BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 12

Trusting in God’s Promises

Genesis 15

Me-

After the City of Richmond annexed the part of Chesterfield County where we lived and began busing school children from one side of town to another, my wife and I decided to move.  We began working with a realtor and put a contract on a lot in Chesterfield County with anticipation of building a new home.  Very soon there was also a contract put on the home in which we were living.  Then the problems came.  None of the lots in the subdivision would perk and so there was nowhere to build a home.  We were literally at that point between a rock and a hard place.  Our decision was to not move at that time, but we already had a contract on our house.  It was a situation completely out of our hands.  As we prayed about it the realtor went to the couple buying our house and explained the problem.  By the grace of God they were willing to back out of the contract and we were able to keep our home.

Later we did move to Chesterfield.  That however is a different story for another time. What we learned during that time is that no circumstance is bigger than God.  What appeared to be impossible, from a human perspective, worked out to the benefit of all parties.  God was the only One who could have brought about such an ending.

We-

We in the church often get ourselves into a dilemma because we do not spend enough time in prayer and waiting.  From a human perspective we often think that we have the answers for the way the church should act.  What usually happens is division and strife within the body.  God has promised to use His church to impact the world.  Unless we follow His plan the results will be less than what He wanted them to be.  Recently I have seen how decisions that once would have been made in haste are now carrying out with unity.  We have learned to wait on the Lord and make sure that the whole congregation understands and can see the benefit of the decision. 

Abram at times was an example of both camps.  When he waited on the Lord the results turned out for his benefit.  When he decided to take matters into his own hands many suffered.  We should always err on the side of making sure we are carrying out God’s purpose for the church when any issue comes before us.

God-

Genesis 15:1

It was only after the events which occurred at that point in time that God once again speaks to Abram.  Those things to which the writer would have referred would have included:

• The breaking of all ties with Lot. 
• The proclamation by Abram of the sovereignty of God in verse 22 of chapter 14.  In that verse he had “sworn to the Lord God Most High” his intentions not to owe allegiance to any man including the king of Sodom.

God then spoke to him insuring him of His protection which Abram had already experienced and would find reassuring in the future. Abram also received the promise of great reward in the future.

1. Why was it important for Abram to break ties with Lot?
2. What did Abram finally understand about his nephew?
3. Why did Abram’s remarks to the kingdom of Sodom open the door for God to once again make promises to him?
4. In what ways are these same promises available to us?

Genesis 15:2-3

In Abram’s response can be read the heartache of a man who had come to realize that all the possessions in the world would be worthless with having a descendant born to him to whom he could pass it own.  From Abram’s perspective, possibly being too old to father a child through Sarai, one of his servants would be the recipient of all his wealth.”

1. What does Abram’s response show what truly is important to him?
2. What statement made by him indicated that he had possibly lost hope in having a child?
3. What kind of opportunity did this open for God to show his faithfulness to Abram?

Genesis 15:4-5

The answer to the last question shows that God was still working in the life of Abram.  He was not only going to be the father to a son but his descendants would be so many that they could not be numbered. God was telling Abram to think beyond anything that he could imagine. Nothing was impossible for God to accomplish.

1. What was the answer to Abram’s question about having a child of his own?
2. Why did God give an answer that extended beyond just the one son?
3. What does this say about God?

Genesis 15:6

God’s declaration to Abram was the turning point for mankind.  Because of the belief of one man that God is trustworthy to carry out all that He has promised, Abram and all of his descendants who have that same faith are viewed as being in right standing with God.  Paul refers to this incident in his discussion of the Law versus Grace in Romans 3 and Galatians 3:6.  This one act of faith was declared as the door into a relationship with the Father.

1. Why was this one verse so important in the life of Abram?
2. What does it mean for us today?
3. Why was Paul able to use this verse in his discussions with the followers of Christ at Rome and in Galatia?
4. How does this verse diminish any claim of finding salvation through works?

Genesis 15:7-11

Once again God restated the promise to Abram that all the land would one day be possessed by his family. Abram asked God to validate his promise. God used a ritual that was part of that culture in ratifying a contract.  Abram would recognize the physical sign that he being asked to perform.  He did as God commanded and prepared the heifer, goat, ram, turtledove and young pigeon in the prescribed manner. To protect the sacrifice Abraham had to chase away the birds.  Often the image of birds connotes those who ravage the kingdom. 

