Kingdom Covenant Part 6 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Covenant Part 6 Discussion Guide

1 Title

Embracing Our Spiritual Birthright

2 Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explore the conflict between Jacob and Esau, focusing on the concept of birthright and its implications for our spiritual inheritance. The sermon highlights how Esau, driven by immediate hunger, sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, demonstrating the human tendency to trade long-term blessings for short-term satisfaction. The sermon also delves into the New Testament understanding of birthright, which shifts from a physical inheritance to a spiritual one through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are adopted into sonship, becoming co-heirs with Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.

3 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your Word, we ask for hearts open to the lessons of Jacob and Esau. Teach us to value the spiritual birthright You have given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to resist the temptation to trade eternal treasures for fleeting pleasures. May our discussion be guided by Your Spirit, leading us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the inheritance You have promised us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

4 Ice Breaker

If you could have any meal prepared for you right now, what would it be and why?

5 Key Verses

• Genesis 25:31-34 (NIV): “Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’ But Jacob said, ‘Swear to me first.’ So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.”
• Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV): “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

6 Questions

1. What does the story of Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of stew reveal about human nature?
2. How can we avoid making decisions based on immediate desires at the expense of our spiritual inheritance?
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit act as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance?
4. How does understanding our spiritual birthright as co-heirs with Christ change the way we live our daily lives?
5. Can you share a time when you were tempted to trade something of eternal value for temporary satisfaction?
6. How can we support each other in valuing and protecting our spiritual birthright?
7. What does it mean to you to be adopted into sonship and to call God “Abba, Father”?
8. How can we live out our identity as God’s children and heirs in practical ways this week?

7 Life Application

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. Each day, take time to reflect on the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ and make one decision that aligns with eternal values over immediate gratification.

8 Ending Prayer

Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the rich inheritance You have given us through Your Son. May we leave this place with a renewed commitment to cherish our spiritual birthright and to live as Your heirs. Help us to support one another in this journey, to encourage each other, and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.