SERMON BY: OKPAN CLEOPAS (MINISTER)
TOPIC: EXCHANGING BIRTHRIGHT FOR A MEAL
TEXT: GENESIS 25: 29-34; HEBREWS 12: 16, 17
Birthright is a particular right of possession or privilege a person has from birth, especially as an eldest son. Among the Jews, birthright has to do with both position and inheritance. The firstborn son is made to inherit the leadership of the family as well as the judicial authority of his father (2 Chron. 21: 3). He is entitled to the double portion of the possessions of his father (Deut. 21: 15-17). That was the original position of Esau before he did the unthinkable.
Jacob offered to give Esau a plate of stew in exchange for his birthright (the right to be recognized as firstborn) and Esau agreed, thus selling his birthright to Jacob (Gen. 25: 33). Esau’s action here shows that he never valued his birthright (Gen. 25: 32). Esau despised his birthright; thus, he was foolish and profane (Gen. 25: 34; Heb. 12: 16). He sought for the blessing of the firstborn with tears, but could not get it because it was too late (Gen. 27: 34; Heb. 12: 17).
Our Spiritual Birthright
By virtue of our new birth (John 3: 1-5), we become sons and heirs of God (Rom. 8: 17; Col. 1: 12) and are entitled to all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus as our birthright (Eph. 1: 3). As citizens of heaven (Phil. 3: 20; 1 Peter 2: 11), we have a spiritual identity (the Holy Spirit) who links us to the godhead (Acts 2: 38; Eph. 4: 30), bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom. 8: 16, 17).
So, what is our birthright? The estate of our heavenly Father is our birthright. All things belong to God, and He has given them to us (1 Cor. 3: 21). We also possess the kingdom (James 2: 5; 1 Peter 1: 3-5). We inherit the promise (Heb. 6: 17, 18), and heirs of eternal life (Titus 3: 7).
Someone Wants Your Birthright
Someone wants to take away the blessings that accompany your birthright. He knows the value of your birthright, and he understands that it comes with amazing blessings – both physical and spiritual (Eph. 1: 3). This one who has his eyes on your blessing is a deceiver and a pretender. He is the devil (Rev. 12: 9). He looks for opportunity to destroy whatever good thing we have received from God (1 Peter 5: 8). He has his servants everywhere whom he uses to execute his wicked agenda. They appear in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7: 15; Acts 20: 29).
A Meal
One way the devil voraciously attempts to make us throw away our spiritual birthright with its accompanied blessings is by dangling before us a meal (a plate of food).
1. It could be something pleasurable and alluring, but sinful enough to take someone to hell.
2. It could be a material prosperity that is capable of taking away and destroying one’s spiritual privileges.
3. It could be a marriage that is capable of taking one away from the faith.
4. It could also be a lucrative job that spares no time for one to attend to the things of God.
5. It may be a recreational or funfair activity that can capture one’s attention and make him disregard his appointment with God.
6. It could be a cherished association whose objectives and practices run at variance with godly principles of living and doing things.
Be Careful
There is need for us to be very careful because the meal often comes with very strong appeals. This strong appeal to our sensibilities is the temptation to accept the meal in exchange for our birthright.
Satan has many avenues through which to tempt God’s people. Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth, thus: “…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2: 11). Satan may have a hand in our temptation but he cannot force us to sin. He merely uses our own desires (James 1: 14). That is why we are told to “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4: 7).
The Good News
Despite all the many deceits and temptations which daily inundate the lives of Christians, there is still good news. That is the fact that the Lord will always provide the way of escape from every temptation (1 Cor. 10: 13). Peter affirms that the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations (2 Peter 2: 9). The Hebrews writer says that since the Lord Himself has experienced temptation, He is able to aid those who are tempted (Heb. 2: 18).
Conclusion
Brethren it is time we become more careful of what we do and say. Unlike Esau, may we not despise our spiritual inheritance. Let us avoid the tempting meals Satan is offering us every day and stay true to our confession of faith in Christ Jesus.