1. Why did God have Abram prepare the animals as a confirmation of His promise?
2. Why did God not just tell Abram what He was going to do?
3. What affect did this have on the relationship between God and Abram that we read about in verse 6?

Genesis 15:12-16

Abraham falls asleep when the sun went down. The extreme darkness was a perfect setting for the words that God was about to bring to him.  Even though the descendants would eventually inherit the land that Abram had seen when God told him to look around, there was going to be a period of four hundred years when the Israelites would live in the land of Egypt.  After the four hundred years Egypt would be judged for the treatment of them.  The reason given for the delay was the fact that “iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”  When the time was fulfilled the Israelites would return after four generations each lasting one hundred years.

1. Why did God come to Abram after a deep sleep came on him?
2. Why was it necessary for the Israelites to spend time in Egypt?
3. What were the two purposes for the four hundred years?
4. How would you respond to such a vision?

Genesis 15:17-19

Into the darkness came the light of God in the form of a flaming torch.  God ratified the covenant made with Abram. Once again He spelled out the content of the agreement by telling Abram the extent of the land grant.  It extended well beyond present day Israel to include all the land from the Euphrates to the Nile River encompassing some three hundred thousand square miles of territory. He even told Abram the names of the people who would be conquered and were inhabiting the land when the Israelites returned from Egypt.

1. How did God ratify or seal the covenant with Abram?
2. What did the torch represent?
3. What was the territory that would be given to Abram’s descendants?
4. What part of that territory does the nation of Israel possess today?
5. What does it mean for the future of Israel?
6. Why must the nation not give up any of the land on which they now live?
7. What were the two things promised to Abram in this chapter?
8. Which of the two held more importance for Abram? Why?

You-

• Think about some of the things you have requested from God.  In what ways do you believe he has answered them?
• Ask yourself, is your view of God too small when asking Him to do a work on your behalf?
• Think about something you dared not ask God because you were afraid that He might actually answer you.  Then what would you do?

We-

All too often we limit ourselves in the church by thinking too small.  It is as if we are afraid that if we dream big dreams or develop a God size vision that we can only accomplish that He might actually begin to fulfill the vision. If we want to be a person or a church that truly serves the purpose for which God has called us let us not think too small but pray that God will open our eyes to all of the possibilities He has for us. 

Abram asked for a son, but God was going to give him descendants beyond number and a land in which they would live that covers more territory than they possess today. How willing are we to see what God could do with us if we just think beyond what we are capable of accomplishing on our own.  How much of this world are we going to claim for God?

Additional Notes:

BL-Genesis chapter l5 describes the covenant God makes with Abram.  Notice how God’s promises became more specific and bountiful as Abram grew in his obedience to Him, which is the way He works with all His children.  In l5:1, God promised to be Abram’s shield.  He had already protected him during the war among the Canaanite kings.  In vv. 2-5, God reiterated His promise to give Abram a son from his own body and offspring as numerous as the stars.  Verse 6, which says, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness,” is a key verse in this passage.  Abram was no
more deserving of God’s blessings than any other person.  We have already seen he was a sinful man. Here God declares him righteous.  This was grace, God’s free gift to Abram.   It is the same gift that is available to all who come to God through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Like Abram, we are all sinners and undeserving of God’s grace.  He thankfully bestows it on us when we place our faith and trust in Him.  In v. 8, Abram asked for a sign that God will keep His promises.  God commanded Abram to bring Him a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a pigeon.  Abram prepared the sacrifices and falls into a deep sleep, during which God reveals to him what the future holds for his
descendants.  God told Abram that his people will be enslaved in a foreign country for four hundred years, but then they will come out with great possessions.  This is, of course, a prophecy concerning Israel’s enslavement in Egypt, followed by the great exodus under Moses. Then God sealed the covenant between Himself and Abram by passing a smoking firepot with a blazing torch between the sacrifices, signifying that He
would keep His covenant with Abram. It was covenant that is completely one-sided, originated and kept by God.  All He asked was for Abram to trust Him.  Abram would not live to see the fulfillment of all God had shown him.  Finally, in verses 18-21, God gave Abram’s descendants all the land from the Nile to the Euphrates, a prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled in its entirety!.

