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Text: Genesis 6:5-9
“When the Lord God saw the extent of human wickedness, and that the trend and direction of men’s lives were only towards evil, he was sorry he had made them. It broke his heart. And he said, ‘I will blot out from the face of the earth all mankind that I created. Yes, and the animals too, and the reptiles and the birds. For I am sorry I made them.’ But Noah was a pleasure to the Lord. Here is the story of Noah: He was the only truly righteous man living on the earth at that time. He tried always to conduct his affairs according to God’s will.” (Living Bible Paraphrased)
Subject: Hope in a Hopeless Situation
Introduction: The purpose of this sermon is to point out to us that you can find hope in a hopeless situation.
I. The Lord’s Observation (5) · God saw a. God observed…not someone informed Him b. God observed after some time · God saw the “extent” a. There was a mixture of God and the world b. The direction of man’s life was at its lowest point…humanistic philosophy was at work…if it feels good, do it c. God saw the extent of man’s wickedness was in the heart/soul
II. The Lord’s Repentance (6) · Repented - to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret · Broke God’s heart a. His crown glory (i.e. the creation of man) had turned on him b. This is what sin does to the heart of God…it breaks His heart. (Can you imagine what God must have been going through for so long)
III. The Lord’s Judgment (7) · Block out; exterminate; wipe out; get rid of · Everything and everyone (even the animals)-every living thing
Conclusion: “But Noah…” (8) in spite of God’s hurt, in spite of God’s disappointment, this was the hope in a hopeless situation… · But-on the contrary · He made God smile. o (9) Just man o (9)Perfect in his generations o (9) Walked with God · Grace – God’s unmerited favor · Paul had a thorn in the flesh and he besought the Lord “thrice”…but Jesus said my grace is sufficient for thee. · Jesus coming and dying on the cross. Jesus was man’s hope in a hopeless situation of separation. |