1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. The Hands of Esau Genesis 27:22 Presented by Chris Reeves * Mt. Moriah church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 23, 2007

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)!