i. to examine the competitive attitudes in earthly race and
ii. to explain the enviable nature that characterizes them.
Rivalry simply means competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Earthly race is based on rivalry, whereby the competitors try as much as possible to outshine one another. It is with the notion of being the best. In that case, there is always envy on the part of the loser against the winner. Sometimes, the referee is acccused of preferential treatment, while at other times the loser may immediately challenge the winner like in Boxing or wrestling. In our text today, we can see the rival race between a husband and his wife for blessings on their favourite child. It ended in bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob.
1. How do you understand rivalry in our topic as a nature of the earthly race? Give an example from your experience.
2. Read 1Sam 18:6-9 and explain the basis for the envious attitude of King Saul against David.
3. What is the ultimate result of rivalry in earthly race? Gen 27:41-42; 1Sam 18:8-11; Matt 12:13-14; 27:17-18.
4. What was Jesus' resolve to earthly rivalry? Mk 9:34-37; Luk 22:24-26.
The earthly context is characterized with bitterness and envy. In the race to the Kingdom of God, joy, love, fellowship of believers takes pre-eminence.
Beware not to lay the foundation of your faith on earthly rivalry.
Luke 22:24 "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest".