How to Avoid Making Bad Deals
Base Text: Hebrews 12:16–17
Introduction
In the world of commerce, we have all made "deals." Some were profitable, while others were "bad business" that left us with financial regret. However, in the spiritual realm, we are "negotiating" every single day. Every decision we make, every priority we set, and every compromise we weigh is a transaction.
The Bible presents a vivid gallery of people who made the worst deals in history—and one man who made the best investment of his life. Today, we ask: How can we avoid making bad deals with our souls?
I. Esau’s Bad Deal: Trading the Eternal for the Immediate
Hebrews 12:16–17; Genesis 25:30–33
Esau is the biblical poster child for a bad transaction. He sold his birthright—a massive spiritual and physical inheritance—for a single bowl of stew.
• What was at stake? In the biblical tradition, the birthright included a double portion of the inheritance (Deut. 21:17), family leadership, and a special consecration to God (Exodus 13:2).
• The Error: Esau looked at his hunger and said, "Of what use is this birthright to me?" He allowed a momentary physical impulse to outweigh a lifelong spiritual privilege.
• The Application: Many today sell their spiritual "birthright" for overtime pay, temporary pleasures, or social convenience. We must remember the warning of Luke 12:20: the man who builds bigger barns but loses his soul is a "fool."
II. Judas’ Bad Deal: Trading Christ for Currency
Matthew 26:15; John 12:6
Judas Iscariot had the ultimate "front-row seat" to divinity. He had apostolic privilege, daily communion with Christ, and a front-row seat to miracles. Yet, he sold the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver.
• The Root of the Problem: Judas allowed greed to fester until he saw Jesus as a commodity to be traded rather than a Savior to be worshipped.
• The Result: His "profit" led to remorse, despair, and death (Matt. 27:5).
• Doctrinal Truth: Any gain that leads to the loss of Christ is a total loss. As Matthew 16:26 asks: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
III. The Rich Young Ruler: Trading the Future for the Present
Matthew 19:16–22
A wealthy young man asked for eternal life. Jesus offered him the deal of a lifetime: treasures in heaven and the privilege of following the Messiah.
• The Obstacle: He went away sad because he had many possessions. He chose earthly equity over heavenly inheritance.
• The Warning: 1 John 2:17 reminds us that "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." When we cling to what is passing, we lose what is permanent.
IV. Ananias and Sapphira: Trading Integrity for Appearance
Acts 5:1–10
This couple made a deal based on deception. They sold property and gave a portion to the church, but they faked total sacrifice.
• The Error: Their sin wasn't in keeping the money; it was in pretending to be more spiritual than they were. They traded their lives for a "reputation" of piety.
• The Consequence: God demands integrity, not a show. Liars and hypocrites find no profit in the presence of a holy God (Rev. 21:8).
V. Moses’ Good Deal: Trading the Temporal for the Eternal
Hebrews 11:24–26
Moses is the example of someone who made a "Superior" deal. He was a prince in Egypt with access to all the treasures and comforts of the world’s greatest empire.
• The Choice: He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
• The Logic: He "regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt" because he was looking ahead to his reward.
• The Principle: The best business move you can make is to lose what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose.
VI. How to Avoid Bad Business with God
To ensure you are making "Good Deals" in your life, follow these five steps:
1. Value the Eternal: Always weigh your decisions against eternity.
2. Examine Your Priorities: Is your schedule built around God, or is God squeezed into your schedule?
3. Refuse to Negotiate Integrity: There is no "acceptable" level of compromise with the truth.
4. Persevere Under Pressure: Understand that "entering the kingdom of God" involves hardships (Acts 14:22). Don't trade the finish line for a temporary rest stop.
5. Calculate the Value of Your Soul: Remember that the entire world is a small price compared to your eternal life.
Central Doctrine: The Eternal Investment
Christian life is not a series of losses; it is an eternal investment. Every decision you make either draws you closer to God or pushes you away. Every act of obedience "gains" eternity, while every compromise "loses" spiritual ground.
Conclusion
Esau wept when he realized his mistake, but it was too late. Today, you still have time to look at your "balance sheet." Are you trading your peace for a promotion? Are you trading your family for a hobby? Are you trading your Savior for the world?
Stop making bad deals. Like Moses, look toward the reward and choose the riches of Christ.
