How Deceivers Use Deception to Deceive

INTRODUCTION: This story chronicles a period of time in the lives of some individuals who failed to perform with the pure motives of obedience. For instance, Isaac made provisions for his flesh; Esau was carnally minded; Rebekah and Jacob deceptively schemed together. Yet, throughout these events, in spite of the sinfulness of those involved, God intervened. Regardless of God’s intervention, the people involved paid a steep price for their lack of spiritual focus. We need to insure that our motives are pure as we follow the Lord in all things.
I. ESAU HUNTED FOR VENISON (Genesis 27:1-5)
A. The Time of Isaac’s Life (Genesis 27:1-2)
1. He was old (Genesis 27:1).
2. His eyes were dim so that he could not see well (Genesis 27:1).
3. He pondered his time of death (Genesis 27:2).
B. Isaac’s Request of Esau (Genesis 27:3-4)
1. Isaac asked Esau to bring him some fresh venison to eat (Genesis 27:3-4).
a. Issac’s instructions concerning Esau’s hunt (Genesis 27:3)
b. Isaac’s love for the venison—“such as I love” (Genesis 27:4, Genesis 25:28)
2. Isaac desired to bless Esau before his death (Genesis 27:4).
C. Rebekah Heard the Conversation (Genesis 27:5)
II. JACOB PLOTTED WITH REBEKAH (Genesis 27:6-17)
A. Rebekah’s Instructions for Jacob (Genesis 27:6-10)
1. Rebekah was determined for God’s will to be done but instigated with her other son to make it happen in their own wisdom and strength.
a. Since God promised the blessings to Jacob (Genesis 25:23), the Lord would have insured the prophecy’s fulfillment.
b. Rebekah refused to wait on God (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31). She chose rather to manipulate the events resulting in her losing her son (Genesis 28:5).
2. Rebek