Genesis - Part 13

Finding Favor in the Sight of God

Genesis 6:5-15

Summary

Meeting Purpose

Review Genesis 6:5-15, discussing God's decision to destroy the earth and His instructions to Noah for building the ark.

Key Takeaways

·     The world had become extremely wicked, with every human intention being evil continually

·     God expressed sorrow over creating humanity, deciding to destroy all living creatures

·     Noah found favor with God due to his righteousness and faith

·     God instructed Noah to build an ark, providing specific dimensions and materials

Topics

·     State of the World Before the Flood

o  Extreme wickedness pervaded society, with violence filling the earth

o  Every human thought and intention was continually evil

o  This corruption extended beyond humans to affect all living creatures

o  The depravity was so severe that God regretted creating humanity

·     God's Response to Wickedness

o  God expressed deep sorrow and grief over the state of His creation

o  Decided to "blot out" mankind and all living creatures from the earth

o  This decision showcases both God's justice and His emotional response to sin

o  Demonstrates God's sovereignty while also depicting His relational nature

·     Noah's Righteousness

o  Noah found favor (grace) in God's eyes, standing out among his contemporaries

o  Described as righteous, blameless, and one who "walked with God"

o  Noah's faith (Hebrews 11:7) was key to his standing before God

o  Chosen to preserve life and start anew after the flood

·     Instructions for the Ark

o  God provided detailed specifications:

o  Made of gopher wood

o  Coated inside and out with pitch

o  Dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high (approximately 450 x 75 x 45 feet)

o  Building the ark was a monumental task, likely outside Noah's expertise

o  Required immense faith and trust in God's guidance

·     Theological Implications

o  Demonstrates God's justice, mercy, and sovereignty

o  Illustrates the consequences of unchecked sin and corruption

o  Foreshadows salvation through Christ (the ark as a type of salvation)

o  Highlights the importance of faith and obedience (Noah's response)

Next Steps

o  Continue studying the flood narrative in Genesis

o  Reflect on personal applications of Noah's faith and obedience

o  Consider the concept of leaving a godly legacy in light of Noah's example

o  Explore further theological implications of the flood account

Follow-up – Pondering's

o  Are we willing to re-think the legacy we will leave by our intentional or unintentional actions?

o  Are we willing to trust God even if it seems like He wants us to “build an Ark”?

o  Why was the penalty for the pervasive wickedness of Noah’s generation so extreme?

o  Why did God think that things would be better the second time around?