Read Genesis 25:19-34; 27:1-40
Genesis 25:23 God said, “The older will serve the younger” while the boys were still in the womb. How do these words parallel Isaac’s blessings for each son?
Genesis 25:28 Isaac loved Esau; Rebekah loved Jacob. How is this evident in their words and actions?
Malachi 1:2-5 “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What should be so amazing is that God did choose to love Jacob (and his descendents)! Why is this amazing? What does it mean that God hated Esau (Edom)?
Hebrews 11:20 Isaac had faith when he realized he had been deceived. How might Isaac have reacted? How did he react?
Hebrews 12:16-17 These verses clearly state God’s opinion of Esau. Why was Esau judged so harshly? (Note: the inheritance mentioned includes God’s promises to Abraham.)
Open to Romans chapter 9 and come back!
What is election?
Romans 9:4-5 God chose the nation of Israel beginning with Abraham
Romans 9:9 God chose Isaac, not Ishmael or Abraham’s other children
Romans 9:10-13 God chose Jacob before he was born
Not based on good or bad deeds
-- No scales
-- No foreknowledge
Not based on work to earn it
Not a competition
Not 150 slots in heaven for the highest achievers
Romans 9:14-16 God chose whom He wanted to
Not based on man’s will or effort
It’s based on God’s mercy
Romans 9:19 God is not responsible for sin
Romans 9:20-24 God is not obligated to show mercy
All are guilty and deserve death
God doesn’t owe you $5.00
2 illustrations
Does God know the day you are going to die? Yes. Could you die a day sooner? No. Then why do you eat? To live. Eating is essential to living until the day you die. Suppose you do not eat? Then you will die. Would that be the day that God planned you should die? This question cannot be answered so it need not be asked. Just eat.
Does God know those He has elected or chosen? Of course, He elected them. Can any of them be lost? No. Then why pray and witness? Because that is how they will be saved. Will any of them fail to believe? No. Then why do they have to believe? Because that is the only way they can be saved, and unless they do believe they will not be saved.
