Sometimes in our desire for a better life, we may make short-sighted decisions that leave us worse off. What can we learn from the story of Esau and Jacob about the danger of immediate gratification? 

General Questions:

1. How would you define a “better life?” How important is attaining a better life for you? 

Perspective Questions:

1. Read Gen 25:27-34. Would you identify more with Esau or Jacob? In your own words, describe what you find the most problematic about each of them. 

2. Esau was easy target for manipulation because he lived by his appetite. He disqualified himself from the heir of the covenant because he valued his stomach above his heritage. How can a craving for immediate gratification jeopardise our spiritual inheritance? 

Application Questions:

1. How can we learn to make long-term decisions that honour God? How can we increase our desire not for the better life that the world promotes, but for the true life that has been promised to us through the sacrifice of His Son?