Here’s an audio recording of the New King James Version of this chapter: Genesis 25 – NKJV – (Audio Bible & Text). This video is relevant as it provides an audio-text reading of Genesis 25 in the requested New King James Version.

This study of Genesis 25 marks a transitional chapter, closing the life of Abraham and beginning the saga of his grandson, Jacob. The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant, the sovereignty of His election, and the consequences of despising spiritual privileges.

I. Abraham’s Latter Years and Death (Genesis 25:1–11, NKJV)

This section provides a brief conclusion to the life of the great patriarch.

A New Wife and Family (vv. 1–6): After Sarah’s death, Abraham marries Keturah and fathers six more sons. This is a partial fulfillment of God’s promise that Abraham would be the “father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4). However, Abraham clearly delineates the lineage of promise: “And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac” (v. 5). The other sons received gifts and were sent away eastward, ensuring Isaac’s singular status as the heir of the covenant.

Study Point: Abraham’s action of sending the other sons away while he was still living (v. 6) protected the integrity of the covenant line through Isaac, demonstrating his obedience and faith in God’s plan.

Abraham’s Death and Burial (vv. 7–11): Abraham dies at the advanced age of 175 years, described as “in a good old age, an old man and full of years.” (v. 8). His sons, Isaac and Ishmael, come together to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah, the plot of land he purchased in faith (Genesis 23). This shared action highlights a brief moment of familial unity.

Study Point: The description of Abraham being “gathered to his people” (v. 8) hints at a life beyond death and is a comfort for those who have lived a life of faith.

II. The Generations of Ishmael (Genesis 25:12–18, NKJV)

A quick genealogical interlude is given for Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar, who became the father of twelve princes and nations, fulfilling a lesser promise God made to Abraham (Genesis 17:20). This account quickly moves past the unchosen line to focus on the next generation of the covenant.

III. The Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19–26, NKJV)

The narrative shifts to Isaac, the son of promise, and his wife, Rebekah.

Barrenness and Prayer (vv. 19–21): Isaac married Rebekah when he was forty, but she was barren for twenty years. This echoes Sarah’s struggle and serves to emphasize that the heir is a gift of God, not merely a natural product of the family line. “Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife… and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived” (v. 21).

A Prophetic Oracle (vv. 22–23): Rebekah’s pregnancy is difficult because the twins “struggled together within her.” When she inquires of the Lord, she receives a profound prophecy:

“Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.” (v. 23, NKJV)

Study Point: This divine selection of the younger (Jacob) over the older (Esau) before they are even born demonstrates God’s sovereign election (see Romans 9:10-13), showing that the covenant blessing is based on God’s choice, not on human merit or the rules of primogeniture.

The Birth (vv. 24–26):

Esau (meaning “hairy” or “rough”) is the firstborn. He is later called Edom (“red,” see v. 30).

Jacob (meaning “supplanter” or “heel-catcher”) is born second, grasping his brother’s heel. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born, illustrating God’s patience and perfect timing.

IV. Esau Sells His Birthright (Genesis 25:27–34, NKJV)

This final, pivotal passage contrasts the character and values of the twin brothers.

Contrasting Characters and Parental Favoritism (vv. 27–28):

Esau is a “skillful hunter, a man of the field.” He lives for immediate, physical pleasures. “Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game.” (v. 28).

Jacob is a “mild man, dwelling in tents.” He is contemplative and domestic, perhaps signifying a valuing of the promised, spiritual life. “But Rebekah loved Jacob.” (v. 28).

Study Point: The parental favoritism here is tragic and will become a source of great conflict and deception in the chapters to come.

The Despised Birthright (vv. 29–34):

Esau returns from hunting, famished, and demands food from Jacob’s stew (“that same red stew,” v. 30, hence his name Edom, “Red”).

Jacob takes shrewd, opportunistic advantage, demanding Esau’s birthright in exchange for the meal. The birthright was the privilege of the firstborn, carrying with it a double portion of the inheritance and the leadership of the family, which in this case included the spiritual promises of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Esau’s response is dismissive: “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” (v. 32). He trades the eternal for the immediate, a spiritual inheritance for a temporary, physical satisfaction.