GC-Abram had faced great odds in attacking the four kings who fought against Sodom and captured Lot. After his victory and receiving the blessing of Melchizedek, God appeared to him in a vision and said, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward will be great.” He was being told that he could trust in the Lord for protection, the very thing that he had already experienced. (Gen. 15:1)

E-After Abram had defeated the alliance of kings and rescued lot, God once again appeared to him.  He affirmed Abram and promised that He would reward him greatly. Abram considered all of God’s promises of little value without an heir.  God reiterated that he would indeed have a son born to him who would produce multitudes of descendents.  The true importance of this encounter with God came in Abram’s response.  The Bible says, “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned him it to him as righteousness.” This transformation has affected all of Abram’s spiritual offspring to this very day.  These powerful words still leap off the pages of Scripture to this day.  To Paul they were of the upmost importance to those who believed through faith and not by works as he expressed in Romans. (Gen. 15:1-6; Rom. 4:3, 20-22)

RT-We are all too often enslaved by lack of faith.  God is able to take our limitations and make them limitless according to His purpose.  Surely, Abraham could not envision his descendents being as many as the stars in the sky when he had not yet even seen the promised child.  Lack of faith in God’s ability to accomplish all He desires is what hinders us. (Gen. 15:5)

RT-It was at this point that Abram believed God’s promises and God now viewed or judged Abram as righteous. (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6-7)

GC-It is by his faith in God through Jesus that a man is judged, viewed, looked upon by God is righteous.  Belief in God made Abram righteous in the eyes of God.                                        (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3, 5, 9, 23; Gal. 3:6)

C-Abram believed and it was “reckoned to him as righteousness.”  A right relationship with God results in His proceeding with His plan for our lives. (Gen. 15:6)

M-Abram truly heard what the Lord said and when he believed, God judged him as righteous.  The determination to know God will bring the reality of Him into one’s life.  When man truly seeks, God will reveal Himself to that individual. (Gen. 15:6)

GC- “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”  This tremendous statement of faith would be hard to accept without a sign.  We have the privilege that Abram did not have in the death and resurrection of Jesus. (Gen. 15:6, 8)

E-To answer Abram’s concern about future, God laid out before him the events involving the four hundred years that his descendents would spend in Egypt and the subsequent return to the land promised to him. (Gen. 15:8-21)

GC-Abram had a sensitivity to recognize God, to hear him and to respond to Him even when in a country like Ur when others did not have this awareness. He:

1. Talked with God (Gen. 15:8)
2. Had dreams and saw visions (Gen. 15:13, 17)
3. Was given prophecy (Gen. 15:13-16)
4. Feared God (had awe of) God (Gen. 15:12)                                                                        (Gen. 15:8-17)

C-Abram was told about what would happen in the future to his descendents during the four hundred years that they would spend in Egypt.  There was also the promise that they would return on possess the land of Canaan. (Gen. 15:13-14, 16)

C-God established a covenant with Abram and his descendents.  He promised that the land in which Abram then lived would given permanently. (Gen. 15:18-20)

UE-It is amazing that the creator and perfect God would judge a man as righteous based only on his faith.  (Gen. 15:6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 11

Trouble in Greener Pastures

Genesis 14

Me-

Choices made for the wrong reasons do lead to problems.  There was one warning that I always gave my sons once they reached their teenage years.  I said to them over and over, “If you are out all hours of the night you are looking for trouble.”  Time after time I have read of people who have put them themselves in danger because they were out in a place where they should not have been instead of being safely at home.

Just recently I heard of two young men who were involved in a fight outside of a night club. I don’t know if they were actual participants or not, the very fact that they were at the site put them at risk.  Somehow they got pushed out into the street where they were struck by an automobile.  One was killed. The other man was seriously injured.  What happened to them was totally preventable if they had made the decision to remove themselves from a volatile and as it turns out a dangerous situation. 

