plan. 00:07:05.859 --> 00:07:14.379 Genesis is eager to show us that our sovereign God is working out all things according to His wise purposes. 00:07:14.739 --> 00:07:20.019 His plan, His promise, is that He is going to put an end to the curse of sin. 00:07:20.819 --> 00:07:23.359 He is going to crush the head of the serpent. 00:07:23.959 --> 00:07:26.959 He is going to undo the effects of the curse. 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:29.319 He is going to triumph over death. 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:36.939 And the way He's going to do it is He's going to send the seed of the woman who we know is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:37.099 --> 00:07:38.699 That's the big picture here. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:43.560 And we need to keep that big picture in mind here because we're zooming in again. 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:44.779 We're getting into the details. 00:07:44.779 --> 00:07:52.839 We're zooming in once more on just one family and the birth of these twin brothers here in Genesis 25. 00:07:53.139 --> 00:08:00.359 What we need to understand is that all of this is the unfolding of the wise plan of God. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:02.299 Look there with me to verse 24. 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:08.460 Sometimes you might have siblings that as they grow up, people say things like, 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:10.480 I can hardly tell you two apart. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:13.520 Sometimes our boys hear comments like that. 00:08:13.720 --> 00:08:16.740 That is not the case here with Jacob and Esau, is it? 00:08:17.699 --> 00:08:20.660 In fact, it's hard to imagine two more different individuals. 00:08:20.660 --> 00:08:29.460 In God's design, these two children from the very beginning, they come out of the womb just absolutely distinct from one another. 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:31.160 They are polar opposites. 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:35.220 For one thing, verse 25, they look different. 00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:37.160 Verse 25 says, 00:08:37.660 --> 00:08:40.139 Esau comes out red and hairy. 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:41.759 It's like he's wearing a hairy cloak. 00:08:41.860 --> 00:08:44.240 And so they called his name Esau. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:51.799 And eventually, the descendants of Esau, you probably know, are called Edom, the Edomites, which means red. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:57.980 And you may know that the place where they live is called Mount Seir, which means hairy. 00:08:58.779 --> 00:08:59.759 And so there you go. 00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:01.940 They are the red people from the hairy mountain. 00:09:02.180 --> 00:09:05.700 And this is their origin story here in Genesis 25. 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:10.019 Jacob, on the other hand, we're told later on, he had smooth skin. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:13.500 He's gentle and he's soft. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:14.700 He's very delicate. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:16.379 So they look different. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:17.100 That's one thing. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:22.960 Not only this, but we're also told that these two brothers have different personalities. 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:24.879 Verse 26 says, 00:09:25.320 --> 00:09:29.559 Jacob, he comes out with his hand grasping, holding Esau's heel. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:36.620 And so his name was called Jacob, which in the Hebrew, it sounds a lot like the Hebrew word for heel. 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:41.600 But it also, we should know, it has this sort of double meaning, this layered meaning, 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:44.899 where it's telling us that Jacob is a trickster. 00:09:45.500 --> 00:09:47.240 And he's a cheat. 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:50.680 And from the beginning, God is showing us. 00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:54.080 He's setting the stage here for how things are going to go with these two brothers. 00:09:54.320 --> 00:09:59.340 Jacob is going to trick and to cheat his way into the blessing. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:04.340 On the other hand, Esau, verse 27, says Esau was a skillful hunter. 00:10:04.560 --> 00:10:06.519 He's a man of the field. 00:10:06.680 --> 00:10:08.899 And Jacob's a quiet man, dwelling in tents. 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:11.179 You see the difference in personality here. 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:12.399 And verse 28 says, 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:18.539 Isaac, the dad, loves Esau because he gets to eat all that good game that he cooks and that he catches. 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:20.059 And Rebecca loves Jacob. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:23.100 So on the one hand, you have Esau. 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:28.399 He's this red and hairy and burly man's man, right? 00:10:28.459 --> 00:10:30.899 He's a hunter and he's a gatherer. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:32.620 He's rough and tumble. 00:10:32.699 --> 00:10:33.879 He's a dad's boy. 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:37.659 And Jacob, on the other hand, he's a fan of the great indoors. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:42.059 He likes to stay inside and to cook and to hang out with mom. 00:10:42.159 --> 00:10:49.960 He wants to sit in and sip a cup of tea and work on a puzzle while Esau wants to go out and blast some music and blow something up. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:52.700 Now, you can see the difference in their personalities here. 00:10:52.820 --> 00:10:54.600 And it's amazing to me. 00:10:54.700 --> 00:10:56.460 Parents, you can relate to this, I'm sure. 00:10:56.460 --> 00:11:01.240 And sometimes you look at some of your kids and you wonder, how in the world did y'all come out of the same place? 00:11:02.420 --> 00:11:06.639 They just have totally different personalities, totally different interests. 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:09.620 And their life just takes these totally different paths. 00:11:09.780 --> 00:11:12.040 They are distinct in every way. 00:11:12.039 --> 00:11:21.860 But, of course, we know as believers, right, that again, zooming out, all of this is in God's wise design. 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:28.860 We believe that a sovereign and wise God has crafted each one of us individually. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:35.700 That he knows you, that he formed you, that he shaped you, that he knit our children together in our mother's womb. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:39.700 He has plans and purposes for each one of them. 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:43.039 All of this is within his wise and sovereign plan. 00:11:44.560 --> 00:11:47.419 But there's another big picture issue at play here. 00:11:47.539 --> 00:11:49.300 And here's what we need to understand. 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:58.639 That these two children serve two very different purposes in the wise plan of God. 00:11:58.740 --> 00:11:59.759 Look there to verse 23. 00:12:00.979 --> 00:12:03.339 Verse 23, the Lord says to Rebecca, 00:12:04.099 --> 00:12:05.859 Two nations are in your womb. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.819 Two peoples from within you shall be divided. 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:11.899 The one shall be stronger than the other. 00:12:12.179 --> 00:12:15.240 And the older shall serve the younger. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:20.100 It's like we get an advanced copy of the script here, isn't it? 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:25.580 And then in the verses and the pages that follow, we get to see this plan unfold. 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:27.700 We get to see God's plan play out. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:33.659 In God's wisdom, we're told here, clearly, these two children will become two nations. 00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:35.899 They will war against each other. 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:39.620 And God's told us exactly how this is going to work out. 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:42.379 The older will serve the younger. 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:47.700 So in God's wisdom, these two children have two very different futures. 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:52.600 They have different purposes in the sovereign and wise plan of God. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:56.759 Would you just think for just a minute with me about what this says about our God? 00:12:58.340 --> 00:13:03.080 God has determined well in advance, 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:06.159 here's how Christ will come. 00:13:07.080 --> 00:13:10.340 Here's how my plan of redemption will unfold. 