October 18, 2020 The End of the World Genesis 5-6 Study Guide

Big Idea: Real faith involves obedience over time.

Sin had entered the human race, and it didn’t take long for the corruption to ’s work from Genesis 3 spread and defile God’s creation. Like a cancerous tumor, evil infected civilization 1. Confuse – he wants to confuse us and brought death wherever it went.1 However, God is sovereign in all things and specifically regarding the truth -- “Did God really say…?” (3:1). “the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all 2. Distort – he always distorts the generations.” (Psalm 33:11) His plans are not frustrated by the foolish or sinful truth – he is the father pf lies. ways of mankind. 3. Pacify – he pacifies our conscience – Even in the darkest of days or the worst news days, we have the promise of the sin isn’t that big a deal. Lord’s return to encourage us and motivate us to be godly. And the first sign that 4. Beautify – he makes sin look good & God might actually do this was in the life of , who “walked with God, then attractive, not deadly – look what he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24) While almost all pleasure (or power, or prestige, or humans had turned away from God to evil and violence, Enoch chose to pursue possessions) you will have. God. He gives us hope in a dark and evil world that a person can do this and that God will be with us and keep His promise to take us to a much better place. You adulterous people, don’t you know Enoch was from ’s line which was far different from those in ’s line. In that friendship with the world means fact, Moses (the transcriber of Genesis) was making a point. And it becomes obvi- enmity against God? Therefore, anyone ous with the two sons of the same name — Lamech — one from Cain’s line and who chooses to be a friend of the world one from Seth’s line. Lamech Cain was the first to commit bigamy by marrying becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 two wives. He also bragged about killing a young man who injured him. (Genesis 4:19,23) Not what you would call a godly man. Do not love the world or anything in the Lamech Seth, on the other hand, fathered , who walked with God (Genesis world. If anyone loves the world, love

6:9) and was used by God to rescue the human race. Lamech’s main concern was for the Father is not in them. For every- that mankind find comfort and rest in the middle of a very wicked world. thing in the world—the lust of the Although Satan isn’t mentioned by name in Genesis, he was at work in the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but garden and ever after to bring dishonor to God by deceiving and tempting man- from the world. The world and its de- kind toward evil. Lamech Cain’s children willingly followed his deception and sires pass away, but whoever does the temptation while Lamech Seth’s children pursued God. will of God lives forever.

Q: What made the difference between Lamech Cain and Lamech Seth? 1 John 2:15-17

One of Satan’s most successful devices is compromise. If he can deceive God’s Do not be yoked together with unbeliev- people into abandoning their privileged position of separation from sin and com- ers. For what do righteousness and munion with God, then he can corrupt them and lead them into sin. He did this wickedness have in common? Or what often as was reported in the Old Testament. (see Numbers 25; Psalm 106:28-31, fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ 34-48; Judges 2) and Belial? Or what does a believ- Satan enticed the godly line of Seth (“the sons of God”) to mix with the ungodly er have in common with an unbeliever? line of Cain (“the daughters of Cain”) and thus abandon their devotion to the . . . Therefore, since we have these Lord. It’s the same temptation that Christians face today. promises, dear friends, let us purify • Be friendly with the world (James 4:4) ourselves from everything that contami- • Love the world (1 John 2:15-17) nates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. • Conform to the world (Romans 12:2) 2 Corinthians 6:14-5; 7:1 • Build relationships with the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) • Which leads to being condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32) 1 Warren Wiersbe has some great comments about this passage.

Some interpreters view 6:1-7 as an invasion of fallen who cohabited with women and produced a race of giants. But as interesting as the theory is, it creates more problems than it solves, not the least of which is the union of sexless spirit beings with flesh and blood humans. Even if such unions did occur, could there be offspring and why would they be giants? And how did these "giants" (Nephilim,

"fallen ones") survive the flood (v. 4; Num. 13:31-33), or was there a second inva-

sion of fallen angels after the flood?

The term "sons of God" does refer to angels in 1:6; 2:1; 38:7, but these are

unfallen angels faithfully serving God. Even if fallen angels could make them- selves appear in human bodies, why would they want to marry women and settle down on earth? Certainly their wives and neighbors would detect something different about them and this would create problems. Furthermore, the emphasis in Genesis 6 is on the sin of man and not the rebellion of angels. The word "man" is used nine times in verses 1-7, and God states clearly that the judgment was coming because of what humans had done. "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth" (v. 5). The 120-year limit expressed in verse 3 probably refers to the years until the flood would come. God is longsuffering with lost sinners, but there comes a time when judgment must fall. During that "day of grace," Noah prepared the ark and gave witness that judgment was coming (2 Peter 2:5), the same message Enoch had given during his lifetime (Jude 14-15). God gave His message in the mouth of two witnesses, but the people wouldn't listen. The word "giants" in Genesis 6:4 (xjv) is a translation of the Hebrew word nephilim which means "fallen ones." Some who follow the " theory" of chap- ter 6 make the nephilim the fallen angels whose children became great leaders. As we've already seen, if these nephilim were angels with human bodies, then they either survived the flood (because the Hebrew spies saw them in ; Num. [Jesus] said to them, “You are the ones 13:31-33), or there was a second invasion of "fallen angels" after the flood. Both who justify yourselves in the eyes of ideas seem incredible. others, but God knows your hearts. The most likely interpretation of Genesis 6:4 is that God saw the people of that What people value highly is detestable day as "fallen ones," while men saw these people as mighty leaders. Even today, in God’s sight. Luke 16:15 much of what is admired by the world is rejected by the Lord. (Luke 16:15)2

The conditions that resulted from these marriages were wickedness and violence that we universal and without precedent. Jesus Christ warned that the

last days would exhibit the same disregard for God’s standards and concerns

when he said:

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37-39

The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. This is one of some thirty expressions in the Scriptures that express God's response using human emotions. God's creation had ceased to reflect His glory in almost every way (see Rev. 4:11), so he was no longer pleased or comforted by it. God stated, I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth . . . for I am grieved that I have made them. (6:6-7) God changed his previous manner of dealing with humanity, which had been one of patient endurance even when there was no positive response. Now he would deal with them in temporal judgment. 2 Noah was introduced in Genesis 5:29-32. He was in the line of Seth and There Goes the Neighborhood Enoch (the line of the godly), and he was chosen by God to be a redeemer of From Skip Heitzig’s book the human race (to allow for "the" seed to come). His provision of salvation would preserve the human race, although not most of preflood humanity. 3 Condition 1: Population Increase Take note that we are told why God is going to destroy the world and its inhabit- Married couples could have lots of kids in 800 years. Based on an average num- ants—they are utterly wicked (vv.11-13). As we read earlier, every single thought ber of kids, by the time of the flood they had was evil. Hard to imagine that because even on our worst days we’ll there could have been one billion peo- have at least one good thought. ple on the earth. As God explains to Noah why He is going to annihilate the world I don’t think Noah needed it explained any further. If the whole of humanity was violent I Condition 2: Sexual Depravity suspect Noah was relieved to hear that God had a plan to change that. What I Humankind has always been interested don’t believe is that Noah is anxiously awaiting God’s wrath upon all life around in sex. When sex is repeatedly shown as him. According to 2nd Peter 2:5, Noah is described as a preacher of righteousness. a biological itch to be scratched, people In other words Noah preached to those passerby’s who no doubt came to curious- will dismiss God’s design as archaic. ly see what he and his family were doing. 4 Condition 3: Increase in Wickedness Noah had faith. He had a confident trust in God, and believed God even though This speaks to the mindset of people— the events were yet unseen. The big truth God wants us to see from this Flood where sin begins — in the thought life narrative is that Noah’s faith led to obedience. When you and I have faith; when and heart. our confidence is in God, then obedience is the natural response. Despite the un- certainty of our future as a democratic society and how and when this pandemic Condition 4: Increase in Violence will end, we are to keep our faith in God’s sovereignty and to live according to In today’s world a taste for violence is that faith. evident both in people’s entertainment Another observation the makes about Noah is that his obedience was choices and in crime statistics. characterized by a holy, reverential fear—a deep respect for God. Hebrews 11:7 says “By faith Noah, after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence Condition 5: Unheeded Preaching Noah was a preacher but no one was built an ark to deliver his family…” listening. I bet in Noah’s day (and in What do you think when you read those words, “…in reverence Noah built an today’s world) preachers were not only ark…”? What is your attitude when you read or hear God’s word? What is your ignored but made fun of. response when you encounter God’s commands? Consider Noah. He had faith. How much faith did he have? Enough that he be- lieved what God told him even before they happened — as in over 100 years. His faith led to obedience. He not only lived his life to honor God, but he used his energy and resources to build a pretty good sized boat simply because God asked him to. He believed in God’s sovereignty. His obedience lasted more than a week or two. We sometimes are obedient for a day or two, or perhaps even a week or two. It’s often a little like we pursue our

New Years resolutions. They can’t be too important if they fall by the wayside in a few days. Noah stuck with it (by faith) for a hundred years. In fact, the Bible says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” (6:22) What Noah had in today’s world is often called “Grit.” Grit indicates persever- ance and passion for long-term goals. Some people have lots of it and they are often successful in starting new businesses or other projects. Others, who have less grit give up too soon to gain success or see the benefits of their long-term effort. The difference may have to do with whether the project is just a resolution or a goal.

Paul gave us some insights. "Forgetting what is behind," he wrote, "and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14) He set a goal based on God’s leadership, just like Noah did. But even more than that, he said "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13) He didn’t try to do it himself, he depended on God’s strength to accomplish it — just like

Noah did — and like we should.

You can check out your “grit” on the Grit Scale on page 5. 3 References

1 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Think about these . . . Bible Commentary, (Davide C. Cook, 2007) p. 34. 1. Suppose the wisest person you know warned your family that tonight the town 2 Ibid., p. 36. where you lived would be destroyed (by an earthquake, volcano, wild fire, or 3 Kenneth O. Gangel & Stephen J. flood) but you have no confirming evidence to draw upon. How do you think Bramer, Holman Old testament Com your family members would react? mentary: Genesis, (Holman, Nash- a) Attend business as usual? ville, 2002) p. 63. 4 b) Pack a suitcase just in case? Mark Pitts, sermon 10-3-2020, “Why c) Evacuate your kids and pets ASAP? the Great Flood?” d) Call around first to see what the neighbors are doing?

e) Perch on the roof so you can see the end coming? f) Ridicule the reliability of the source and drive him out of town?

The Lord regretted that he had made 2. What do you think people were doing that was so wicked and violent that got human beings on the earth, and his God’s attention? heart was deeply troubled. Genesis 6:6 3. Why do you think God feels the way He does about wickedness?

Samuel said to him, “The Lord has 4. Why di God go to so much trouble to make sure the animals were saved? torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you. He 5. Compare Genesis 6:6 with 1 Samuel 15:28-29. How do you reconcile these ap who is the Glory of Israel does not parent contradictions? lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change 6. What do we know about Noah’s character? Did he become this way because of his mind.” God’s favor, or did he earn it? Why do you think this? 1 Samuel 15:28-29 7. Based on what you think may have been going on in Noah’s day, including un mitigated violence, pervasive corruption and heavy peer pressure, what do you think Noah was thinking when God told him to build the ark?

8. What do you think was the biggest obstacle for Noah to actually get the ark built? I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were 9. God responded with deep sadness when He saw the evil which was so either one or the other! So, because prevalent in people’s lives. Think of times when you went astray. How does you are lukewarm—neither hot nor God’s sadness about your sin make you feel? cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 10. Where do you land on the following scale? Revelation 3:15-16 Cain Enoch Lamech Cain Lamech Seth Average person in Noah’s Day Noah Resolutions Goals Trusting self Trusting God ______

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4 Where I Am on the Grit Scale Directions: Please respond to the following 10 items. Be honest – there are no right or wrong answers!

1. I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important 7. I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a challenge. different one.  Very much like me  Very much like me  Mostly like me  Mostly like me  Somewhat like me  Somewhat like me  Not much like me  Not much like me  Not like me at all  Not like me at all

2. New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from 8. I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that previous ones. take more than a few months to complete.  Very much like me  Very much like me  Mostly like me  Mostly like me  Somewhat like me  Somewhat like me  Not much like me  Not much like me  Not like me at all  Not like me at all

3. My interests change from year to year. 9. I finish whatever I begin.  Very much like me  Very much like me  Mostly like me  Mostly like me  Somewhat like me  Somewhat like me  Not much like me  Not much like me  Not like me at all  Not like me at all

4. Setbacks don’t discourage me. 10. I have achieved a goal that took years of work.  Very much like me  Very much like me  Mostly like me  Mostly like me  Somewhat like me  Somewhat like me  Not much like me  Not much like me  Not like me at all  Not like me at all

5. I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project

for a short time but later lost interest.  Very much like me  Mostly like me  Somewhat like me  Not much like me Scoring: For questions 1, 4, 6, 9, and 10 assign the follow-  Not like me at all ing points: 5 = Very much like me 4 = Mostly like me 3 = Somewhat like me 2 = Not much like me 1 = Not like me 6. I am a hard worker. at all. For questions 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 assign the following  Very much like me points: 1 = Very much like me 2 = Mostly like me 3 =  Mostly like me Somewhat like me 4 = Not much like me 5 = Not like me  Somewhat like me at all  Not much like me Add up all the points and divide by 10. The maximum  Not like me at all score on this scale is 5 (extremely gritty), and the lowest score on this scale is 1 (not at all gritty).

My score ______

5