We-

I have often said that there is no perfect church.  Many seem to think there is such a place only to find that no matter where they go, they find imperfect people. There is also no church that at times does not have volatile situations arise that could possibly destroy it.  Where there are people we are going to find differences of opinion and often open conflict. One of the other things that I have said is “If one keeps leaving a church because of something they do not like they will either run out of churches or stop going altogether.” 

Our desire should be to overcome those issues.  This can be done only if church decides to move in the direction of truly trying to follow God’s word.  It is a difficult thing to fight off the tactics and schemes of the devil and remain true to the teachings of Christ.  More liberal bodies do not seem to have these struggles because they have drifted away from the word into a position of anything goes.  By doing so they cannot face the issues of the world in a Christ like manner.

All of this brings us to the point of what possibly could Lot do next?  Surely, he should be a position where he could be happy and successful.  The question is, can a person like him ever find satisfaction?  How could he stay out of trouble with his unsettled spirit?

Genesis 14:1-6

The narrative begins with the forming of two coalition armies being formed. In one there were four kings.  Two of leaders were Amraphel and Chedorlaomer along with other kings of city states located east of the Jordan River. There were armies from Shinar in present day Iraq and Elam that was in what in Iran today. Their opponents were five kings from the area of the Salt Sea now called the Dead Sea. They were led by the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah. This would be same as Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico having an army that was going to fight against Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell.

For twelve years the kings of the west had paid tribute to Chedorlaomer but in the thirteenth year stopped.  When the first war mentioned in the Bible ensued the cities attacked did not include either Sodom or Gomorrah.  The territory seem to lie mostly east of the Jordan and into the land of Ham.

1. What is the difference between the armies mentioned and those who go into battle today?
2. What was the reason for the war in the first place?
3. What does this tell us about the way the city states treated each other early in their history?
4. In what ways does it surprise us that Chedorlaomer did not immediately attack Sodom and Gomorrah during the first of the battles?

Genesis 14:7-12

The second wave of attacks included among other cities the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The two armies met in the valley of Siddim. As the battle went on the army of Chedorlaomer and Amraphel defeated the army of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The two kings fled and fell in to one of the many tar pits in the area. This caused disarray among the men and the army was scattered leaving behind a good deal of booty which Amraphel and Chedorlaomer took.  Among the prisoners who were taken was Lot and all of his possessions.

1. Why did it appear that there were two separate battles?
2. What do these events say about Lot’s decision?
3. What might have been Lot’s thoughts at that point?

Genesis 14:13-16

From all indications either Abram did not know about the war or he had settled down and did not intend to get involved with the problems of others that did not concern him. Abram first heard of the news concerning his nephew by one of the people who had fled from of the people who had been dislocated by the war.  It is interesting that this is the first time the term Hebrew is used to describe Abram.  Upon hearing of Lot’s situation he took the men of his household who he had trained, numbering 318, out to rescue his nephew.  His strategy was two-fold.  He would first use the element of surprise by attacking at night.  Secondly his small army was divided. Like Gideon he probably intended to surround the enemy.  His plan worked as he was able to defeat a much larger group of men with the few he had with him.  He also achieved the goal of rescuing Lot and his possessions.

1. What would indicate that Abram had no plan to get involved in the battles taking place to the south of where he was staying?
2. What changed his mind?
3. Why would he have trained his household in the ways of wars?
4. How could he expect to defeat a larger army with so few men?
5. What did he accomplish?
6. What does this incident show about the character of Abram?
7. To what lengths will you go to rescue a family member from a difficult situation?

Genesis 14:17-20

Upon returning from the battle two men who were totally different met him.  The first was the king of Sodom.  The other was Melchizedek, king of Salem and God’s high priest.  Much is said of Melchizedek as a type of Christ both in the Psalms and Hebrews.  Reference to “a type”  by theologians means that the individual described had the characteristics and attributes of the coming Messiah.  David mentioned him in Psalm 110:4.  The writer of Hebrews used that verse to expound on Christ being a priest not according to the Old Testament, but the promised high priest who was like Melchizedek. See Hebrews chapter 7 for the writer’s interpretation of this passage.