00:13:10.340 --> 00:13:13.680 Here's how I will bless the world. 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:16.639 Here's how I will fulfill my promises to Abraham. 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.360 It won't be through Esau. 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.920 It will be through Jacob. 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:24.340 It is the younger, through him, that the promised Messiah will come. 00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:26.519 He will have the place of primacy. 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:28.160 What does this say about our God? 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:30.720 It shows us, again, 00:13:31.080 --> 00:13:34.860 our God is wise and sovereign. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:38.860 If he has a wise plan of salvation, 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:39.639 and praise God, 00:13:39.700 --> 00:13:43.779 he is capable and powerful to bring it to pass. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:47.220 He is able to accomplish his plan. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:54.860 It shows us our God is deeply engaged and actively at work in every detail of life in his creation. 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:58.240 And he will accomplish all his purposes. 00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:02.899 Oh, what a comfort it is to know, church, 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:09.039 that our wise and sovereign God is at all times working out his good plan. 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.320 Isn't it a comfort to know? 00:14:11.060 --> 00:14:12.879 All things go as he plans. 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:15.580 And we can have confidence, 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:18.120 whatever happens even in our day, 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:19.899 whatever happens in our life, 00:14:19.980 --> 00:14:22.279 whatever headlines we read on the newspaper, 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:25.720 whatever world event is shaking the world around us, 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:28.420 that all things go as God plans. 00:14:29.720 --> 00:14:30.820 Even more specifically, 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:31.940 in our own life, 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:32.700 get more specific, 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:37.759 our God is in complete control over all the events of your life, 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:39.680 down to the finest details, 00:14:39.800 --> 00:14:41.620 the hairiness of your arms, 00:14:42.840 --> 00:14:44.340 the tint of your skin, 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:47.259 the softness of your hands. 00:14:48.060 --> 00:14:52.700 All of it is within this overarching banner of God's goodness, 00:14:53.040 --> 00:14:54.040 God's wisdom, 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:55.379 God's sovereignty. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:59.059 We worship a God who reigns and rules over all things, 00:14:59.179 --> 00:15:01.059 who has a good plan for his world. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:03.299 Listen to what he says in Isaiah 46. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:06.080 He tells us in Isaiah 46, 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:08.820 I am God and there is no other. 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:12.019 I am God and there is none like me, 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:14.240 declaring the end from the beginning, 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:17.139 and from ancient times things not yet done, 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:17.840 saying, 00:15:18.179 --> 00:15:19.379 My counsel shall stand, 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:23.720 and I will accomplish all my purpose. 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:24.399 Sometimes, 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:27.120 sometimes, 00:15:27.680 --> 00:15:32.540 we can look and see in scripture like we can right here with these two children, 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:38.279 and we can have this advanced script of what's revealed about God's plans, 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.799 but more often, 00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:42.259 we don't have that advantage, 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:42.639 do we? 00:15:43.959 --> 00:15:45.659 We don't know exactly, 00:15:45.799 --> 00:15:47.019 down to the finest details, 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:49.039 what God's plan is for our life. 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:49.759 I wish we did. 00:15:50.199 --> 00:15:51.000 Don't you wish you did? 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:56.100 I wish that we knew for my children exactly what God has planned for them, 00:15:56.179 --> 00:15:59.100 what the paths are that he has established for them. 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:01.779 We don't always know the fine details, 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:02.139 do we? 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:06.399 What we do know is that God is good, 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:08.759 and God is sovereign, 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.159 and God is wise, 00:16:11.679 --> 00:16:13.799 that his promises are sure, 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:17.939 and that his faithfulness is worthy of our trust. 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:21.479 How ought we respond to these things? 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:21.859 Well, friend, 00:16:21.979 --> 00:16:23.959 we can live with confidence 00:16:23.959 --> 00:16:26.219 that even when we don't know the fine details, 00:16:26.359 --> 00:16:26.779 guess what? 00:16:26.979 --> 00:16:27.759 He does. 00:16:29.099 --> 00:16:32.599 And we can rest in his faithfulness to his promises, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:37.139 and then we can strive to live faithfully to him 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:40.559 while we wait on him to fulfill what he's promised, 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:42.019 all that he's said that he'll do. 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:46.899 This is what Jacob and Esau should have done. 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:50.460 But instead, look there with me starting in verse 29, 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:52.100 and we see here second, 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:55.819 we see the foolishness of man. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:59.360 We'll spend most of our time here talking about Esau, okay? 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:02.220 But I want to start here first with Jacob 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:05.099 because neither of these boys come out looking very good, do they? 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.920 Verse 29 starts the story. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:11.220 It tells us that these two boys were doing what they do. 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:13.240 Jacob was inside cooking some stew, 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.539 and Esau is out in the field, 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:16.400 and then look what happens. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:18.019 Esau comes in, 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:19.779 and he is exhausted, 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:22.400 and he is worn out. 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:24.460 And Esau says to Jacob, 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:26.779 let me eat some of that red stew. 00:17:27.140 --> 00:17:28.140 I'm exhausted. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:29.740 And literally, 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:31.299 it can read something closer to, 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:34.200 let me gulp down some of that red stuff. 00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:37.900 Let me stuff myself with that red stuff that you're cooking. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:39.600 And Jacob, 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:41.220 the trickster, 00:17:41.820 --> 00:17:43.780 is ready to take advantage. 00:17:44.040 --> 00:17:45.000 Verse 31 says, 00:17:45.300 --> 00:17:46.060 Jacob is ready, 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.519 and he says, 00:17:46.800 --> 00:17:49.300 sell me your birthright now. 00:17:51.100 --> 00:17:52.259 Well, his birthright, 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.080 of course, 00:17:54.140 --> 00:17:55.640 belongs to Esau. