Despising our Birthright

Genesis 25:29-34 - "Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. ³⁰ He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom^.) ³¹ Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”³² “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright."

The oldest son's birthright made him priest of the home when his father passed away and would receive a double portion of the inheritance as the first son.

How many of us as children of God do the exact same thing?
What do we forfeit in Christ in order to take hold of some worldly gain?

As son's of God we have certain rights, privileges and a rich inheritance in Christ. 

Galatians 4:4-7 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. ⁶ Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Romans 8:17 - " Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

The birthright was not only future, but present. As first born son, he was given certain rights & privileges as the oldest son. After his father, he was head of the household.  Even while his father was alive, he enjoyed the riches and pleasures that his father offered. Although, his father's wealth was  not officially his, they were at hes disposal.

Even so, we as God's children have certain rights & privileges even now. God's riches, promises and blessings are at our disposal even now. We don't have to wait for heaven to enjoy the benefits of being His sons and daughters. Yet, their will be that day when we receive the full inheritance as co-heirs with Christ.

What rights do we have even now?
We have the right to call on the name of the Lord and be heard.
We have the right to son-ship.
We have the right to rule with Christ even now over the principalities and powers of darkness in this world and the spiritual realm.
We have the right to eternal life with Christ.
We have the right to every spiritual blessing (gifts) in the heavenly places.
We have the right to every need being met.

How do we give up our birthright(s)?

Romans 4:13 - " It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."

We give up our birthright(s) through lack of faith. God has given us many glorious promises in His Word. It is through faith that we are able to take hold of these promises, both present and future promises.

Hebrews 12:16 - " See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son."

We give up our birthright(s) through disobedience when we do not understand and/or value God's inheritance.

What are you trading in for your God given birthright?
Are you trading it in for power and glory?
Are you trading it in for money or things?
Are you trading it in for sexual pleasures?
Are you trading it in for immediate gratification?
Are you trading it for your good desires and well intention? (your will, not His will)

I will never forget after the earthquake in Haiti, when we were distributing water in a tent city that when we got down to the last bottle an older girl knocked over a younger girl and grabbed her by the throat to get the last bottle of water from her.

Often it is the little things in life that creep into our lives and rob us of the rights we have as sons and daughters of God.