Election and Reprobation

Introduction

God promised descendants to Abraham by way of covenant

This promise continued through Isaac to Jacob and Esau

We see a great battle even within Rebecca’s womb

Esau vs Jacob

Seed of Satan vs Seed of the Woman ()

Kingdom of Satan vs Kingdom of God

Flesh vs Spirit

“A holy war is better that the peace of the Devil’s palace.” - Matthew Henry

Romans 9???

The Person Does Not Preclude the Purpose

Jacob and Esau were opposites

Esau was a natural heir

Esau

strong

manly

mighty

alpha male

Jacob

quiet

reserved

plain

beta male

Esau was a darling of the world

“man of the field,” excellent hunter, manly in appearance, loved by his father

Isaac loved Esau because he provided earthly satisfaction

How often are we enamored by those that offer earthly satisfaction?

Jacob did not care about things of the world

“dwelt in tents,” learning from others, soft and meek in appearance, loved by his mother

Rebecca loved Jacob because she remembered God’s promise from verse 23

How often do we forget the promise of God?

The world would have chosen Esau as the one to carry on the promise

God often chooses the weak to fulfill His purpose

1 Corinthians 1:26–27 ESV

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

David was weakest and last of his brothers

Our Plans do not Help or Hinder God’s Purpose

Talk about Jacob’s manipulation and Esau’s hatred of God

How does God’s purpose of election make certain our hope of salvation?

Even when we run ahead of God His promise is true because of His purpose. We cannot help or hinder His decree