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.560 Naturally, 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:57.980 he is the firstborn, 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:59.460 and so naturally, 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.960 by natural order, 00:18:01.060 --> 00:18:02.120 he is the heir. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:04.379 But we need to understand, 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.159 and we need to remember, 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:07.759 that this is more than just a normal inheritance, 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.319 isn't it? 00:18:09.419 --> 00:18:10.619 By nature, 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:13.279 by virtue of being the firstborn, 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:17.259 all of the promises of God, 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.619 that God has made to Abraham, 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.199 and made to Isaac, 00:18:21.399 --> 00:18:23.519 all of these promises would be, 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:24.539 and should be, 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:26.359 Esau's by birthright. 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:29.619 But verse 32, 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.759 Esau says, 00:18:31.699 --> 00:18:32.719 I'm about to die, 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:34.979 of what use is a birthright to me? 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:35.619 So Jacob, 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:36.039 again, 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:36.679 the trickster, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.000 says, 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:39.059 swear to me now. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:41.159 So he swore to him, 00:18:41.199 --> 00:18:42.439 and sold his birthright, 00:18:43.139 --> 00:18:43.740 to Jacob. 00:18:43.939 --> 00:18:44.379 Then Jacob, 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:45.919 gives Esau the bread, 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.879 and the lentil stew, 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.419 he eats, 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:47.899 he drinks, 00:18:47.979 --> 00:18:48.539 he gets up, 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:49.419 he goes his way, 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:49.939 and thus, 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:51.559 Esau despised, 00:18:51.939 --> 00:18:52.959 his birthright. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:54.079 Let's start here with Jacob. 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:56.379 Jacob grabs, 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.819 and tricks his way, 00:18:57.919 --> 00:18:59.259 into God's blessing. 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:01.480 And you might think, 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:01.699 well, 00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:02.839 what's wrong with that? 00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:05.539 Shouldn't he want the blessing of God? 00:19:05.639 --> 00:19:05.819 Well, 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:07.000 what's wrong is, 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:08.379 doesn't he realize, 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:09.859 that if God has spoken, 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.299 and God has promised, 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:14.379 we don't have to weasel our way, 00:19:14.419 --> 00:19:15.639 into the promises of God? 00:19:17.199 --> 00:19:19.259 How much better would it have been, 00:19:19.439 --> 00:19:21.240 for him to wait on the Lord, 00:19:21.419 --> 00:19:22.439 instead of taking matters, 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.779 into his own hands? 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:26.559 He's no better than Abraham, 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.059 is he? 00:19:27.839 --> 00:19:29.839 God promised Abraham an heir, 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:30.819 and what does Abraham do? 00:19:30.919 --> 00:19:31.759 He takes matters, 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.720 into his own hands, 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.759 and goes off with Hagar, 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:34.759 to try to produce, 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:36.099 the promises of God, 00:19:36.199 --> 00:19:37.859 by his own human effort. 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:39.339 We should know by now, 00:19:39.439 --> 00:19:39.679 church, 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:42.000 no man can bring about, 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:43.059 the promises of God, 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:43.859 by his own effort. 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.159 That's Jacob. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.619 But Esau, 00:19:48.919 --> 00:19:49.220 here, 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:49.639 I think, 00:19:49.699 --> 00:19:51.480 has the greater offense. 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.059 Esau, 00:19:52.179 --> 00:19:52.759 verse 34, 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.259 says, 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:53.819 Esau, 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.619 despised, 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.940 his birthright. 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:58.920 Esau, 00:19:59.019 --> 00:19:59.779 trades, 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:01.099 in the blessing, 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:03.240 for a single bowl, 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:04.220 of soup. 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:04.940 Can you imagine, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:05.339 anything, 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:06.480 this foolish? 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.440 He comes in starving, 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.460 he's willing to do anything, 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:10.920 and he, 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:12.019 he exchanges, 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:12.819 in this moment, 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.599 all the glories, 00:20:14.599 --> 00:20:16.659 and privileges, 00:20:17.159 --> 00:20:18.519 and blessings, 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.219 of God, 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.000 for one, 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:20.980 slurp, 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.159 of red, 00:20:22.219 --> 00:20:22.799 lentil, 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:23.419 soup. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:26.439 How could he be so foolish? 00:20:28.619 --> 00:20:29.659 Before you say it, 00:20:29.699 --> 00:20:31.039 because I know you're probably, 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:31.879 thinking it, 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:34.099 if God has already determined, 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:34.799 this is how, 00:20:34.939 --> 00:20:35.699 it's going to go, 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:37.880 God already gave us, 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:38.680 the advanced script, 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:38.920 right? 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.900 God already told us, 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:41.340 that this is what's going to happen, 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.580 we can't be too hard, 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.240 on Esau, 00:20:43.380 --> 00:20:43.640 right? 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:45.200 God made him do it, 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:45.640 right? 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:46.759 Wrong. 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.220 And if that's how, 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:50.600 you think about God's sovereignty, 00:20:51.640 --> 00:20:52.720 you will open up the door, 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:54.019 for all kinds of foolishness, 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.840 in your own life. 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:58.299 The Bible tells us two truths, 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.059 very clearly, 00:20:59.179 --> 00:21:00.000 and sometimes they're hard, 00:21:00.099 --> 00:21:01.240 to hold it together, 00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:03.059 but we have to hold them together, 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:04.220 because God's word, 00:21:04.339 --> 00:21:05.259 holds them together, 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.519 these two truths, 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:08.159 that God is sovereign, 00:21:08.459 --> 00:21:10.539 and we are responsible. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.779 At the very same time, 00:21:12.879 --> 00:21:13.339 God is, 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:13.879 yes, 00:21:14.179 --> 00:21:15.139 totally sovereign, 00:21:15.139 --> 00:21:16.199 over all things, 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:16.879 in his creation, 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.339 yes, 00:21:17.399 --> 00:21:18.079 he has a plan, 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:18.879 for his world, 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:20.419 down to the very finest, 00:21:20.419 --> 00:21:21.819 details of our life, 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:23.119 even including, 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.480 our own choices, 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:26.679 and at the same time, 00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:28.199 we are responsible, 00:21:28.199 --> 00:21:29.159 for our choices, 00:21:29.419 --> 00:21:30.539 and we are responsible, 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.819 for our sinful actions, 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:32.919 and God is never, 00:21:32.919 --> 00:21:33.959 to blame for our sin. 00:21:35.939 --> 00:21:37.179 You might think of Peter's sermon, 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.039 in the book of Acts, 00:21:38.079 --> 00:21:38.919 he looks out at the, 00:21:38.919 --> 00:21:39.599 the crowds, 00:21:39.699 --> 00:21:41.000 and says in Acts chapter 2, 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:41.699 he says, 00:21:41.879 --> 00:21:42.919 this Jesus, 00:21:43.439 --> 00:21:44.359 delivered up, 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:46.099 according to the definite plan, 00:21:46.179 --> 00:21:47.720 and foreknowledge of God, 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:49.399 you crucified. 00:21:51.459 --> 00:21:52.659 That's sovereignty, 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:54.759 and that's, 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.980 responsibility. 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.480 While I'm at it, 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.100 let me correct another, 00:21:59.360 --> 00:22:00.460 impulse of ours, 00:22:00.540 --> 00:22:01.259 for another thing, 00:22:02.080 --> 00:22:03.700 you might be tempted, 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:05.560 to read this account, 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.460 and hear, 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.980 this obviously, 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:09.140 foolish decision, 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.540 and say, 00:22:09.620 --> 00:22:10.860 I would never do, 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:11.540 what Esau did. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:14.160 Why in the world, 00:22:14.320 --> 00:22:15.820 would Esau trade, 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:17.120 in the glories of God, 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.259 for a bowl of soup? 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:18.460 I mean, 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.540 how foolish, 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.360 can you be? 00:22:20.359 --> 00:22:22.459 Why in the world, 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.439 how could Adam and Eve, 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.479 trade in paradise, 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.099 for just one chomp, 00:22:26.159 --> 00:22:26.759 of the apple? 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.240 Right? 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.159 How in the world, 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.740 could the crowds, 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:30.759 beg for Barabbas, 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.459 to be released, 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.899 and then to crucify Jesus? 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:34.619 I would never do that. 00:22:34.939 --> 00:22:35.299 Yes, 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.439 you, 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:37.679 would. 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:43.559 When the Bible shows us, 00:22:44.179 --> 00:22:45.639 obvious foolishness, 00:22:45.719 --> 00:22:46.379 like this, 00:22:46.459 --> 00:22:47.639 we don't need to dismiss it, 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:48.179 as a mistake, 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.439 that somebody else would do, 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.179 and not us. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.439 When the Bible shows us, 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:54.179 this obvious foolishness, 00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:55.419 it is a mirror, 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:56.759 to our own hearts. 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.639 We need to understand, 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.919 that we are all, 00:22:59.099 --> 00:22:59.879 capable of doing, 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.439 this very same thing. 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.500 Paul tells us in Romans, 00:23:04.679 --> 00:23:05.199 he says that, 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.039 idolaters, 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.299 they exchange the glory, 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.500 of the immortal God, 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:10.419 for images, 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:11.899 resembling mortal man, 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:12.479 and birds, 00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:13.119 and animals, 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.399 and creeping things. 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.339 They exchange, 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.359 the truth of God, 00:23:16.439 --> 00:23:17.099 for a lie. 00:23:17.219 --> 00:23:17.939 They worship, 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:19.240 and serve the creature, 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.620 rather than the creator. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.099 And we all nod our heads, 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:22.380 and say, 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.220 that's wrong, 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:23.819 I agree. 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:25.079 And he turns and says, 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.359 and all of us, 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.500 are guilty of it. 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:29.819 All have sinned. 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.980 All have fallen short, 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:33.059 of the glory of God. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:34.940 And the essence, 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:35.759 of sin, 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:38.640 is this foolish exchange. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:41.519 In our sin, 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:44.019 we exchange, 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:45.299 God's glory, 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:47.359 God's blessing, 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.160 God's promises, 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.940 God's truth, 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:52.279 for empty, 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.980 unsatisfying, 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.259 unfulfilling, 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.940 temporary pleasures. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:00.079 Every one of us, 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:01.059 is prone to do this. 00:24:01.059 --> 00:24:03.599 Every one of us, 00:24:03.639 --> 00:24:04.419 is prone to, 00:24:04.740 --> 00:24:05.619 give away, 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.779 eternal blessings, 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.819 for temporary, 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.819 blessings. 