Blessings of Faith

by O H Griffith

Text: Hebrews 11.2 ,21.

Introduction:

A. Faith is accepting without reservation

that which cannot seen nor understood by human reasoning.

B. This principle is remarkably demonstrated in the incidents

to which our text makes reference.

I. ISAAC'S SON . Genesis 25.24-28.

A. Esau was Isaac's favorite, Genesis 25.28

1. Esau did not value the promises of God,

but lived for the things of this world.

2. He despised his birthright, Genesis 25.34

3. He was "profane (godless, sacrilegious) person,"

Hebrews 12.16

4. For these reasons, God said, "Esau have I hated," Romans 9.13

B. Jacob was Rebekah's favorite, vs 28.

1. Jacob desired the covenant promise,

but was unwilling to wait or God to give it to him.

2. He cheated Esau out of the birthright.

3. Later, he stole (by lying and deceit) the blessing

that Isaac fully intended to bestow upon Esau.

II. ISAAC'S FAITH IN BLESSING HIS SONS Genesis 27

A. Jacob's blessing

1. Was obtained by less than honorable means, Genesis 27.18-25

2. The blessing included:

a. Fruitfulness- "dew of heaven," vs 28.

b. Prosperity--"plenty of corn and wine," vs 28.

c. International honer - all nations to serve him, vs 29

d. Exaltation over brethren-- Lord over his brethren, vs 29.

e. Honor among his own people.

f. A curse upon his enemies--"cursed be everyone that curseth thee."

g. A blessing to his friends--"Blessed"be he that blesseth thee."

3. In many respects Jacob was a scoundrel in the ways of the world,

but he had respect to the divine promise.

4. Perhaps his worst fault was his impatience

and unwillingness to wait on God.

B. Enter Esau, Genesis 27.30-33

1. Immediately following Jacob's exit.

2. Introduced himself, correctly, as the firstborn,

3. Now Isaac seemed to fully realize what had just gone before,

and it caused him to tremble "very exceedingly,"vs 33.

a. Isaac may have suspected trickery all along.

b. But he was controlled by the Spirit of God

and was compelled to bless Jacob.

c. Now recognizing God's will, he said,

"Yea,and he shall be blessed," vs 33.

C. Esau' remorse, Genesis 27.34-40

1. He wept bitterly.

a. Because of the loss of the material blessings,

and because he was outsmarted by his brother, Jacob.

2. Esau did did not repent, but begged for a blessing, vs 38.

3. He did not receive a blessing as such,

but a prophetic revelation of his future.

a. Even though he did not value the spiritual,

he would enjoy heaven's goodness, vs 39; (cf Matthew 5.45)

b. He would live by his sword, vs 40.

c. Sometime in the future, his descendants

would obtain dominion over Jacob's descendants, vs 40;

cf 2 Kings 8.20-22

III. JACOB BLESSED THE SONS OF JOSEPH Hebrews 11.1

A. Gave Joseph two portions in Israel, Genesis 48.22

B. He thus expressed his faith in God's promise.

C. He extracted an oath that Joseph would bury him in Canaan

D. Then Jacob worshiped God, leaning on his staff, Hebrews 11.21

Conclusion:

A. Faith correctly expressed is a blessing and encouragement

to children and grandchildren.

1. Parents, does your faith encourage your children to worship God?

Index