When Melchizedek appeared on the scene he brought refreshment for Abram.  More importantly, this man of whom so little is known blessed Abram, who was to be the first patriarch of the Jewish people.  After receiving the blessing Abram gave the priest a tenth of all he had captured from Chedorlaomer.

1. What do we know of Melchizedek?
2. What qualified him to the one to bless the future patriarch of the Jewish people? See Hebrews 7:7
3. What the essence of the blessing?
4. In what ways is Melchizedek a type of Christ?  See Hebrews 7
5. Why did Abram give a tenth of all he had acquired to the priest?

Genesis 14:21-24

Not to be outdone the king of Sodom offered to let Abram keep all of the physical booty in exchange for turning all of the people over to him.  He really did not have any claims to anything since he had lost the battle to king Chedorlaomer.  He needed people to be king.  It was better to have subjects than a bunch of stuff.

Abram responded by refusing to take anything for himself.  The reason was he did not want to be beholden to such an evil man who might claim that he was the one who made Abram rich.  The only part of the booty that would not be given back to the king was what his allies had eaten and captured.  He took nothing for himself.  Notice he did not even attempt to negotiate for Lot’s release.

1. What right did the king of Sodom have to anything that Abram had obtained during the battle?
2. Why would he be willing to give up the stuff in exchange for the people who had been rescued?
3. How different was this man than Melchizedek?
4. How differently did Abram deal with him than with the priest?
5. Why did he refuse to take anything for himself?
6. What does it say about Abram that he did not even negotiate for Lot?
7.  At what point do we have to let people, even family members, fend for themselves?

You-

• Think about a situation in which you got called up in what was going on even though you were an innocent bystander.  Reflecting on what happened, how would you possibly make a different decision?
• Think of a friend who would stand by you no matter what might be occurring in your life. Give thanks for that person and ask God to bless them.
• Thank God for strangers that may have interceded for you in the past.
• Ask God that you might be the person who is willing to come to the aid of someone in trouble.

We-

Each of us has found ourselves in situations over which we have no control.  We may be so overwhelmed that we are unable to even see how the issue can be resolved.  The old saying of not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel would fit the circumstances.  We are so blessed when someone comes along side us to comfort and give moral support.  We should expect to find this kind of help from the church.  Within the body God has placed those who have the gift of mercy who are willing to step forward when there are times of crisis in a family or an individual’s life.  By doing so that person becomes a “type” of Christ to the recipient of the help.  May our church always be that kind of body of Christ to a hurting world.

(Although this lesson is a little shorter taking a look at the comparison of Melchizedek and Jesus as mentioned in Psalms and Hebrews will provide some insight.)

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter l4, war broke out among the area kings and Lot and his household were taken prisoner.  Abram responded with 318 trained men and rescued Lot’s entire household.  As Abram returned home, he was met first by the King of Sodom, and then by Melchizadek, king of Salem. Little is known about Melchizadek, but he is identified here as a king and “priest of God Most High,” and Abram accepted the bread, the wine, and the blessing that Melchizadek bestowed on him. Abram, in turn, gaves Melchizadek a tenth of everything he had won in battle in gratitude for the victory God had granted him. (Interestingly, Hebrews 7 speaks of Jesus Christ as a priest “in the order of Melchizadek,” meaning that Christ came from a special line–not through Aaron and his descendants, the Levites, whom God appointed as priests in Exodus 28–but from a superior line in which the roles of king and priest were combined.)  However, when the King of Sodom tried to give Abram some of his war booty, Abram refused to have anything to do with it!  In doing so, Abram indicated that his allegiance was to God alone and he would have nothing to do with the sinful king of Sodom. (How often do we choose to indulge in the pleasures sin offers, rather than choosing the good things of God?) 

