Genesis 6:1-8

 |  March 20, 2018

Gen. 6:1-8

  1. Locate the passage

This passage is a dramatic turning point from the shockingly long life-spans of Genesis 5.  Chapter five ends with the introduction of Noah.  Chapter 6 begins with the context that accentuates his faithfulness.

The passage is the conclusion of the toledoth section that begin in 5:1.

  1. Genre

This passage is narrative.  The two “conversations” of the Lord appear to be addressed within the Godhead.

  1. Determine the structure of the passage

6:1-5 – Men began to multiply and sin increased with them

6:6 – God’s Sorrow

6:7 – God’s Judgment Pronounced

6:8 – But, Noah Found Favor

  1. Exegete the passage

The questions of 6:1-2 must not overshadow exclamation of 6:8.

The passage is a clear juxtaposition of the depth of mankind’s sin and the faithfulness of Noah.

6:1 – When men began to multiply

6:2 – “Sons of God”

If they were angels … who came and took human wives

the volume of God’s judgment would be inconsistent

why not just judge those involved?

the issue of these vss seems to suggest a complete corruption of the human race

The verse could simply be saying that the sons of God (people of faith) saw the daughters of men (people who were NOT of faith) – and took wives whom THEY chose (not God)

6:2 – “They were beautiful”

6:2 – “whom they chose”

6:3 – “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever”

6:4 – “men of renown”

– people who simply wanted to make a name for themselves (men of  renown)

6:5 – “The Lord saw”

6:6 – “The Lord was sorry”

6:7 – “I will destroy man”

6:8 – “Noah found favor”

6:8 – “In the eyes of the Lord”

  1. Let the structure of the text drive the sermon

The passage highlights what mankind sees and what God sees

  1. This passage reveals mankind’s potential to take what God made as good and use it for evil
    Exp.  Note the impact of a sinful choice (6:2)

    1. It begins when there is no thought of God
    2. They saw; they took; whom they chose
  2. Sin grieves the heart of God and demands His judgment
    1. Sin demands God’s judgment
      See 2 Pet 2:4-10 – “If God did not spare ….”
    2. We cannot abuse God’s gift of life with impunity
    3. Sin brings God sorrow
  3. God, in His grace, works to redeem the sinful world
    1. Exp.  Noah found favor
    2. Exp.  How can we find favor with God today?
      1. What kind of impact could we make on our world if we did?

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Category: Sermon Structure
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