The War of Worship

Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Esau did not care about forming a personal relationship with God. He was only concerned with the blessings he could receive from him. It was easy for him to sell his birthright to his brother Jacob because he did not think the responsibility it represented was important. Jacob, on the other hand, cared about serving God and getting to know him more intimately. He understood that the blessings of God would follow after forming a connection with him and learning his ways. Our heart must be connected to our repentance if we desire it to permanently change us.

The war of worship exists between the carnality of our hearts and the word of God. Esau was extremely skilled when it came to killing natural things for food. However, Jacob understood how to kill the undesirable spirits in his heart so it could be cleansed and right with God. The things that control our emotions the most are the things we worship. True worship cares more about receiving the favor of God and keeping it than about pleasing other people or pursuing personal desires. Joy is created out of true worship because it is connected to having a thankful heart.

Sermon preached by Pastor J. Davidson and summarized by Sister Ginger Styers