Genesis 5:1-32

 |  March 20, 2018

Generation III: The Generations of Adam (5:1)

Gen. 5:1-32

  1. Locate the passage

This pericope begins the next toledoth section in Genesis.  It chronicles the family of Adam and is marked by the long life-spans of first few generations after Adam.  This passage follows after the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden and the sin of Cain in the field and anticipates God’s next judgment upon sin.

  1. Genre

The passage is narrative.  There is only one recorded dialogue which is regarding the birth of Noah.

  1. Determine the structure of the passage

5:1-5 – The lifespan of Adam

5:6-8 – The lifespan of Seth

5:9-11 – The lifespan of Enosh

5:12-14 – The lifespan of Cainan

5:15-17 – The lifespan of Mahalalel

5:18-20 – The lifespan of Jared

5:21-24 – The lifespan of Enoch

5:25-27 – The lifespan of Methuselah

5:28-31 – The lifespan of Lamech

5:32 – The introduction of Noah

  1. Exegete the passage

5:1-2 – the word “create” occurs three times in these two verses

5:2 – He called them Mankind

5:3 – Adam begot a son “in his own likeness, after his image.”

5:3-27 – the lifespans here should be seen in contrast to the diminishing lifespans after the flood.

5:21-24 – Enoch Walked with God

5:25-27 – Methuselah

5:26 – Lamech

5:29 – “This one will comfort us”

  1. Let the structure of the text drive the sermon
    1. The Purpose God created FOR Mankind (1-2)
      1. We are created in His image
      2. We are created in relationship
      3. We are created with His blessing and calling
    2. The Opportunity God offers TO Mankind (21-24)
      1. We have the opportunity to walk with God
      2. The absence of others walking with God is noticeable in the text
    3. The Hope God extends THROUGH Mankind (29-32)
      1. The hope that is anticipated in Noah
      2. The ultimate hope in Christ foreshadowed

Category: Sermon Structure
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