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:09.799 Every single one of us, 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.579 like Esau, 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:11.519 is prone, 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.759 inclined, 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:13.759 by the sin of our heart, 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:15.240 to trade in, 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:15.759 true, 00:24:15.919 --> 00:24:17.039 eternal satisfaction, 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:18.899 for temporary, 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.220 satisfaction. 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:22.759 We are all prone, 00:24:22.919 --> 00:24:24.399 to give in, 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:25.119 to the demands, 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.399 of our appetites, 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:29.119 despise the promises, 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:30.159 of God. 00:24:30.219 --> 00:24:30.719 We just say, 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.879 we're prone to wonder, 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:33.979 Lord I feel it. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.239 Prone to leave, 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.339 the God I love. 00:24:36.419 --> 00:24:36.919 That's us. 00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:37.239 Do you, 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.799 do you believe, 00:24:38.899 --> 00:24:40.159 that that's you? 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:43.319 Do you believe, 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.419 that you're capable, 00:24:45.419 --> 00:24:45.939 of making, 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.479 such a foolish exchange? 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.579 Let me ask it like this. 00:24:50.719 --> 00:24:51.219 Do you, 00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:52.859 really know, 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.539 the power, 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.799 of your appetites? 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.299 We all have, 00:24:58.699 --> 00:24:59.039 appetites, 00:24:59.039 --> 00:24:59.759 that's not necessarily, 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.480 a bad thing, 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:00.779 right? 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:01.500 We were created, 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.899 with different appetites. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.460 We're created, 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.339 with desires, 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.059 and some are, 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:06.480 stronger than others. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.559 Sometimes it varies, 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.859 from person to person. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.519 We have different, 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.240 personalities, 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:10.859 we have, 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:11.539 have different, 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.379 wirings, 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.420 but we all have, 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.220 appetites. 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:14.440 But, 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.940 let me ask you like this. 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:17.899 Do you, 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:18.859 rule over, 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:20.059 your appetites? 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:21.240 Or, 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:22.379 do your appetites, 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.359 rule over, 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:23.920 you? 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.159 When our, 00:25:27.160 --> 00:25:27.840 good, 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:29.000 God-given appetites, 00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:30.019 rule us, 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:30.720 that's when they become, 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.880 a danger to us. 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:32.360 And that's when they, 00:25:32.440 --> 00:25:33.200 they can lead us, 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:34.680 into all sorts of foolishness. 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.440 I know, 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.620 that you've seen this happen, 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:37.480 time and time, 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.220 and time again, 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:38.779 haven't you? 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.880 In your own life, 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:40.779 and also in the lives, 00:25:40.820 --> 00:25:41.840 of others around us. 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:45.259 This is the husband, 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:47.119 and the father, 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:49.299 with a sexual appetite, 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.859 who trades in, 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.920 a long marriage, 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:53.240 and a happy family, 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:54.240 to go and satisfy, 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.180 that appetite, 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.099 with someone else. 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.539 This is the foolishness, 00:25:59.579 --> 00:26:00.019 of a woman, 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:01.619 who craves, 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.500 affirmation, 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:03.680 and attention so much, 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.559 that she just lives, 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:05.759 her life online, 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:07.299 and her real life, 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.720 around her, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.539 just crumbles, 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:09.480 and falls apart. 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:12.299 This is the, 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.379 Christian employee, 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:13.960 who, 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:15.899 desires success, 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.240 and has an appetite, 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.639 for money so much, 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.339 that they make sure, 00:26:19.419 --> 00:26:20.480 to make no mention, 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:21.500 of Christ at work. 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:22.799 There's no discernible, 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.759 difference between them, 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:24.940 and anybody else, 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:25.720 because that's how, 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.819 you climb up the ladder. 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:29.899 This is the young, 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:30.740 Christian who, 00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:32.200 knows better, 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:32.500 but, 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:34.099 just can't stop himself, 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.299 from looking at pornography, 00:26:36.119 --> 00:26:37.399 just for a quick hit, 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.539 of temporary pleasure. 00:26:40.899 --> 00:26:41.379 Or, 00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:44.220 it's the person, 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.160 who once, 00:26:45.300 --> 00:26:46.180 called themselves, 00:26:46.780 --> 00:26:47.300 a Christian, 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.120 but now, 00:26:49.280 --> 00:26:50.300 no longer walks, 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.060 with the Lord. 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.120 Do you know anybody, 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:53.560 like that? 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:56.040 I do. 00:26:58.100 --> 00:26:59.060 I want to be clear, 00:26:59.160 --> 00:26:59.400 of course, 00:26:59.440 --> 00:26:59.740 that we, 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:00.540 we believe, 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.200 in the perseverance, 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.020 of the saints, 00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:03.260 in this church. 