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To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”. The Hands of Esau. Genesis 27:22. Presented by Chris Reeves * Mt. Moriah church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 23, 2007. Background.
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To download a copyof today’s lesson go toTheGoodTeacher.comand click on “Gospel Meetings”
The Hands of Esau Genesis 27:22 Presented by Chris Reeves * Mt. Moriah church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 23, 2007
Background • Birth of Esau and Jacob, and Esau sells his birthright (Gen. 25:19-34) • Jacob obtains his father’s blessing through deceit, posing as Esau (Gen. 27:1ff,36) • This is a story of feeling one thing while hearing another (Gen. 27:22) • The deception was very close to the truth, but not truth (Gen. 27:18-27) • Today, many are deceived the same way
The Hands of Esau • Human authorities often pose as truth (Jn. 7:48) • Popular persons in the media • Self (Judges 17:6; 21:25) • Scientists and scholars • Majority of the people • Historical traditions • Religious leaders • Family traditions • Human authority may look like truth, but it is not; God’s word is truth (Jn. 17:17)
The Hands of Esau • Feelings often pose as truth (Gen. 20:11; 2 Kings 5:11; Acts 26:9) • “I wouldn’t trade what I feel in my heart for all the Bibles in the world” • “I had a better felt than told experience” • “Just let your conscience be your guide” • “If that were true, it would mean…” • “I’m satisfied with my religion” • Feelings may look like truth, but they are not; faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17)
The Hands of Esau • Alleged outward “signs” often pose as truth • “I prayed and asked God for a sign” • “God showed me…” • “I saw a picture of Jesus…” • God has given “signs” in Bible times, but not today (Judges 6:36-40; 2 Kings 20:8-11; Isaiah 7:10-18) • “Signs” may look like truth, but they are not; God speaks to us today through the words of His Son (Heb. 1:1-2)
The Hands of Esau • When one leaves the truth of Bible authority there will be many “hands of Esau” held out in front of him • What was the problem with Isaac? Poor eyesight (Gen. 27:1) • How is your spiritual eyesight today? (Mt. 13:15-16; Acts 26:18; Rom. 11:8; Gal. 3:1; Eph. 1:18; 2 Pet. 1:9; Rev. 3:17-18)
The Hands of Esau • Once the deception has been made it may be too late to seek for truth (Gen. 27:32-34; Heb. 12:17) • People become hardened and will not change their mind • People die in their error • Look for truth and settle for nothing less (Prov. 23:23) • Open your Bible (Acts 17:11)! • Test what is said (1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2)!