Jacob insists on a sworn oath, sealing the transaction. The passage concludes with the powerful indictment: “Thus Esau despised his birthright” (v. 34).

Application: Esau’s decision serves as a warning against prioritizing short-term gratification over eternal, spiritual blessings. As the New Testament states, his action marks him as a “profane person” (Hebrews 12:16).

Key Themes in Genesis 25

Sovereignty of God’s Election: God chooses the younger, Jacob, over the older, Esau, demonstrating His choice is not bound by human custom but by His own purpose (v. 23).

Faithfulness to the Covenant: God continues to fulfill His promise to Abraham, ensuring the lineage through Isaac despite Abraham’s late-life family and Isaac and Rebekah’s barrenness.

The Value of Spiritual Inheritance: The contrast between Esau and Jacob highlights the difference between valuing the tangible, immediate world (Esau) and valuing the unseen, future promises of God (Jacob). Esau’s poor choice becomes a perennial caution.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures … If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 19-20 (Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-34)

Have you ever faced a question so fundamental that if the answer changed, your entire world would be turned upside down? For the Corinthian believers, that question was about the resurrection of the dead. Some in the church were denying it, and Paul knew this threatened the very foundation of their faith.

In this powerful chapter, Paul doesn’t just ask them to take his word for it. He points to the historical facts: a long list of eyewitnesses, from Peter and the apostles to Paul and to more than 500 believers who saw the risen Christ on a single occasion — most of whom were still alive and could be questioned when Paul wrote this letter. This wasn’t a spiritual fable; it was a verifiable event that had changed the course of history.

Paul then presents a profound argument. If there is no resurrection, then everything we believe is meaningless. Our preaching is empty, our faith is pointless, our sins are unforgiven, and those who have died trusting in Christ are simply gone forever. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ,” he writes, “we are of all men the most pitiable.” The world’s cynicism, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die,” would be the only logical conclusion.

However, Paul then brings us to the glorious, life-changing truth: “But now Christ is risen from the dead!” This single fact is the cornerstone of our faith. Christ’s bodily resurrection on the third day is not just a promise; it’s a guarantee to those who trust in Him. It is the “firstfruits,” the first part of the harvest that ensures the rest is coming. His victory over sin and death assures us that we, too, will be raised up at His coming on the last day!

The resurrection changes everything. It makes our hardships and sacrifices worthwhile because our hope is not confined to this fleeting life. It gives purpose to our lives, calling us to “awake to righteousness” and live in the knowledge of God.

A Moment of Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily life? How does it change the way you face challenges and look toward the future? What comfort and hope does it give to you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible truth of Your Son’s resurrection. Thank You for His victory over sin and death, the guarantee of our own future resurrection and life. Strengthen us by this truth that we may live for You today and every day, knowing that our hope is not in this life only, but in You and the life to come for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 (Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-40)

What do you think of when you hear the word church? For many, it conjures up an image of a well-organized service: a pastor delivers a sermon from the pulpit and leads the congregation in prayer, an organist, choir, or worship team leads in song, and the congregation listens respectfully. While this is the norm today, a peek into the first-century church reveals a different, more dynamic scene. The Apostle Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 14 offer a glimpse into a time when every member had a part to play and worship was vibrant and communal.

At the heart of Paul’s teaching is the principle of edification. This isn’t just about personal spiritual growth; it’s about building up the entire body of Christ. The Corinthian church, however, was a bit of a mess. Everyone was exercising their spiritual gifts — prophecy, tongues, teaching, etc. — but in a disorderly manner, creating a chaotic and confusing environment. Paul’s solution? Don’t stop using spiritual gifts; just do it in a way that benefits everyone.

He writes, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26). This verse serves as the golden rule for all ministry and worship. The question we must always ask ourselves is, “Does what I’m doing strengthen and encourage my fellow believers?”

Paul’s second point is that God is a God of order, not confusion. He writes, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). This principle is so important that Paul gives specific instructions to ensure that gifts are exercised in an orderly fashion.

For instance, he tells those who speak in tongues to have an interpreter present; otherwise they should remain silent in the church and speak only to themselves and God (1 Corinthians 14:28). The same principle applies to prophets, who are instructed to speak “each in turn” and to hold their peace if another receives a revelation (1 Corinthians 14:29-30). Women are urged to respect God’s order in creation and not teach or exercise authority over men (See 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15).

