Distinguishing Between Jacob and Esau
We must be cautious and discerning in our lives, recognizing that error often imitates truth and seeking guidance to avoid deception.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing between truth and error in the Christian life, noting that both can appear similar and often coexist in the same environments. He warns that deception can be subtle, as seen in the biblical accounts of Isaac mistaking Jacob for Esau and the disciples failing to recognize Judas as the traitor. Tozer urges believers to remain vigilant and discerning, as appearances can be misleading, and what seems comforting may not always be from God. The sermon calls for a deeper examination of our spiritual companions and influences, reminding us that true wisdom comes from God.
Text
There are areas of Christian thought, and because of thought then also of life, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish that we are often hard put to it to escape complete deception. Throughout the whole world error and truth travel the same highways, work in the same fields and factories, attend the same churches, fly in the same planes and shop in the same stores. So skilled is error at imitating truth that the two are constantly being mistaken for each other. It takes a sharp eye these days to know which brother is Cain and which Abel. We must never take for granted anything that touches our soul's welfare.
Isaac felt Jacob's arms and thought they were the arms of Esau.
Even the disciples failed to spot the traitor among them; the only one of them who knew who he was was Judas himself. That soft-spoken companion with whom we walk so comfortably and in whose company we take such delight may be an angel of Satan, whereas that rough, plain-spoken man whom we shun may be God's very prophet sent to warn us against danger and eternal loss.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Difficulty of Distinguishing Truth and Error
- A. Error imitates truth in all areas of life
- B. The similarity between truth and error makes deception easy
- II. The Need for Caution
- A. We must not take anything for granted that affects our soul's welfare
- III. The Importance of Discernment
- A. We must be able to distinguish between good and evil
- B. We must be able to recognize the presence of evil in our lives
Key Quotes
“It takes a sharp eye these days to know which brother is Cain and which Abel.” — A.W. Tozer
“That soft-spoken companion with whom we walk so comfortably and in whose company we take such delight may be an angel of Satan, whereas that rough, plain-spoken man whom we shun may be God's very prophet sent to warn us against danger and eternal loss.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be cautious and discerning in our lives, recognizing that error often imitates truth.
- We should not take anything for granted that affects our soul's welfare and must be willing to seek guidance and discernment.
- We must be willing to learn, seek guidance, and be open to the truth in order to develop discernment.