Are you Giving it All Away - Part 2

Now this morning I want to share a thought with you… What do you give away?Now think about that ....

Intentionally, What do you give away? perhaps a kind word, a smile and yes hopefully your faith.There is so much we can give away to those around us....

But It was a joy for Marci and I to tag along with John and Amy and the youth group and be with them.I will tell you it is tiring, it seems those late nights are hard to do but it was great to worship and praise the Lord with all those young people. Sunday morning there was 5100 youth worshipping together, it was awesome. Church thank you for sending us, for helping our youth to attend such a great event. You invested in their spiritual life.Now this morning I want to share a thought with you… What do you give away?Now think about that .... Intentionally, What do you give away? perhaps a kind word, a smile and yes hopefully your faith.There is so much we can give away to those around us.... But then consider this.... what do we give away unintentionally? What do you give away and you really don’t mean too? Think about that.. Perhaps you give away discouragement, perhaps you give away fear, ..what else? Maybe by the way we live we give away our faith, our calling and yes our birth right as a child of God and we aren't really aware of it.How you live your life reveals what you hold on to as important and what you give away ...So where am I going with all of this..... Take your Bibles and lets go to Genesis chapter 25 this morning…

But then consider this.... what do we give away unintentionally? What do you give away and you really don’t mean too?

Think about that.. Perhaps you give away discouragement, perhaps you give away fear, ..what else?

Maybe by the way we live we give away our faith, our calling and yes our birth right as a child of God and we aren't really aware of it.

How you live your life reveals what you hold on to as important and what you give away ...So where am I going with all of this.....

Take your Bibles and lets go to Genesis chapter 25 this morning…

Genesis 25:19–34 ESV

19 These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 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 rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

When we look at this passage, what can we discover?

I think there is a great deal of information here that we can glean and apply to our lives today.

So I would encourage you to push the cares of the world to one side this morning and lets focus on Jesus and the life we have in Him.

Now, remember here that we are looking at the life of Abraham’s son Isaac, and Isaac had two sons… Jacob and Esau.And my message centers around the events of the lives of Esau and his just barely younger brother Jacob. These two brothers were always at odds, seeking the approval of the one who mattered the most to them, and that was their father Isaac. So lets move from here and lets consider this first thought my friends....

Now you might ask yourself, why would I use this phrase “opposing forces”???

Honestly I think the idea is one that is rooted in human history and the forces at work in this world with and after the fall of man.

Since Lucifer rebelled, there have been good and evil forces, agents and much more at work in the world we live.

God has been at work, He has sent His angels to bless and help humanity moment after moment through out history as we know it. But Satan has been at work as well, doing as much as he could to hurt, ruin and lead humanity to destruction.

Now originally, we know that Rebekah was barren, but Isaac prayed, He interceded for her and the Lord opened here womb and suddenly we find that she is pregnant, but she doesn’t have one but two babies.. she is carrying twins.This is special but there is a prophecy concerning these twins....But lets look back to our text....

Genesis 25:21–23 ESV

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.”

Now this is quite a passage, here we see a couple who are barren and the husband intercedes for his wife, - men there is a good example for you to follow.

You need to be men of prayer, prayer warriors for their sake and the sake of your family as a whole.

Now this is quite a passage, here we see a couple who are barren and the husband intercedes for his wife, - men there is a good example for you to follow. You need to be men of prayer, prayer warriors for their sake and the sake of your family as a whole.Sadly in the book 77 Irrefutable Truths of Marriage, a husband confessed “I don’t know how to pray for my wife” Sometimes we wonder if we have the right words, but friends it is never about the words but the heart, if you love her, pray for her. Pray Scripture over her and with her..... What Matters is that you pray....So Isaac prays and Rebekah conceives, and we are told she is carrying twins.... Twins, wow that is awesome… but here there is some problem. The children struggled in their mothers womb....They are after one another, that is the point .... each one always trying to better themselves, They want the first position and be the first born child, the child of promise....Note: Isn’t that how people portray themselves in life today… people are always struggling, contending, pushing and yes fighting trying to get ahead of life.It seems like that is the way of much of society my friends.... push, push, push.... And because of the turmoil in her womb, theses two boys are super active, Rebekah, you see here spirit, her life, she looks only to the Lord for help. The Lord was the only counsel she needed. Man we could learn a lesson from that one could we not...What if the Lord were our only counsel and not the world and its faulty opinion my friends.... just a thought… But listen to these verses....

So Isaac prays and Rebekah conceives, and we are told she is carrying twins.... Twins, wow that is awesome… but here there is some problem.

The children struggled in their mothers womb....They want the first position and be the first born child, the child of promise....

Note: Isn’t that how people portray themselves in life today… people are always struggling, contending, pushing and yes fighting trying to get ahead of life.It seems like that is the way of much of society my friends.... push, push, push....

And because of the turmoil in her womb, theses two boys are super active, Rebekah, you see here spirit, her life, she looks only to the Lord for help.

The Lord was the only counsel she needed. Man we could learn a lesson from that one could we not...What if the Lord were our only counsel and not the world and its faulty opinion my friends.... just a thought… But listen to these verses....

ESV29 This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

ESV8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

The Lord is the only one we can turn to, He is the only one...

Now for Rebekah, the Lord speaks to her about the disturbance in her belly , why the children are so active and so forth… look back at verses 22-23

Genesis 25:22–23 ESV

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.”