GC-Unlike so many today, Abram did not desert his family in times of distress and crisis. (Gen. 14:14-16)

 C-Abram assumed the role of a military leader in order to rescue his nephew Lot who by this time had moved to Sodom and got caught up in a war among several kings. (Gen. 14:14-16)

M-Abram refused to be under obligation to any man and especially the leader of an evil city.  This is a clear case of not to be unequally yoked to the world. (Gen. 14:22-24)

GC-Abram understood that he was to owe no man anything.  By refusing to accept any of the spoils of the battle he would not be under obligation to anyone but God.  Make no alliances with those who are evil or accept anything from them that may affect our witness.  We are to trust God to provide our needs. (Gen. 14:23-24)

 

 

Lesson 10

Consequences of Poor Decisions

Genesis 13

Me-

 The title of this lesson represent some times in my life.  One of the most vivid examples I remember painfully is the decision to become an insurance agent.  Why I ever thought I could be successful in a professional for which I was not suitable I will probably never understand.  The major problem stemmed from my personality.  Many do not realize that I am an introvert.  Although I have gotten better at meeting people and being able to speak before groups this has not always been the case.  I, a person who did not like to even knock on doors to do trick or treating, I should have followed my heart that told me, “Don’t do this.”

 As you can imagine I was a failure.  I never got over the fear of cold calling on people I did not know or even pressing my friends and acquaintances to buy insurances policies. Mercifully for me the job ended after about a year and I began to work in a position more suited for me.  I certainly learned my lesson well and since that time have never taken a job where selling would be involved.

We-

Churches are certainly not exempt from making poor decisions.  One such choice would be in the area of leadership.  Even though both parties might think that a particular leader is a good match for the church it turns out that he/or she should never taken the position.  Division and turmoil usually result with all parties being hurt.  It is fortunate if the departure of that person does not rip the church completely apart.

This is one reason for need of unity in the body when it comes to deciding almost anything.  Without it there will be winners and losers and most likely the whole body will suffer.  All decisions should be made only after prayerful consideration takes place.  To do anything based on emotion or one’s personal criteria will certainly put him/her at odds with others. 

In today’s lesson we will see the contrast of two different individuals.  After a disastrous episode in Egypt Abram exemplifies one who has godly characteristics.  Just the opposite of Abram, Lot continually makes choices that show his world nature.

God 13:1-4

Abram left Egypt and went into the southern part of Canaan called the Negev. Along with his wife and all of his possession, Lot also accompanied him.  As a result of the generosity of the Egyptians, Abram had become a wealthy man having not only a large number of livestock but also silver and gold.  The fact that the Pharaoh sent him away unharmed physically and let him keep what he had been given should have been a strong indicator to Abram that God was truly with him.  His journey did not end in the Negev.  He returned to the place where he had built the altar between Bethel and Ai.  This would put him far removed from Egypt and its influence on his life. There at Bethel he once again gave thanks for all that God had done for him in protecting him from harm.

1. In what condition did Abram return to Canaan?
2. Why did the Pharaoh let him go with harm either physically or materially?
3. What lesson should Abram have learned from his experience?
4. Why would Abram return to place near Bethel?
5. What actions did he take upon returning to the area near Bethel and Ai?

Genesis 13:5-6

Lot was still following Abram everywhere he went.  He had gained a great deal of wealth while in Egypt.  Evidently he was treated the same as Abram while there and much livestock of his own.  This presented a dilemma when they returned to the area around Bethel and Ai.  While the land could have supported one of them it did not provide enough pasture for both.  One other factor played a part in the problem.  The land would have been more suitable for sheep which only bites the top of the grass while cows and horses actually root up the vegetation.  Added to the situation although not mentioned would have been the flocks owned by the Canaanites.  This all occurred because Abram took matters into his own hands to avoid the famine and disobeyed God by leaving Canaan and going into Egypt  

1. Why did Lot continue to go along with Abram?
2. How did Lot acquire his wealth?
3. What kind of problems did the combined wealth cause upon their return into Canaan?
4. In what ways could this whole situation been avoided?

Genesis 13:7

The tipping point came as the herdsman of Lot and Abraham began to have a dispute over the available grazing land. It is interesting to note the author mentioned the existence of the Perizzites and Canaanites were living in the land also.  What a testimony to God was on display by the actions of those who belonged to Abram and Lot?

1. What was the problem that arose between those who belong to the two kinsmenWhy did Moses mention the Perizzites and Canaanites at that point in the narrative?
2. How do the actions of seemingly godly men affect those around them?
3. How do the actions of the church affect its witness to the unchurched?