These guidelines aren’t meant to quench the Holy Spirit but to channel His power for maximum impact and clarity. A symphony of instruments playing in harmony is beautiful; a group of instruments playing different tunes simultaneously is just noise. The same is true for the church.

The early church’s emphasis on communal participation highlights a core New Testament truth: the priesthood of all believers. In the Old Testament, only a select few priests could approach God on behalf of the people. But through Jesus Christ, that has all changed. The Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9-10; See Revelation 1:5-6 and Hebrews 10:19-25). Every Christian is a priest with direct access to God and a ministry to serve Him and others. This truth should empower and encourage us to actively use our spiritual gifts to build up the church, just as Paul instructs the church in Corinth (See Ephesians 4:11-16).

Paul’s teaching challenges our modern expectations of what “church” should be. It reminds us that our gatherings are not meant to be passive spectator events but active opportunities for mutual edification. Each believer has a part to play, a gift to contribute, and a word of encouragement to share. The Holy Spirit has given us, individually and as He wills, spiritual gifts to build up and encourage our fellow believers, both within and outside the church service. We are urged to use these gifts, not for our own glory or in a manner that causes confusion and disunity, but with love and order, always keeping the edification of the body of Christ our ultimate goal.

Let’s Pray: O Holy Spirit, grant us gifts according to Your will and the wisdom to use those gifts in a loving and orderly fashion for the encouragement and edification of our fellow believers, that we might all grow up into the truth of God’s Word and be united in our service of Jesus Christ, our Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 (Read 1 Cor. 13)

After pointing out in 1 Corinthians 12 that the spiritual gifts God gives to those who trust in Jesus Christ and His cross for pardon and forgiveness are to be used for the benefit of the body of Christ, His church, made up of all who trust in Him, the Apostle Paul shows the believers in Corinth “a more excellent way” — how God would have us use the gifts and abilities He gives to us. Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 13 is a powerful reminder that all our gifts, knowledge, and actions are to be exercised in conjunction with selfless love — the love of Christ!

We are prone to measuring our spiritual success by our gifts, like speaking in tongues, prophesying, or having great faith. But Paul says in verses 1-3, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

Paul isn’t devaluing these gifts; he’s elevating love to its rightful place. Without love as the motive, our most impressive acts of service or our deepest spiritual experiences are just noise. They’re empty gestures. Love isn’t just one virtue among many; it’s the very foundation of the Christian life.

After establishing love’s supremacy, Paul defines it. In verses 4-7, he gives us a comprehensive portrait of what love — specifically, agape love — is and isn’t. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Love isn’t a passive emotion; it’s an active way to live one’s life.

This passage is a mirror. As we read through these characteristics, we should ask ourselves: Do I suffer long with others, or am I impatient with them and quick to anger? Am I kind, or do I gossip and speak harshly? Do I rejoice in the success of others, or do I envy others and take joy in their sins and failures? This description challenges us to live out the love of Christ daily in our interactions with family, friends, and strangers. It’s a high standard, but it’s the standard to which we’re called.

Before we can ever hope to live out this kind of love, we must first recognize its true source: Christ’s selfless love for us. It is only because of His atoning sacrifice on the cross that we can love at all. He didn’t just tell us to love; He showed us what it meant by willingly going to the cross to die in our place. He bore our sins, not because we were worthy, but because He is love. His patience with us, a patience that “suffers long,” is demonstrated in how He continues to bear with us, preserving us in the true and saving faith until the end of our lives.

The love we are called to embody is not a human invention. It is a divine reflection, a response to the unmerited love God first showed us in His Son. Our ability to “bear all things” and “endure all things” is a mirror of His perfect endurance for us on the cross and in our daily lives.

In the final verses of this chapter, Paul reminds us that everything else will eventually pass away, but love will last forever. Verses 8-10 state, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

Our earthly gifts and knowledge are temporary and incomplete, like a child’s understanding. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Cor. 13:11-12). Our current knowledge is like a fuzzy reflection in a mirror. But one day, when we are with the Lord, we will have perfect knowledge. In that moment, the temporary gifts will no longer be necessary.

