Posted: 04 August 2025

From a sermon given on 03 August 2025:

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
(Hebrews 11:25 )

Life is full of tempting shortcuts - quick pleasures that promise satisfaction but lead to long-term loss. Hebrews 11:25 highlights Moses' wise decision: he rejected the fleeting thrill of Egypt's luxury to embrace the eternal value of walking with God. He knew that a moment of sin could sabotage a lifetime of purpose.

Proverbs 20:17 echoes this truth: "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel." Sin is sweet at first - but its end is bitter. The devil always markets temporary pleasures without showing the permanent damage. Like Esau, many have forfeited birthrights for a single appetite-driven decision.

God's promises are rich and enduring, but they require patience and obedience. Lasting treasure is never found in momentary thrills. Choose legacy over lust, discipline over impulse. Don't trade what's eternal for what expires.

Further Readings:

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
(Genesis 25:29-34)

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
(Romans 13:14)

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(Galatians 6:7-9)