DETOX

“The Antidote To Our Most Common Toxin”
Pastor Doug Heisel – May 19, 2024

The most common emotional toxin that creates relational conflict is PRIDE.

Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-33)

Genesis 25:24-26a – When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.

Genesis 27:41 – Esau hated Jacob because he had stolen his blessing, and he said to himself, “My father will soon be dead and gone. Then I will kill Jacob.”

There was broken communication between the two brothers for 20 years.

James 4:1-2 – Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

James 4:4-5 – You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way.

Genesis 31:3 – Jehovah now spoke to Jacob and told him, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives there; and I will be with you.”

Genesis 32:6 – When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you with 400 men!”

Genesis 32:9 – Then Jacob prayed, “…Lord, you said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your relatives, and I will make you prosperous.’”

Genesis 33:1-5 – He divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two maidservants. He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.”

Genesis 50:19-21 – But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

God’s antidote to pride and selfish ambition is more godly HUMILITY.

Questions that can cultivate the growth of godly humility:

1. Have I fully embraced God’s love for me and SURRENDERED myself to His will and ways?
   
   1 Peter 5:5b-6 – …“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
   
   

2. What would I want, if the roles were REVERSED?
   
   Matthew 7:12 – (Jesus said) “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
   
   

3. How much do I practice HONORING others?
   
   Romans 12:10b – Outdo one another in showing honor.

More godly humility will increase more of God’s FAVOR on your own life, and it will extend benefits to your FAMILY, that can impact others for years to come.