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.580 And we believe, 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:05.400 that if you are, 00:27:05.520 --> 00:27:05.980 genuinely, 00:27:06.280 --> 00:27:06.980 a Christian, 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:07.780 that if you are, 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.760 are born again, 00:27:08.760 --> 00:27:09.360 of the spirit, 00:27:09.560 --> 00:27:10.460 you can never be, 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.320 unborn again. 00:27:11.380 --> 00:27:11.980 That's impossible. 00:27:12.460 --> 00:27:13.080 If you are, 00:27:13.080 --> 00:27:14.480 truly regenerate, 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.620 you can never, 00:27:15.620 --> 00:27:16.620 be lost. 00:27:16.840 --> 00:27:17.620 You are safe, 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.540 in the Father's hand. 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:21.000 And at the same time, 00:27:21.400 --> 00:27:22.840 we believe, 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.980 there is such a thing, 00:27:24.040 --> 00:27:24.900 as a false, 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.540 profession, 00:27:26.040 --> 00:27:26.580 of faith. 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.340 We believe, 00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:29.220 there is such a thing, 00:27:29.300 --> 00:27:30.560 as seeds, 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.720 that grow up quickly, 00:27:31.800 --> 00:27:32.800 but wither away. 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:35.539 If you are able, 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:36.000 just quickly, 00:27:36.159 --> 00:27:36.919 I want to invite you, 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:38.379 to turn to Hebrews chapter 12. 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:39.220 And this is the passage, 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:41.019 that was read earlier, 00:27:41.019 --> 00:27:41.519 this morning, 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:42.680 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:45.339 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:27:45.399 --> 00:27:46.299 Because the author, 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:47.000 of Hebrews, 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:48.339 he talks about, 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.319 this very thing. 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:51.960 And he warns us, 00:27:52.419 --> 00:27:53.279 against behaving, 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.039 like Esau. 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:55.599 Look there with me, 00:27:55.619 --> 00:27:56.559 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:28:00.299 He says, 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:01.639 see to it, 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:03.440 that no one fails, 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:05.399 to obtain the grace of God. 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:07.919 That no root of bitterness, 00:28:07.919 --> 00:28:08.799 springs up, 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.659 and causes trouble, 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:10.679 and by it, 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.919 many become defiled. 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:13.000 See to it, 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:14.799 that no one is sexually immoral, 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:15.799 or unholy, 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:17.779 like Esau, 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:20.279 who sold his birthright, 00:28:20.379 --> 00:28:21.779 for a single meal. 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:23.240 I don't know, 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:24.619 exactly why, 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:26.439 some people, 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:27.679 leave the faith, 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:29.639 that they once professed. 00:28:30.679 --> 00:28:31.579 But Hebrews, 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:33.179 gives us a couple of reasons, 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.419 to watch out for, 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:34.959 doesn't it? 00:28:35.959 --> 00:28:36.879 For some, 00:28:36.959 --> 00:28:38.119 it could be a root, 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:39.299 of bitterness. 00:28:40.699 --> 00:28:41.179 Whether, 00:28:41.699 --> 00:28:42.959 it's from a bad experience, 00:28:43.159 --> 00:28:44.399 maybe it's from bad leadership, 00:28:44.739 --> 00:28:45.139 maybe it's, 00:28:45.239 --> 00:28:47.039 it's mean people in the church, 00:28:47.159 --> 00:28:48.359 maybe it's fake people, 00:28:48.479 --> 00:28:49.119 in the church. 00:28:49.979 --> 00:28:50.699 Maybe it's bitterness, 00:28:50.879 --> 00:28:52.259 from unmet expectations. 00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:53.219 You thought that, 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.519 that following the Lord, 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:55.639 would make your life easy, 00:28:55.879 --> 00:28:57.240 and now life is hard, 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.200 and so what good is God? 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.740 Whatever it may be, 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:02.639 we're told to watch out, 00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:03.519 for a root, 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:04.720 of bitterness. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.599 See to it, 00:29:05.639 --> 00:29:06.220 that no one, 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.359 fails to obtain, 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:08.220 the grace of God, 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:09.019 that no root, 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.619 of bitterness, 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:11.400 springs up among you church. 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:13.059 Or, 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.680 for some, 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.740 it could be, 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.920 sexual immorality, 00:29:18.639 --> 00:29:19.579 unholiness. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:20.920 I mean, 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.339 my goodness, 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:21.859 how many, 00:29:21.859 --> 00:29:21.859 00:29:21.959 --> 00:29:21.859 how many, 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:23.819 have left the faith, 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.939 that they once proclaimed, 00:29:25.159 --> 00:29:25.419 and you, 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:27.059 you peel back the layers, 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:28.179 and the reasons why, 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:28.399 and, 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:30.079 and down at the center of it, 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:31.059 at the root of it, 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:32.699 is a sexual desire, 00:29:32.939 --> 00:29:33.939 that they ultimately, 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:35.019 value more, 00:29:35.179 --> 00:29:36.500 than all the promises of God. 00:29:38.299 --> 00:29:38.980 How many, 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:39.720 especially in our, 00:29:39.939 --> 00:29:40.579 day and age, 00:29:40.659 --> 00:29:40.759 have, 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:42.019 have broadened, 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.959 their understanding, 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:43.779 of the faith, 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.660 so much, 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.299 that it's barely, 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:46.220 recognizable, 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.380 because someone, 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.299 that they love, 00:29:48.340 --> 00:29:48.579 and someone, 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:49.220 that they know, 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:49.920 has embraced, 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:51.680 some form of sexual sin, 00:29:51.819 --> 00:29:52.819 and they don't want, 00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:53.299 to appear, 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.059 unaffirming. 