Virtual Church Consulting

Introduction

In today’s sermon, we delved into the profound narrative of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 27, exploring the significance of blessings in our lives. This story not only reflects the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of favoritism but also highlights the transformative power of blessings. As we unpack this biblical account, we’ll discover how it speaks to our own need for affirmation and the impact of our words on others.

The Importance of Blessing

Blessings in the Bible are more than just well-wishes; they carry a spiritual weight that can shape destinies. The story of Isaac’s blessing reveals how a father’s words can deeply influence his children’s futures. It’s a reminder that our words have the power to build up or tear down, and we must choose them wisely.

The Story of Jacob and Esau

The sermon focused on the pivotal moment when Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for his older brother Esau. This act of deception leads to a profound realization about the nature of blessings and the importance of being true to oneself.

Dressing for Blessing

Jacob’s disguise to receive his father’s blessing symbolizes our own tendencies to hide our true selves for approval. The sermon emphasized the importance of authenticity and receiving God’s grace and mercy. It’s in embracing our true identity that we can fully receive and extend blessings to others.

The Power of Words

The sermon highlighted the lasting impact of words spoken over us, especially during our formative years. It’s crucial to recognize the positive words that affirm our value and purpose, and to let go of any negative words that have hindered our self-perception.

The Amazing Grace of God

Jacob’s story is a testament to God’s grace, which works through our imperfections. Despite Jacob’s deceptive actions, God’s plan for blessing and redemption continues. This grace is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who took the curse we deserved to grant us the blessing of being God’s favored children.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder that through Christ, we are all considered the firstborn with the full rights and privileges of God’s children. We are encouraged to embrace this identity and let it shape how we interact with the world around us.

Life Application Challenge

This week, reflect on the following questions and challenge yourself to apply the lessons from today’s sermon:

• Have I fully embraced the blessing of being God’s favored child?
• How can I use my words to affirm and bless others in my life?
• In what ways can I live more authentically, shedding any disguises I’ve put on for approval?

Let us go forth this week, recognizing our value in Christ and using our words to bless and uplift those around us.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

Introduction

In this week’s sermon, we delved into the complex family dynamics of Isaac, Rebecca, Esau, and Jacob, exploring the profound implications of the birthright and its relevance to our spiritual inheritance today. As we unpack the story, we’ll see how the choices made by these biblical figures resonate with our own lives and the eternal perspective we’re called to embrace.

The Significance of the Birthright

The birthright (Hebrew: Bakora) in ancient culture was a privilege reserved for the firstborn son, entailing a major portion of the family inheritance and leadership responsibilities. However, the Bible often showcases God’s work through younger siblings, challenging cultural norms and inviting us to consider His sovereignty in choosing whom to bless.

Esau’s Despising of His Birthright

In Genesis 25, we witness Esau’s impulsive decision to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew, demonstrating a disregard for his future inheritance for the sake of immediate gratification. This pivotal moment raises a critical question for us: What are we willing to trade for our immediate comfort, and at what cost?

The Spiritual Birthright for Believers

Transitioning to the New Testament, we see the concept of birthright shift from a physical inheritance to a spiritual one. Through Jesus Christ, the firstborn over all creation, we are adopted into God’s family and become heirs to an eternal kingdom. This spiritual birthright includes redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life, sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Living Out Our Spiritual Birthright

As heirs with Christ, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal. This means embracing our identity as God’s children, serving and loving others, and walking in the spiritual inheritance we’ve received.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Inheritance

The story of Jacob and Esau challenges us to consider the value we place on our spiritual birthright. As we reflect on the sermon, let’s ask ourselves:

• How am I prioritizing my spiritual inheritance over temporary pleasures?
• In what ways can I live out my identity as a child of God this week?
• How can I serve and bless others as a reflection of the spiritual birthright I’ve received?

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to live with an eternal perspective, valuing our spiritual birthright and walking in the fullness of what God has for us. As we do so, may we experience the richness of His blessings and the joy of His kingdom.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

Introduction

In our ongoing series, “Kingdom Covenant,” we delve into the life of Isaac, a pivotal figure in Genesis. This week, we explore the lessons Isaac’s story imparts about faith, trust, and the generational impact of our actions.

Praying for Our Neighbors

Our community is committed to praying for our neighbors, reinforcing the power of daily intercession for those around us. We seek God’s movement in their lives and strive to be loving neighbors ourselves.

The Main Characters of Genesis

Genesis chapters 12 through 50 focus on four key individuals: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. While other characters play significant roles, these four are central to understanding the unfolding biblical narrative.

Isaac: The Relatable Patriarch

Isaac’s life is documented in just three chapters of Genesis (25, 26, 27), yet his experiences are incredibly relatable. He embodies the human condition of sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing in our walk with God.

The Importance of Trusting God

A recurring theme in Isaac’s story is the importance of trusting God, especially in times of difficulty. Isaac demonstrates this when he prays for his wife Rebekah’s fertility, and God answers his prayers, contrasting with Abraham’s earlier attempts to take matters into his own hands.

The Dangers of Repeat Failures

Isaac’s life also warns us of the dangers of repeat failures. His decision to lie about his wife’s identity, mimicking Abraham’s past mistakes, highlights the need to confront and repent from cyclical sins to prevent generational repercussions.

Communication and Encouragement in Faith

The story of Isaac and Rebekah emphasizes the critical role of communication and mutual encouragement in faith. Asking the question, “What would it look like to trust God in this situation?” can guide us toward God-honoring decisions.

Children of Promise

Like Isaac, we are children of promise. Isaac’s willingness to trust God foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. As believers, we are called to set aside our own desires and pursue God’s will, trusting Him to fulfill His promises in His timing.

Pursuing God Over Happiness

One obstacle to living a life of faith is the pursuit of happiness as our highest goal. Isaac’s life teaches us that true happiness is found not in our own efforts but in trusting and following God’s direction.

Conclusion: Living Out the Lessons of Isaac’s Life

Isaac’s story challenges us to examine our own lives and the cycles we need to break. This week, let’s apply the lessons from Isaac by:

1. Praying for our neighbors and being intentional in our community.
2. Reflecting on areas where we need to trust God more deeply.
3. Communicating openly with loved ones about our faith and decisions.
4. Confronting repeat failures with repentance and seeking God’s guidance.

Ask yourself these questions:

• In what situations do I need to trust God more?
• How can I improve communication about my faith with those around me?
• What repeat failures do I need to confront and seek God’s help to overcome?

Let Isaac’s life inspire you to pursue God’s will, trust in His timing, and find true happiness in His promises.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.