Momentary Pleasure
We sacrifice our future for the present when we're ruled by fleshly appetites and focus on the temporary instead of the eternal.
Charles Stanley emphasizes the danger of sacrificing our future for immediate gratification, using the story of Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew as an example. He warns against being ruled by fleshly desires rather than the Holy Spirit, which can lead to making hasty decisions with long-lasting consequences. Stanley challenges the audience to reflect on whether there is a 'bowl of stew' in their lives--something tempting but ultimately not worth sacrificing their future for. He encourages seeking God's perspective to discern between the temporary and the eternal, urging a focus on what truly matters in the long run.
Text
Genesis 25:28-34
Sometimes a bad decision can cause us to sacrifice our entire future for the pleasure of a given moment. At the time, it may seem like the right thing. But when it's too late, we look back and wish our decision had been wiser.
Esau sacrificed his birthright--wealth and inheritance, position and prominence, power and the right to reign over the entire family--for a bowl of stew. He could have prepared something else to eat. But he wanted what he wanted, and he wanted it now.
Is there a "bowl of stew" in your life--something you want badly that's right in front of you, there for the taking? At the moment, it may seem reasonable to disregard the valuable things in your life in favor of something with little or no worth.
We sacrifice our future for the moment when we are ruled by fleshly appetites rather than by the Holy Spirit. Appetites are God-given, but they are meant to be controlled. We have grown up as a generation of individuals who have seen that whatever we want, we can have it now. We can have almost anything in life if we are willing to pay the price.
That's what caused Esau to lose his future. He wanted to gratify his appetite immediately, and at the time, he was willing to pay the price.
We sacrifice our future for the present when we focus on the temporary instead of the eternal. What are you tampering with right now that could cost you your future? Is it worth it? Ask God to help you see your situation from His perspective.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Momentary Pleasure
- The Cause of Momentary Pleasure
- The Consequences of Momentary Pleasure
- Sacrificing the future for the present
- Focusing on the temporary instead of the eternal
Key Quotes
“We sacrifice our future for the moment when we are ruled by fleshly appetites rather than by the Holy Spirit.” — Charles Stanley
“Is there a 'bowl of stew' in your life--something you want badly that's right in front of you, there for the taking?” — Charles Stanley
Application Points
- Be aware of the 'bowl of stew' in your life and the potential consequences of giving in to your desires.
- Seek to control your appetites with the Holy Spirit and prioritize the eternal over the temporary.
- Ask God to help you see your situation from His perspective and make wise decisions.