00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:57.799 We are warned, 00:29:58.120 --> 00:29:58.440 here, 00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.279 church, 00:29:59.579 --> 00:30:00.559 see to it, 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.620 that no one, 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.460 is like, 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:03.400 Esau, 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.500 who sold, 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:06.279 his birthright, 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:08.420 all the promises, 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:08.960 of God, 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.799 for a single, 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:10.880 meal, 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:11.720 for he says, 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:12.539 in verse 17, 00:30:12.960 --> 00:30:14.259 for you know, 00:30:14.340 --> 00:30:14.960 that afterward, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.019 when he desired, 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:17.259 to inherit the blessing, 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:18.680 he was rejected, 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.640 for he found, 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.100 no chance to repent, 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.259 though he sought it, 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.279 with tears. 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:24.500 The bad news is, 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:27.200 for Esau, 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:29.400 this rejection, 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.120 was final. 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:33.299 The deal was sealed, 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:35.840 and he could not, 00:30:35.900 --> 00:30:36.799 get that blessing, 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.680 back from the hands, 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:38.180 of Jacob, 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:38.900 although it says, 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.680 that he sought it, 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:40.600 with tears, 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.640 but the good news, 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.279 for us, 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:44.119 the good news, 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.500 for you, 00:30:44.660 --> 00:30:45.480 wandering sinner, 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.099 the good news, 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:48.559 for you, 00:30:48.680 --> 00:30:49.619 weak Christian, 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:52.099 the good news, 00:30:52.180 --> 00:30:52.639 for you, 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:53.319 Christian, 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.639 with the secret sin, 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:56.000 that hasn't been brought, 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:56.720 to the light, 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:59.680 we live, 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.240 in a window, 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:01.639 of God's patience, 00:31:01.779 --> 00:31:02.240 with sinners, 00:31:02.379 --> 00:31:02.960 like us, 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.519 and we live here, 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.299 with an opportunity, 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.099 to repent, 00:31:07.379 --> 00:31:08.099 of our sin, 00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:09.879 and the promise, 00:31:09.880 --> 00:31:10.680 of God, 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.460 that all, 00:31:11.560 --> 00:31:11.960 who turn, 00:31:12.040 --> 00:31:12.740 from their sin, 00:31:12.860 --> 00:31:13.860 and put their faith, 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:14.380 in Christ, 00:31:14.600 --> 00:31:15.600 will be, 00:31:15.600 --> 00:31:16.260 washed, 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:16.780 clean, 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:18.160 of all their sin, 00:31:19.020 --> 00:31:19.600 will be, 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.260 forgiven, 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:21.780 of all their foolishness, 00:31:22.300 --> 00:31:23.220 will be made, 00:31:23.540 --> 00:31:23.860 new, 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.560 and adopted, 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:25.080 as sons, 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:25.600 and daughters, 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:26.240 of God, 00:31:26.760 --> 00:31:27.420 don't make, 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.460 the foolish decision, 00:31:28.580 --> 00:31:29.920 of leaving here, 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:31.220 without repenting, 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:31.820 of your sin, 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:32.580 and putting your faith, 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:33.180 in Christ, 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:37.000 don't be like, 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:37.779 Esau, 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:38.519 the good news, 00:31:38.580 --> 00:31:39.080 of the gospel, 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:39.539 is that, 00:31:39.620 --> 00:31:41.080 Christ has come, 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.039 for sinners, 00:31:42.360 --> 00:31:43.240 just like, 00:31:43.580 --> 00:31:43.940 us, 00:31:44.580 --> 00:31:45.440 he will receive, 00:31:45.580 --> 00:31:46.539 the adulterers, 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:48.019 and the addicts, 00:31:48.100 --> 00:31:49.320 and the abusers, 00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:50.620 the worst of the worst, 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.060 any, 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:51.900 who turn, 00:31:52.060 --> 00:31:52.940 and put their faith, 00:31:53.519 --> 00:31:54.180 in Christ, 00:31:54.360 --> 00:31:55.039 see to it, 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:55.539 church, 00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:57.980 see to it, 00:31:58.920 --> 00:31:59.840 the question, 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:00.580 then becomes, 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.880 how do we, 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:03.160 see to it, 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:03.820 that no one, 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:04.900 fails to obtain, 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.820 the grace of God, 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:06.980 how do we guard, 00:32:07.060 --> 00:32:08.640 against our own appetites, 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:09.960 ruling over us, 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.460 and how do we, 00:32:10.460 --> 00:32:11.759 look to our left, 00:32:11.840 --> 00:32:12.299 to our right, 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:12.840 to our brothers, 00:32:12.940 --> 00:32:13.860 and sisters in Christ, 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:15.220 and guard against this, 00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:15.980 for one another, 00:32:16.060 --> 00:32:16.940 how do we do this, 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:18.880 there is one way, 00:32:19.880 --> 00:32:21.759 we must, 00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:23.600 satisfy our souls, 00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:24.460 in the goodness, 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.220 of God, 00:32:25.840 --> 00:32:29.100 the only solution, 00:32:30.160 --> 00:32:31.580 to our fleshly appetites, 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:32.420 driving us, 00:32:32.420 --> 00:32:33.200 into all sorts, 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:34.080 of foolishness, 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:34.600 and ultimately, 00:32:34.800 --> 00:32:35.539 driving us, 00:32:35.580 --> 00:32:36.700 away from the Lord, 00:32:36.940 --> 00:32:37.960 is to make certain, 00:32:38.140 --> 00:32:38.680 that we are, 00:32:38.680 --> 00:32:39.920 satisfying our, 00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:41.240 spiritual appetite, 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:42.259 with the glory, 00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:43.360 of God, 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:46.340 the Christian life, 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.160 is not just, 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.340 deny yourself, 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:49.480 although that's key, 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:49.920 