Paul concludes with a powerful summary in verse 13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Faith and hope are essential to our spiritual journey, but love is the source. It is the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8). It moved Him to give His only-begotten Son to be our Savior. Let God’s love be the driving force behind everything we do, for without love, all we say and do are empty and will profit us nothing.

Grant that I know Your love, O Lord, and trust in You and Your gracious promises. Move me to reflect Your perfect love for me in my dealings with others, loving them as You have loved me and given Your Son to die in my stead, so that I might receive Your gift of pardon and life through faith in Christ Jesus. In His name, I pray. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

Merciful Savior Lutheran Church

Holding Fast the Word of Life

2879 W. Walnut Street, Suite. 110, Rogers, Arkansas 72756

www.mercifulsaviorlutheran.net / www.bible-byte.net

Bible Study: 8:30 a.m. / Worship: 10 a.m.

Worship

CLH #294 “I Lay My Sins on Jesus”

Invocation
 (Congregation Stands)
O almighty God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we come into Your presence to seek Your mercy, to hear Your Word, and to offer up to You our prayers and praises. Hear us for the sake of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Amen.

Confession of Sins
P: The Bible tells us: “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” It calls upon us to “hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption” (Psalm 130:3-4, 7). We therefore confess our sins to the Lord and look to Him for mercy.
C: Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess to You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. We, therefore, flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and His blood, shed on the cross for our sins.
P: Again, the Bible tells us “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, God forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Amen.

Psalm 17 A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O LORD, attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips. 2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. 3 You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. 4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. 5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. 6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. 7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings, 9 From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. 10 They have closed up their fat hearts; with their mouths they speak proudly. 11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, 12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places. 13 Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down; deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword, 14 With Your hand from men, O LORD, from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes. 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

CLH #221 “Spirit of the Living God”

Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Congregation Stands)
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Offering

Prayer (Congregation Stands)
Merciful Father, for the sake of the shed blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, forgive us for failing to walk by faith in the promises of your Word. Move us to read and study our Bibles regularly and to come before you with our petitions and praises. Keep us from being overcome by our sinful inclinations and preserve us in the true and saving faith unto life everlasting.
O Christ Jesus, eternal Son of God and our Savior, you gave your life for ours when you died on the cross and made atonement for our sins. Bless the work of faithful pastors, missionaries, and congregations everywhere, so that your life-giving Word might be proclaimed and those who hear might repent and look to you for pardon and forgiveness.
O Holy Spirit, do not forsake us because of our weakness and disobedience to your Word. Be patient with us and move us to continually repent of our sins and look in faith to Jesus our Savior for mercy. Teach us from your Word and strengthen us in the true and saving faith.
O loving and merciful God, our nation is living in darkness and is under your judgment. Open the eyes and ears of our people and rulers that they might see and hear the truth of your Word, repent of their evil deeds, and fall down at the feet of Jesus, pleading for pardon and forgiveness.
O Healer and Preserver of our bodies and souls, we ask you to provide for all our needs and to preserve us from all harm and danger. We lift up to you those among us who are afflicted. Have mercy on us, grant healing to the sick, comfort to the oppressed, and strength for all to endure the troubles of this life in the hope of everlasting glory for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Savior.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:9-13)

CLH #330 “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Lord’s Supper
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Cor. 11:23-26)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Congregation Stands)
O LORD Jesus Christ, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, we thank You for fulfilling all righteousness in our stead and then taking upon Yourself the guilt and punishment for all our sins and making full atonement for us by Your perfect sacrifice on the cross. And we thank and praise You for giving us to partake of Your one holy sacrifice so that we might also partake of the blessings that You won for us by Your death and have made sure to us by Your glorious resurrection. Strengthen and keep us in the true and saving faith, and move us to live our lives for You while we await Your glorious return and the joys of Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Benediction (Num. 6:24-26)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen.

CLH #517 “God Is So Good”

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

For pastoral care, please call Pastor Moll at 479-233-0081 or email him at randy@mercifulsavior.net.

Our next Business Meeting will be held following our worship service on Sunday, September 14.