Genesis 6
Corruption and Grace
Overview
As humanity's wickedness reaches its peak, God grieves and plans judgement. Yet Noah finds favour, demonstrating that grace exists even in the darkest times.
Introduction
Genesis 6 teaches that God judges extreme, pervasive human wickedness, yet provides grace through obedience, exemplified by Noah's righteousness in a corrupt world. It reveals that God grieves over sin, warns of impending judgement, and honours faithful, detailed obedience to His commands.
What Kind of Person Is Noah?
[9] Noah is depicted as a profoundly righteous, blameless, and faithful man who "walked with God" in a corrupt, violent era. As a patient, obedient, and hardworking patriarch, he followed divine commands to build the ark, acting as a preacher of righteousness and a saviour of humanity.
- Righteous and Blameless: He stood out from his contemporaries as the only righteous person of his time, finding favour with God.
- Obedient and Faithful: [22] He did everything exactly as God commanded, displaying immense faith by building the ark.
- Persistent and Hardworking: He worked diligently on the ark for years, acting as a "preacher of righteousness."
- Family-Oriented Leader: He was a spiritual leader who ensured his family was saved alongside him.
- "In the World, But Not of It": He remained untainted by the corruption and violence surrounding him.
- Humble and Patient: He trusted in God's timing.
Why Does God Send the Flood?
[5-7] God flooded the earth because humanity had become overwhelmingly evil, corrupt, and violent, with "every intention of the thoughts of his heart" being only evil continually. The flood was a divine judgement to purge this wickedness and cleanse the earth, while saving Noah and his family to restart humanity.
- Widespread Wickedness: [11] The earth was filled with corruption, violence, and lawlessness.
- Genetic Corruption/Nephilim: [4] Some interpretations suggest fallen angels corrupted the human race by mating with human women, producing the Nephilim.
- Divine Grief: [6] The Bible states that God regretted making humans and was grieved by their actions.
- Preservation of the Messianic Line: The flood was intended to stop the corruption that threatened the promise of a future Saviour.
How Does Noah Find Favour with God?
[8-9] Noah found favour (grace) with God because he was a righteous, blameless man who "walked with God" in a corrupt generation, acting with integrity and obedience.
- Righteousness and Integrity: Noah was "just" and "perfect" (blameless) in his generation.
- Walking with God: This indicates a close, intimate, and continuous relationship with God.
- Faithful Obedience: [22] Noah did "all that God commanded him."
- Reverence: Hebrews 11:7 highlights that Noah acted with "godly fear."
- Recipient of Grace: [8] While Noah was righteous, the Bible emphasises that he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
Key Takeaways from Genesis 6
- The Severity of Sin and God's Grief: [5-6] Human wickedness became so intense that "every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." This sin "grieved God to his heart."
- God's Righteous Judgement: [7] The chapter marks the beginning of the flood narrative, showing that God is holy and will not allow sin to continue unchecked indefinitely.
- The Grace of God: [8] Despite universal wickedness, "Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord." Grace is not earned, but it allows for a different path.
- Righteous Living in a Corrupt World: [9] Noah was "blameless among the people of his time." It is possible to live faithfully and stand out from a corrupt culture.
- The Necessity of Obedience: [22] Noah built the ark exactly as God commanded. His faith was demonstrated through specific, diligent action.
- Divine Patience: [3] God gave humanity a warning—often interpreted as 120 years—before bringing judgement.
- Warning of Future Judgement: Jesus equated the days of Noah with the days before His return (Matthew 24:37-39).
Reflection Questions
- In what ways does your culture pressure you to compromise your faith?
- How can you "walk with God" in the midst of a corrupt world?
- What does Noah's example teach you about obedience?