right, 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.500 deny yourself, 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:52.560 it is also, 00:32:52.820 --> 00:32:53.620 fill yourself, 00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:56.859 it's a call, 00:32:56.859 --> 00:32:58.379 to satisfy your soul, 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:59.059 in him, 00:32:59.139 --> 00:32:59.419 and to, 00:32:59.419 --> 00:33:00.939 to feast on his goodness, 00:33:01.159 --> 00:33:01.239 and, 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:03.019 and to cling to his promises, 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:04.639 it's receiving something, 00:33:04.719 --> 00:33:06.359 that's infinitely greater, 00:33:06.599 --> 00:33:06.659 and, 00:33:06.739 --> 00:33:07.439 and infinitely, 00:33:07.439 --> 00:33:08.539 more satisfying, 00:33:08.659 --> 00:33:09.039 than anything, 00:33:09.179 --> 00:33:10.199 this world has to offer, 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:12.960 the reason, 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.380 why this, 00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:14.519 type of exchange, 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:15.340 is so foolish, 00:33:15.460 --> 00:33:16.360 is not only, 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.460 because what we gain, 00:33:17.620 --> 00:33:18.400 is ultimately, 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:19.380 so worthless, 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:21.480 but because what we give up, 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:22.600 is so worthy, 00:33:23.600 --> 00:33:25.680 this good, 00:33:26.620 --> 00:33:27.360 and sovereign, 00:33:28.120 --> 00:33:28.880 and wise, 00:33:29.059 --> 00:33:30.440 and holy God, 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.500 is enough, 00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:32.440 to satisfy, 00:33:32.660 --> 00:33:33.360 the deepest, 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:34.200 longings, 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:34.980 of your soul, 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:36.259 and we were made, 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.259 to be satisfied, 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:37.759 in him, 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:42.640 are you trading him, 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.460 in for anything, 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.799 this morning, 00:33:45.559 --> 00:33:48.599 are you aware, 00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.799 of your appetites, 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.360 and what they, 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:52.140 might lead you to do, 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:53.500 apart from the grace of God, 00:33:53.599 --> 00:33:54.160 are you, 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:55.500 are you seeking, 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:57.200 to satisfy your soul, 00:33:57.480 --> 00:33:58.680 in the glory of God, 00:33:58.839 --> 00:33:59.860 each and every day, 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:03.339 I want to leave you, 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:04.360 this morning, 00:34:04.359 --> 00:34:05.439 with just a couple of quotes, 00:34:05.539 --> 00:34:06.759 one from A.W. Tozer, 00:34:06.879 --> 00:34:08.599 and one from C.S. Lewis, 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:09.980 I'll do Lewis first, 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:11.900 he says in his work, 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.839 The Weight of Glory, 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:13.239 he says, 00:34:13.319 --> 00:34:13.799 it would seem, 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:14.380 that our Lord, 00:34:14.460 --> 00:34:15.339 finds our desires, 00:34:15.839 --> 00:34:16.839 not too strong, 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:17.819 but too weak, 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:20.460 we are half-hearted creatures, 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:21.359 fooling about, 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:21.980 with drink, 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:22.579 and sex, 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:23.199 and ambition, 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:25.219 when infinite joy, 00:34:25.219 --> 00:34:26.460 is offered to us, 00:34:26.799 --> 00:34:29.039 like an ignorant child, 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.500 who wants to go on, 00:34:30.539 --> 00:34:31.440 making mud pies, 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:32.259 in the slums, 00:34:32.319 --> 00:34:33.619 because he can't imagine, 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.219 what's meant, 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:34.799 by the offer, 00:34:34.859 --> 00:34:35.379 of a holiday, 00:34:35.459 --> 00:34:36.000 at the sea, 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:38.419 we are far too, 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:39.759 easily pleased, 00:34:40.839 --> 00:34:41.879 and Tozer, 00:34:42.799 --> 00:34:44.019 says the man, 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.719 who has God, 00:34:44.759 --> 00:34:45.419 for his treasure, 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.799 has all things, 00:34:46.859 --> 00:34:47.419 in one, 00:34:48.419 --> 00:34:49.559 many ordinary treasures, 00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:50.719 may be denied him, 00:34:50.759 --> 00:34:51.899 or if he is allowed, 00:34:51.899 --> 00:34:52.699 to have them, 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:53.679 the enjoyment of them, 00:34:53.719 --> 00:34:54.959 will be so tempered, 00:34:55.119 --> 00:34:55.859 that they will never, 00:34:55.859 --> 00:34:56.659 be necessary, 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:57.579 to his happiness, 00:34:57.579 --> 00:35:00.299 or if he must see them go, 00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:01.299 one after one, 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:02.639 he will scarcely feel, 00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:03.599 a sense of loss, 00:35:04.239 --> 00:35:05.519 for having the source, 00:35:05.579 --> 00:35:06.679 of all things, 00:35:06.819 --> 00:35:08.159 he has in one, 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:09.779 all satisfaction, 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:11.319 all pleasure, 00:35:11.719 --> 00:35:12.699 all delight, 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:14.659 and whatever he may lose, 00:35:14.719 --> 00:35:16.039 he has actually lost nothing, 00:35:16.179 --> 00:35:17.119 for he now has it, 00:35:17.179 --> 00:35:18.139 all in one, 00:35:18.900 --> 00:35:20.000 and he has it purely, 00:35:20.739 --> 00:35:21.239 legitimately, 00:35:21.239 --> 00:35:22.679 and forever, 00:35:22.839 --> 00:35:23.519 do you have that, 00:35:23.759 --> 00:35:24.419 in the Lord, 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:27.759 church we must see, 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:29.000 to it that none of us, 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:30.319 behave like Esau, 00:35:30.399 --> 00:35:31.079 would you see to it, 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:31.739 for yourself, 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:33.959 and would you see to it, 00:35:34.059 --> 00:35:34.979 for one another, 00:35:35.099 --> 00:35:35.879 would you see to it, 00:35:35.899 --> 00:35:36.939 that we are satisfied, 00:35:37.859 --> 00:35:38.659 in Christ, 00:35:39.719 --> 00:35:40.099 Father, 00:35:41.319 --> 00:35:42.319 we believe, 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:43.219 that you are, 00:35:43.459 --> 00:35:44.639 infinitely, 00:35:44.879 --> 00:35:45.319 and truly, 00:35:45.619 --> 00:35:46.259 satisfying, 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.959 that in your, 00:35:47.019 --> 00:35:47.899 presence there is, 00:35:48.039 --> 00:35:48.979 fullness of joy, 00:35:49.059 --> 00:35:49.779 at your right hand, 00:35:49.839 --> 00:35:50.379 are pleasures, 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:51.219 forevermore, 00:35:51.239 --> 00:35:52.079 and we confess, 00:35:52.199 --> 00:35:53.299 that each one of us, 00:35:53.779 --> 00:35:54.759 from time to time, 00:35:54.819 --> 00:35:55.799 if not constantly, 00:35:55.959 --> 00:35:57.599 has traded this in, 00:35:57.679 --> 00:35:58.679 for fleeting pleasures, 00:35:58.759 --> 00:35:59.319 of this world, 00:36:00.599 --> 00:36:01.459 God would you, 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.679 curb our appetite, 00:36:03.679 --> 00:36:04.399 for sin, 00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:06.079 and fill us, 00:36:07.359 --> 00:36:07.919 fill us, 00:36:07.959 --> 00:36:08.839 and satisfy us, 00:36:08.899 --> 00:36:09.419 with your goodness, 00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:10.579 we pray in Jesus name, 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:11.879 Amen.