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SELLING OUR BIRTHRIGHTText: Genesis 25:27-34; Hebrews 12:14-17Introduction:
I. Esau, in selling his birthright, is said to have
“despised his birthright.
II. Despise:
A. To regard with contempt of disdain. Am. Her. Dic.
B. “To do that which implies contempt; to slight,
neglect, make little account of, to treat
contemptuously…” Wilson
III. The writer of the Hebrew letter stated that Esau was a
“profane” person. Hebrews 12:16
IV. Profane - bebhlos (bebnlos) - profane, secular; unspiritual,
godless, worldly, Hebrews 12:16”. Souter p. 48 Thayer
adds unsanctified. Newman – vile, godless,
irreligious.
V. Webster defines “profane” – to violate or treat with
irreverence…or contempt (something regarded as
sacred); to desecrate.
VI. In the statement, “Thus Esau despised his birthright”
the scriptures both declare his guilt and his sin.Body:
I. Esau’s birthright: twofold.
A. In the family of Abraham (included):
1. Succession to the earthly inheritance of Canaan.
2. Possession of the covenant blessings transmitted
through the Paternal Benediction.
3. Progenitor ship of the promised seed. (i.e.,
linage through whom seed, Christ, etc. should
come)
B. Under the Patriarchal and Mosaic System.
1. The official authority of the Father.
2. A double portion of the Father’s property.
3. The functions of the domestic priesthood. II. The Christian’s birthright is greater.
A. God provided better things for us. Hebrews 11:39-40
B. John is an illustration. Matthew 11:11
C. We are born into the kingdom. John 3:3-5
D. We have a birthright or an inheritance because of
our new birth. Romans 8:16-17; Ephesians 1:11
E. Reconciliation. Ephesians 2:16
F. God as our father. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
G. Right and privilege of prayer. Matthew 6:9; 1
Peter 3:12
H. Indeed all spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3
I. Also, material blessings. Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-
30; Matthew 6:33; Psalms 37:25III. Esau sold his birthright.
A. verse 32
B. Esau preferred present gratification rather than
deferred blessings.
C. He expressed both contempt and doubt for material,
spiritual, and future blessings, thus despised his
birthright.
D. His was the natural working of a sensual nature.
E. His fatigue and hunger caused him to:
1. Lose a proper sense of responsibility.
2. Desire present relief and gratification without
regard to the consequences.
3. Be blinded to all proportions in life.
4. consider the birthright a thing of no value.
F. Is there any wonder then that he is said to have
despised his birthright and that he was a profane
person? IV. The writer of Hebrews warns us that we should not be
“profane” as Esau. Hebrews 12:15-16
A. Before we look with contempt at Esau, we would do
well to look at ourselves.
B. When we as Christians are unfaithful in our worship
and our work or service, we forfeit our right to an
inheritance.
C. Anytime that we are disobedient or fail to keep the
commands of God, we forfeit our right to an
inheritance.
D. It may just rightfully said of us, as it was of
Esau, that we have sold our birthright; that we
have despised our birthright and become profane.
E. Hebrews 10:25-29
F. We sell our birthright when we:
1. Are unfaithful to assemble to worship. Hebrews
10:24-25.
2. Live after the world. 1 John 2:15; James 4:4
3. Are covetous – fail to give as prospered.
Colossians 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 9:7
4. Try to change the worship of the church (add to
or take from):
a. observe the Lord’s Supper once a month, etc.
b. Add the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night.
c. Add mechanical instruments of music.
d. 2 John 9
5. Change the work of the church, which is
Evangelism, Edify, and relieve Needy Saints.
a. add provision for recreation.
b. add kindergartens – charge tuition.
c. add youth hobby ships.
d. add theological schools to train preachers.
6. Substitute human organizations to do the work,
which God gave to the church to do. The church
is adequate. Ephesians 1:22-23
7. Organize the church in a universal sense.
a. with boards.
b. Central Elderships, sponsoring churches.
c. Steering committees (example: the “Let
Freedom Ring” campaign in Nashville, TN in
1976
8. Or any other departure from God’s eternal truth. V. Things which cause Christians to sell their
Birthright.
A. These things are:
1. the lust of the flesh.
2. the lust of the eyes.
3. the pride of life.
4. the pleasures of this world.
5. the cares of this world.
6. the desire for riches.
7. the desire to be popular.
8. pressures from preachers, members, human
organizations, etc.
B. Like Esau, these things will cause some:
1. to lose their sense of responsibility and
fidelity to God and His word.
2. to desire present gratification of fleshly
desires, etc. with no regard to the
consequences both on this earth and eternally.
3. to be blinded to that which is of true value in
life.
4. and to have contempt for their birthright by
their unfaithfulness and disobedience.
C. Let us not forget that there will be a judgment.
Hebrews 9:27Conclusion:
I. Esau gave up an inheritance for a mess of pottage.
II. Christians give up their soul’s salvation for a small
amount of pleasure.
III. There came a time when Esau realized the value of his
birthright and tried to obtain it, but he was
rejected. Hebrews 12:17; but it was too late.
IV. There will be a time when those selling their
birthright today will understand the true value of
their soul’s salvation. Let us not allow it to be too
late. Matthew 25:1-13
V. Let’s do God’s will in God’s way, now!!This sermon is based on one of my father's (Howard I. See) outlines.
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