Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Welcome to our service Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk

Some background photographs

Some background photographs

Some background photographs

Some background photographs

A bit about the firstborn son Always lived under the promise of a double inheritance For example, 5 children – inheritance split into 6 and firstborn gets 2 portions Also took over responsibilities Look after the elderly and infirm Be the family priest Belonged to God Seen as the head of the house Carries out the will of the father Always pre-eminent – a similitude for Christ: Colossians 1 v 12 – 18 In other words to lay down his life for his family

A bit about the firstborn son Jesus was the firstborn of God 1. As His only-begotten son in heaven 2. As His first-born son on earth 3. As the firstborn of God’s Breath (Spirit) 4. As the firstborn from the grave. Yet he was born to serve To lay down His life for his earthly family

Genesis 27 Deceit to help God Isaac old and can’t see Driven by appetites Knows the word of God – that the older will serve the younger Almost certainly knows that Esau had sold his birth-right But is ready to subvert the word of God for the satisfaction of his appetites Modern examples The affair The bent business deal The debt

Genesis 27: Deceit to help God Rebekah also knows God’s word Does not trust God Wants to help it happen Is using deceit to ‘make it right’ God can never bless deceit God can never support a deceitful spouse She says, “let your curse be upon me” She never sees her favourite son again in this life Jacob not only lies, but draws God into the lies

Genesis 27: Deceit to help God Esau’s cry Typical of the unsaved at the judgement seat of Christ Not more deserving than Jacob Only one discernible distinction Esau disparaged the birthright offered by Isaac (a type of Christ) Jacob desired the birthright John 12 v 32 – Jesus draws all men to Himself John 3 v 18 – He that believes is not condemned, he that does not (despises the birthright) is condemned already

Genesis 27: Deceit to help God Isaac’s words to both Esau and Jacob were prophetic 2 Samuel 8 verse 14 – sons of Esau subjugated 2 Kings 8 v 20 – Edom threw off the yoke Hebrews 12 v 20 – Jacob is recorded as acting in faith with his pronouncements to both Jacob and Esau Therefore he believed the word of God Moved by the Holy Spirit John 16 v 13 – He will lead us into all truth and tell us things to come.

Genesis 27: Conclusions The word of God is sure and true He can bestow the rights of the firstborn on whom he pleases It depends upon the will of God, not on heritability His blessing is not based upon just desserts It is irrevocable once given It is given to the elect – those who respond to His drawing To those who are not elect – they are destined only to enjoy what they can produce from human effort And finally to serve the elect (we are to rule and reign with Him) 2 Tim 2 v 12 and Rev 20 v 4

Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Welcome to our service Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk