Genesis 6:1-9: Remain Righteous - Revision history

Wakefien at 21:29, 22 September 2024

2024-09-22T21:29:39Z

Wakefien at 19:14, 19 September 2024

2024-09-19T19:14:27Z

Wakefien: /* Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse 2 Cor. 1:3 */

2024-09-19T19:12:54Z

‎Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse 2 Cor. 1:3

Wakefien: /* Setting the Stage: */

2024-09-19T18:42:53Z

‎Setting the Stage:

Wakefien at 18:42, 19 September 2024

2024-09-19T18:42:14Z

Wakefien at 20:21, 17 September 2024

2024-09-17T20:21:48Z

Wakefien: /* Total depravity has significant affects on humanity. */

2024-09-16T19:51:53Z

‎Total depravity has significant affects on humanity.

Wakefien: /* Total depravity has significant effects on humanity. */

2024-09-16T19:42:40Z

‎Total depravity has significant effects on humanity.

Wakefien: /* Introduction: */

2024-09-16T19:37:26Z

‎Introduction:

Wakefien: /* Total depravity has significant effects on humanity. */

2024-09-16T19:31:43Z

‎Total depravity has significant effects on humanity.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 '''Theological Proposition/Focus: God is good even though there seems to be overwhelming evil in the world.'''
-'''Homiletical Proposition/Application: In the midst of overwhelming evil, it is possible to remain faithful'''
+'''Homiletical Proposition/Application: In the midst of overwhelming evil, it is possible to remain faithful.'''
 =Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse 2 Cor. 1:3=
 <p>
-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
+Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
 </p>
 ==Image:==
 ==Need: We need to strive for God's righteous standard without compromise.==
-==Preview: Today we are going to see that each and every one of us has a natural inclination toward rejecting God. That inclination comes from our sin nature which stands in direct opposition to God. Nevertheless, God has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.==
+==Preview: Today we are going to see that each and every one of us has a natural inclination toward rejecting God. That inclination comes from our sin nature, which stands in direct opposition to God. Nevertheless, God has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.==
-==Text: Genesis 6:1-9 read all at the beginning.==
+==Text: Genesis 6:1-9 (read all at the beginning).==
 ==Setting the Stage:==
-<p>We are going to start a short series on Noah. The book of Genesis is a fascinating book. Allen Ross wrote a commentary on Genesis called "Creation and Blessing." The commentary is fitting because the book of Genesis sets the stage from creation for the ultimate blessing of salvation.</p>
+<p>We are going to start a short series on Noah. The book of Genesis is a fascinating book. Allen Ross wrote a commentary on Genesis called "Creation and Blessing." The commentary is fitting because the book of Genesis sets the stage, from creation, for the ultimate blessing of salvation.</p>
 <p>
-The accounts written in Genesis tend to be well-known accounts because they are so common in Sunday School and so controversial in the public square. But these accounts are also fundamental to our understanding of life. The Gospel, the good-news of a gracious God who has divinely provided a way for mankind to be saved, shines through in these accounts. Genesis provides deep insight into the character of God and the way in which mankind must relate to God.
+The accounts written in Genesis tend to be well-known because they are so common in Sunday School and so controversial in the public square. But these accounts are also fundamental to our understanding of life. The Gospel, the good news of a gracious God who has divinely provided a way for mankind to be saved, shines through in these accounts. Genesis provides deep insight into the character of God and the way in which mankind must relate to God.
 </p>
-One common theme I find throughout Genesis is that ever since the Fall,
+One common theme I find throughout Genesis is that ever since the Fall...
 =Body=
@@ Line 30: / Line 31: @@
 =====Mythological Interpretation=====
-This interpretation views the passage as a mythological narrative that reflects common themes in ancient Near Eastern literature, where gods and demigods interacted with humans. The "sons of God" would be mythological beings, and the Nephilim would be legendary heroes. Obviously this view is generally associated with a low view of Scripture.
+This interpretation views the passage as a mythological narrative that reflects common themes in ancient Near Eastern literature, where gods and demigods interacted with humans. The "sons of God" would be mythological beings, and the Nephilim would be legendary heroes. Obviously, this view is generally associated with a low view of Scripture.
 =====Symbolic or Allegorical Interpretation=====
-In this view, the passage is not meant to be taken literally but symbolically. The "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans" might represent the mixing of different kinds of human behaviors or moralities, symbolizing the blending of good and evil, leading to widespread corruption. While I think this may be a reasonable application of the passage I don't believe that the passage is purely symbolic.
+In this view, the passage is not meant to be taken literally but symbolically. The "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans" might represent the mixing of different kinds of human behaviors or moralities, symbolizing the blending of good and evil, leading to widespread corruption. While I think this may be a reasonable application of the passage, I don't believe that the passage is purely symbolic.
 =====The Fallen Angels Interpretation - some use the book of Enoch to support=====
 This is one of the oldest and most traditional interpretations. It suggests that the "sons of God" were fallen angels who took human wives, resulting in a race of giants known as the Nephilim. This view is supported by texts such as the Book of Enoch and has been popular in early Jewish and Christian traditions. However, there are significant problems with this view.
 =====The Royalty Interpretation=====
 Some scholars suggest that the "sons of God" were ancient kings or rulers who, in their pride and power, took many wives, leading to corruption. The Nephilim, in this view, were simply powerful and influential men of the time.
 =====The Sethite Interpretation=====
 In this interpretation, the "sons of God" are understood to be the descendants of Seth, Adam's son, who were faithful to God. The "daughters of humans" are seen as the descendants of Cain, who were not faithful. This interpretation suggests that the intermarriage between the godly Sethites and the ungodly Cainites led to moral corruption. This is the view that I would probably choose if you pushed me to adopt a view.
-But let me just propose something here. What is what is going on here is that the line of Seth is marrying the descendants of Cain in order ro secure power and authority. You know, the whole chieftain model. The passage ends by describing hero's of old men of renown. Here is a proposal: people who knew better decided to compromise in their relationships in order to gain power and influence.
+But let me just propose something here. What is going on is that the line of Seth is marrying the descendants of Cain in order to secure power and authority. You know, the whole chieftain model. The passage ends by describing heroes of old, men of renown. Here is a proposal: people who knew better decided to compromise in their relationships in order to gain power and influence.
 ====While it is interesting to contemplate the events that are described, it is much more interesting to examine the application of the events.====
-I think the application of the passage presents some incredibly important principles that we need to follow and especially reminds me of Galatians 5:9, “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” We must be on guard against compromise against allowing destructive sin to take root in our lives. Why? Because we each have a natural bent toward rejecting God and just like leaven feeds off of fresh dough until it spreads throughout the batch so sin feeds off of us.
+I think the application of the passage presents some incredibly important principles that we need to follow and especially reminds me of Galatians 5:9, “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” We must be on guard against compromise, against allowing destructive sin to take root in our lives. Why? Because we each have a natural bent toward rejecting God, and just like leaven feeds off of fresh dough until it spreads throughout the batch, so sin feeds off of us.
-A decade ago I would have wanted to go rounds with anyone of you trying to understand what events led to the writing of Genesis 6:1-4. Now, I have to admit, I am not so interested in what events led to the writing of the passage, what interests me is understanding how to live in light of the passage. So, let me break this into a couple of subpoints.
+A decade ago I would have wanted to go rounds with any of you, trying to understand what events led to the writing of Genesis 6:1-4. Now, I have to admit, I am not so interested in what events led to the writing of the passage; what interests me is understanding how to live in light of the passage. So, let me break this into a couple of subpoints.
 First,
@@ Line 57: / Line 56: @@
 ===We tend to choose against relationship with God.===
 ====We see sin and choose it====
-If we look back to Genesis 3 and the fall, especially, verse 6, then we see an important principle. Eve saw that the fruit was good. Eve saw! Upon seeing the goodness of the fruit Eve started down a devastating path of choosing something other than God. But look at the parallel in verse 2 of Genesis 6. The "sons of God" whatever they may be (I happen to think they are the descendent of Seth who are supposed to choose God) see and decide that what they see is more important than their own purity.
+If we look back to Genesis 3 and the Fall, especially verse 6, then we see an important principle. Eve saw that the fruit was good. Eve saw! Upon seeing the goodness of the fruit, Eve started down a devastating path of choosing something other than God. But look at the parallel in verse 2 of Genesis 6. The "sons of God," whatever they may be (I happen to think they are the descendants of Seth, who are supposed to choose God), see and decide that what they see is more important than their own purity.
-Let me take this further and make it more explicit there are a lot of things we see and eventually choose over God.
+Let me take this further and make it more explicit: there are a lot of things we see and eventually choose over God.
-I will start with a couple of big ones
+I will start with a couple of big ones:
 *Sexual sin
 *Greed
 *Pride
-But there are smaller one's too
+But there are smaller ones too.
-But it is not just that we choose against God,
+But it is not just that we choose against God.
 ===We fail to recognize the authority of God.===
 ====We so often go about life doing what we want without thinking of the consequences.====
-We choose against relationship with God and instead choose our own sin. In verse 3 we see that the behavior of humanity results in a pretty significant consequence. God divinely restricts the span of human life. If you read Genesis 5 you will be immediately struck by some incredible lifespans. Growing up I often assumed that something changed after the flood but as I prepared for this sermon I was struck by another idea, an idea that made sense to me. "The consequence of their actions is the divine restriction of human life. <ref>K. A. Mathews, Genesis 1-11:26, vol. 1A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 332.</ref>"
+We choose against a relationship with God and instead choose our own sin. In verse 3, we see that the behavior of humanity results in a pretty significant consequence. God divinely restricts the span of human life. If you read Genesis 5, you will be immediately struck by some incredible lifespans. Growing up, I often assumed that something changed after the flood, but as I prepared for this sermon, I was struck by another idea, an idea that made sense to me. "The consequence of their actions is the divine restriction of human life. <ref>K. A. Mathews, Genesis 1-11:26, vol. 1A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 332.</ref>"
-Now, I must admit this is not a universally accepted view on verse 3 but consider the following
+Now, I must admit this is not a universally accepted view on verse 3, but consider the following:
 <p>
 <blockquote>
-The verb form יָדוֹן (yadon) only occurs here. Some derive it from the verbal root דִּין (din, “to judge”) and translate “strive” or “contend with” (so NIV), but in this case one expects the form to be יָדִין (yadin). The Old Greek has “remain with,” a rendering which may find support from an Arabic cognate (see C. Westermann, Genesis, 1:375). If one interprets the verb in this way, then it is possible to understand רוּחַ (ruakh) as a reference to the divine life-giving spirit or breath, rather than the LORD’s personal Spirit. E. A. Speiser argues that the term is cognate with an Akkadian word meaning “protect” or “shield.” In this case, the LORD’s Spirit will not always protect humankind, for the race will suddenly be destroyed (E. A. Speiser, “YDWN, Gen. 6:3,” JBL 75 [1956]: 126–29). <ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005).</ref></blockquote>
+The verb form יָדוֹן (yadon) only occurs here. Some derive it from the verbal root דִּין (din, “to judge”) and translate it as “strive” or “contend with” (so NIV), but in this case, one expects the form to be יָדִין (yadin). The Old Greek has “remain with,” a rendering which may find support from an Arabic cognate (see C. Westermann, Genesis, 1:375). If one interprets the verb in this way, then it is possible to understand רוּחַ (ruakh) as a reference to the divine life-giving spirit or breath, rather than the LORD’s personal Spirit. E. A. Speiser argues that the term is cognate with an Akkadian word meaning “protect” or “shield.” In this case, the LORD’s Spirit will not always protect humankind, for the race will suddenly be destroyed (E. A. Speiser, “YDWN, Gen. 6:3,” JBL 75 [1956]: 126–29). <ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005).</ref></blockquote>
 </p>
-=====In other words, perhaps in verse 3 what we have is a divine declaration that the giver of life is not going to, as a normal practice, continue to give mankind life beyond 120 years?=====
+=====In other words, perhaps in verse 3 what we have is a divine declaration that the giver of life is not going to, as a normal practice, continue to give mankind life beyond 120 years.=====
 =====Alternatively, some interpreters view this as a warning that the flood is coming in 120 years.=====
 But back to the idea of God giving life. We fail to recognize the authority of God, that God is the giver of life.

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 ==Image:==
-==Need: We need to know what God's righteous standard is and the only way to truly understand that is to look at the grace offered to us through the Gospel.==
+==Need: We need to strive for God's righteous standard without compromise.==
-==Preview: Today we are going to see that each and every one of us has a natural bet toward rejecting God. That bent comes from our sin nature which stands in direct opposition to God. Nevertheless, God has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.==
+==Preview: Today we are going to see that each and every one of us has a natural inclination toward rejecting God. That inclination comes from our sin nature which stands in direct opposition to God. Nevertheless, God has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.==
 ==Text: Genesis 6:1-9 read all at the beginning.==
@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 In this view, the passage is not meant to be taken literally but symbolically. The "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans" might represent the mixing of different kinds of human behaviors or moralities, symbolizing the blending of good and evil, leading to widespread corruption. While I think this may be a reasonable application of the passage I don't believe that the passage is purely symbolic.
-=====The Fallen Angels Interpretation=====
+=====The Fallen Angels Interpretation - some use the book of Enoch to support=====
 This is one of the oldest and most traditional interpretations. It suggests that the "sons of God" were fallen angels who took human wives, resulting in a race of giants known as the Nephilim. This view is supported by texts such as the Book of Enoch and has been popular in early Jewish and Christian traditions. However, there are significant problems with this view.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 =Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse 2 Cor. 1:3=
 <p>
-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
+Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
 </p>
 ==Image:==

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 ==Setting the Stage:==
-We are going to start a short series on Noah. The book of Genesis is a fascinating book. Allen Ross wrote a commentary on Genesis called "Creation and Blessing." The commentary is fitting because the book of Genesis sets the stage from creation for the ultimate blessing of salvation.
+<p>We are going to start a short series on Noah. The book of Genesis is a fascinating book. Allen Ross wrote a commentary on Genesis called "Creation and Blessing." The commentary is fitting because the book of Genesis sets the stage from creation for the ultimate blessing of salvation.</p>
+<p>
 The accounts written in Genesis tend to be well-known accounts because they are so common in Sunday School and so controversial in the public square. But these accounts are also fundamental to our understanding of life. The Gospel, the good-news of a gracious God who has divinely provided a way for mankind to be saved, shines through in these accounts. Genesis provides deep insight into the character of God and the way in which mankind must relate to God.
 One common theme I find throughout Genesis is that ever since the Fall,

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 '''Homiletical Proposition/Application: In the midst of overwhelming evil, it is possible to remain faithful'''
-=Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse =
+=Introduction: Scripture Memory Verse 2 Cor. 1:3=
 ==Image:==
@@ Line 20: / Line 23: @@
 =Body=
-==Each and every one of us has a natural bent toward ''rejecting'' ''God'' (1-4).==
+==Each and every one of us has a natural inclination toward ''rejecting'' ''God'' (1-4).==
 Let me start by telling you that the passage we are looking at is the sort of passage that many times will just be skipped.

@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 Here in Genesis 6 we see the outworking of this sin. Left unchecked and to their own devices we each would spiral out of control into complete and total wickedness. The sermon title I have for this sermon is "Remain Righteous" What I want to emphasize here is that we see a significant contrast in humanity and God. In the absence of divine intervention, humanity inevitably falls into sin.
-Romans 6:17 describes the unregenerate person as a slave to sin. "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance<ref>Romans 6:17, NIV.</ref>." The unregenerate person does not really have free will because the unregenerate person is a slave to sin.
+=====Romans 6:17 describes the unregenerate person as a slave to sin.=====
+<p>
 the problem is that
 ===Our total depravity is directly contrary to God.===
+<p>
 I have already alluded to the fact that we were created to be God's representatives to creation. On just the most fundamental level we can see that our total depravity puts us in a state of being directly contrary to God. But I want us to really look into this a little more.
+</p>
 Genesis 6:6 states "The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled."  The word "regretted" is translated as "was sorry" in the NKJV and has caused a fair amount of trouble for students of the Bible. The issue is a language issue. We tend to associate regret and sorrow with a change in one's mind but that is not how we should interpret this here.
+</p>
 The Hebrew word נחם (nāḥam) that we translate as regretted can refer to emotional pain or taking comfort, that is there is a polarized meaning of the word. If we look at wider context we can see what exactly is going on. In Genesis 5:29 Lamech names his son Noah and calls on this son Noah to comfort (נחם) them in the labor that is a result of the curse. Now we see God being grieved (nāḥam) because of mankind's actions. Mankind sought comfort but, it appears, not from God but from themselves. Mankind's exclusion of God from the problem has led not to the comfort they sought but in fact quite the opposite sorrow for the very creator himself.
 ===God's justice demands that God judge sin.===
-I say that God's justice demands God judge sin and there are several verses that support this.
+====I say that God's justice demands God judge sin and there are several verses that support this.====
 *Psalm 9:7-8 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.
 *Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
-But I think this is also an oversimplification. I think part of what is happening is that God's righteousness together with his love also leads God to judge sin. Things were so bad that God said, this has to stop.
+====But I think this is also an oversimplification. I think part of what is happening is that God's righteousness together with his love also leads God to judge sin. Things were so bad that God said, this has to stop. ====
 ===Image: Judging God's judgements===
@@ Line 159: / Line 165: @@
 ==But God has made a ''way'' (8-9).==
 ===God's way is the way of grace.===
-The word we translate as favor carries the idea of grace. In fact, the LXX, the Greek translation of the Old Testament translates the word here as χάριν the word that we usually translate at grace in the New Testament. The human race was corrupted, wicked, and totally depraved, but God made a way. Moreover, that way involved nothing that Noah could have done it was all God. That is the idea of grace.
+====The word we translate as favor carries the idea of grace.====
 Verses 1-4 we learn about people who compsomised in order to make a name for themselves. In some sense, in order to gain some measure of immortality as the heros of old, those who would be remembered. Now we learn of a man, Noah, who found favor with God.
@@ Line 168: / Line 175: @@
 Verse 9 gives us just a little more detail.
 ===God's way is the way of faith.===
-I love the description of Noah in verse 9. Noah is described as a righteous man. I want you to notice a couple of things.
+====I love the description of Noah in verse 9. Noah is described as a righteous man. I want you to notice a couple of things.====
-First, we already have seen that Noah found grace in God's sight. Noah's righteousness is not his own it is God working through him. Second, Noah's righteousness is contrasted with the evil of the people of his time. Third, Noah is described as a man who faithfully walks with God.  God is a God who expects faith.If there is any doubt about what happened we only need to look at Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith."
+*First, we already have seen that Noah found grace in God's sight. Noah's righteousness is not his own it is God working through him.
-Here is the contrast. Mankind sough comfort, reprieve from the curse but no reprieve would come for the wicked. Instead, a man, Noah, who placed his faith in God was looked upon faithfully and in some sense brings comfort to God in that there is a future for creation. Why, because Noah walked faithfully with God.
+=====Here is the contrast. Mankind sough comfort, reprieve from the curse but no reprieve would come for the wicked. Instead, a man, Noah, who placed his faith in God was looked upon faithfully and in some sense brings comfort to God in that there is a future for creation. Why, because Noah walked faithfully with God.=====
 ===God's way proves that God is righteous.===

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 ==Sin stands in opposition to ''God'' (5-7)==
 Look closely at verses 5-7.  The language present in these verses naturally leads us to feel pity and sorrow. It is worth noting that it is not just the actions of humanity that are described as wicked but instead that the phrase "wickedness of the human race" is used.  The reality is that
-===Total depravity has significant affects on humanity.===
+===Total depravity has significant effects on humanity.===
 ====Man's failure was total, every inclination was to evil.====
 The text further states "every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." God had made Adam in his image and given him the job of bearing that image to creation. Mankind was created to serve as God's representative and governing authority over the earth. Now we see that man had taken that God-given capacity and corrupted it to the point that it was only being used for evil. Man's failure was total.