The Lord revealed a great deal to her, There are opposing forces inside of you Rebekah, they will be divided, one older, one younger, and they will serve and live un-naturally, in that the older would serve the younger in this stronghold.

Esau and Jacob were fighting, they were opposed to one another and the Lord gave Rebekah word concerning her sons before they were even born

There were two opposing forces, they were against one another form the beginning,.,Note Same is true of us.... There are two fighting inside of you, the natural, carnal, fleshly portion of man and then their is a Spiritual portion of a man, the one who desires to do right and follow the Lord.

So there are two opposing forces in our lives… one is hoping to make it to the top… which one in your life will make it out and dominate your life?Which force rules your life, which force is with you....

There is an old saying, it’s the one you feed.... what are you feeding the most, which one are you helping the most… what really lays at the center of your heart....

Which force rules in your life????

What do you allow to control you.....

Now lets move on to our second thought for today:

Now this ties around to the central thought of this message today…

We have looked at the lives of Esau and Jacob, they were children of contention.

They each desired to be the top dog if you will, instead of being forces that worked in harmony for the good of the family, they were children who were against one another.

Even as they were born we see that Jacob came holding the heel of his brother Esau.

So Esau was the first born, the one who was by nature the child of the promise, the first born who would inherit so much more than than the other children in the household.

But there is a problem, Jacob was jealous of His brother and He desired to be the first born, He desired to be the top dog if you will.

Now remember we have already considered the idea of two opposing forces that are at work in our lives, just as Esau and Jacob were opposing forces in each others life, so there is good and evil around us.

Just as God is at work, so the devil is at work as well.

Jesus said in

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

And as you are living here on ole planet earth, what are you giving away in this life?

Why do I ask that?

Because day in and day out, We need to think about how we are living, you see how we live determines what we are giving away… If you are living for self, your desires and your will, well.. you are giving away those things that glorify the devil…

If you are living for Jesus, then we are giving away life… through a smile, a kind word, by how you react in circumstances...

You see I believe in life and death, God can be glorified.

So think about this:

Are you living recklessly or are you living carefully and fully for the Lord Jesus Christ...

Lets go back to our text today....

Genesis 25:27–34 ESV

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 rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

So here are these young lives, each one skillful and unique in their own life...

But one has something the other does not have… the birth right, the most important place in the family. He would assist, help the Father lead, work and ensure that the family continued.

And when the father was away, he would lead, and when the Father passed… he would assume the place as head of the family… Esau had a good gift in being the first born if we acted wisely.

Now let me insert this thought...

[The devil knows what you have my friends, and while you cannot lose your salvation, you can loose at lot.. He is out to get it]

And when the father was away, he would lead, and when the Father passed… he would assume the place as head of the family...

Now the Bible tells us that one day Jacob had cooked a good meal, but he cares nothing for contributing to the good of the family.. He does so for him and probably his mother...

Esau comes in and he is tired and hungry, exhausted from a long day out from the home.. And His brother has prepared a nice stew, something warm, filling and delicious… Esau smells it, sees it and asks for a bowl....

And Jacob says sure brother, but it will cost you .. sell me your birthright?

Now here is what I want you to see my friends… There is always something that looks, smells, and seems just irresistible…

It is there and it is available.... will you take it or not… Does it glorify God or not..

Remember not everything is good, its never free, there is a cost, a penalty for taking it.

Genesis 25:31–34 ESV

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 rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Jacob asks for Esau’s birthright, and listen to Esau response..

Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”

He suddenly thought what good is it, i need that over there, i need the stew or I will die...

Note

Listen, every day we are presented with a challenge, a choice, or perhaps an opportunity for success and destruction and as we walk in that day we are going to give away life and death.

What do I mean by life and death?

You are going to represent Christ, you are going to honor him with your life and choices or I will represent something else.

Esau said what he held wasn’t worth anything when the rubber hit the road.... He wasn’t about to die, he could find something else to eat… what it suggests is that He really didn’t respect what God had put before him....

Jacob knew what He desired.... listen Satan knows what he desires and he desires to drop you down a notch or two…

Esau sold his birthright, sold it for the price of a cup soup… and it said he despised it from then on....

He knew it was valuable but acted recklessly

Listen my friends

The devil will steal you away through deceit, through half truths, and through promises he cannot keep....

So listen when faced with life… what will you give away.

It is and will be determined by your heart...

Jacob was deceitful in life and Esau was reckless with his life....

How are you living? Is it reckless with your faith, your attitude and your ways… Do you act as if nothing mattered… as if God doesn’t mind...

God does mind, He hates sin… he is paying attention to your life...

Don’t be disqualified by the way you live and act.....

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

I Cor

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Live your life in such a way that you run well.. live carefully

So that you give away only what is pure, good, holy and righteous

Don’t waste your life only what the world can give,,,,,

ESV17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Live for Jesus...

Now I am going to stop here, I am just 1/3 away the through… What are you giving away, the good things, the bad things.... pray in a man - wrestled in her womb 2nd Natural man and Spiritual man 3rd. You are a child of Promise… Understand who you are and its importance 4th, Don’t waster it on what the world can give.....

Are you Giving it All Away - Part 2

Introduction

1. Two opposing forces.....

- and -

2. What Are You Giving Away....