(Genesis 6:1–13)

“Church, let us turn to Genesis 6, where we begin to see the story of Noah unfold. A story of faith, obedience, and God’s justice in the face of humanity’s corruption. Today, we’ll focus on the beginning of this narrative, where sinfulness reaches its peak, and God reveals His plan for judgment.”

Humanity’s Corruption and Wickedness

The Word tells us in Genesis 6:5, ‘The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.’ Imagine that—every inclination of humanity’s heart was evil. Not sometimes, not occasionally, but continually.

The world had descended into chaos. Violence, immorality, and corruption covered the earth like a flood of its own, choking out righteousness and leaving God grieved. Genesis 6:6 says, ‘The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.’

God’s Sorrow and Judgment

We often think of God as unchanging—and He is. But here, we see a glimpse of God’s heart, grieved by the rebellion of His creation. Out of His holiness and justice, God decides to bring judgment: a flood to cleanse the earth. Yet, even in judgment, there is mercy.

Noah’s Righteousness and Selection by God

Amid this widespread wickedness, there is a man named Noah. Genesis 6:9 says, ‘Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.’

Church, let me pause here. Do you see the power of walking with God? While the world around Noah was consumed by sin, he chose to live differently. He chose righteousness. He chose to walk in step with the Lord. Because of this, God extended grace to Noah and his family, choosing him to build the ark that would preserve life.

Teachings and Lessons

Now, what does this part of Noah’s story teach us?

First, it teaches us about God’s justice. Our God is holy, and sin cannot go unanswered. Yes, His judgment is real, but it is also fair. Church, sin has consequences. Just as the flood came to cleanse the earth, God’s justice purifies and restores.

Second, it shows us the importance of living righteously in a corrupt world. We live in a world where temptation surrounds us, where sin is often celebrated. But like Noah, we are called to stand out, to live differently, to choose obedience even when it’s hard.

Reflection

So let me ask you:

• How can you strive for righteousness in today’s society?

• What does it mean for you to walk with God as Noah did?

Walking with God is not just about knowing His Word. It’s about letting His Word guide your steps. It’s about faith, trust, and obedience—choosing to live His way even when the world chooses otherwise.

Closing Encouragement

As we leave today, remember this: Noah’s faith didn’t just save him; it set an example for generations to come. When we walk with God, we don’t walk alone. He goes before us, alongside us, and behind us, guiding us through even the darkest times.

Let’s strive to walk like Noah, to live righteously, and to trust in the plans of our holy and just God. Amen.