 

 Genesis 13:8-9

It was Abram who came up with a solution to the problem.  He first established that there should be peace between all parties.  After voicing what the end results should be he offered Lot the first choice of the land into which one of the other would go.  It did not make a difference to Abram where he ended up.  God had promised him that the land would one day be his.  Of course this was not the motive for his decision.  In a way he was offering to Lot the opportunity to be satisfied with his lot in life.

1. Why was it important for there to be harmony between Lot and himself?
2. What does the offer show about the character of Abram?
3. What was he truly trying to achieve by giving Lot the opportunity to pick the land he desired?
4. In what ways have you acted like Abram in situations involving conflict?
5. How do the actions of Abram exemplify a Christ like attitude?

Genesis 13:10-11

Given the opportunity, Lot chose what appeared to be the best of the land for providing for his livestock.  The valley of the Jordan was described

• Well watered
• Like the garden of Eden
• Like the fertile land of parts of Egypt

Lot separated himself and travelled eastward away from the Promised Land and spiritually speaking further away from God and the godly influence of his uncle, Abram.  It will be seen shortly the consequences of Lot’s decision.

1. What does the choice Lot made say about him?
2. What was the appeal of the Jordan valley?
3. How does his decision fit the old saying about the grass appearing to be greener on the other side of the fence?
4. What happens all too often when you get to the greener grass?
5. How does it appear that he was taking his future in his own hand?
6. In what ways have we been fooled by what appear to be a golden opportunity?
7. In what ways can devil use the attitude of Lot and deceive church members?

Genesis 13:12-13

While Lot travelled east, Abram stayed put in the land of Canaan.  At that point he had learned his lesson well and settled down where God had told him to stay.  He was ready to wait on God for the next step in his life.  Moses indicated that Lot moved very close to Sodom.  That city was described as being populated by men who, “were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord.”  Lot made a fatal mistake.  Like so many people he thought that he could live in the suburbs of a wicked place and not be affected by all that was occurring there.  Christians today try to flirt with sin thinking they are strong enough on their own not to be caught up in the web of deceit that satan is spinning.

1. What is the contrast between the life of Abram and Lot?
2. What was the danger for Lot in moving so close to Sodom?
3. How does flirting with sin affect the believer and unbeliever alike?
4. What are the indications of what we have already seen that Lot would either be able to remain strong in the faith or succumb to the lure of the sinful world of Sodom?
5. What do you think of the words concerning what Abram decided to do?

Genesis 13:14-18

Abram had finally obeyed God’s command to separate himself from all of his family. Now that Lot had left and the last roadblock to the following the commands of God had been removed, God once again appeared to Abram and reaffirmed the promises made to him at the beginning while he was in Haran.  They included:

• All the land he could see in every direction from his vantage point.  This would include the land into which Lot had travelled.  What Lot thought would be his possession would eventually come under the ownership of Abram’s descendants.
• A family that would grow so large that his descendants would be as the dust of the earth.  Remember this promise was made before Abram had even the first child.

God then told Abram to take a trip around all the land that was promised to him.  Abram then moved from near Bethel to the “oaks of Mamre” located in Hebron.  Once again Abram built an altar to the Lord.

1. Why did God wait until after Lot had left to once again appear to Abram?
2. In what way did Abram finally obey God to open the door for more conversation?
3. What was different about the promises than what Abram had first heard?
4. What did the land grant include?
5. What it did take on Abram’s part to believe that everything God said would happen? Why?
6. What was the significance of the building of an altar after Abram had relocated to Hebron?

You-

• Think about the consequences of a time when you were caught up in a grass is greener situation.  What were the results?
• Pray that God will give you the patience to wait on Him before taking action.
• Pray that you will have the kind of wisdom that will not give the world an opportunity to criticize the church.
• Do not think more highly of yourself but be willing to put others before yourself.

We- 

We in the church should look forward to what God wants to do with us.  The lessons that we have learned from the past should help us to become the kind of people that will be a good witness to the world around us.  Abram exemplifies for us the transformation that can take place when we learn to wait on the Lord for direction. God has promised that His family will grow if we are faithful to obey His commands.  Only through His Spirit can the church grow to become as many as the dust on the earth.

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 13, Abram and company headed north to the Negev.  Here, the grazing was not sufficient to support both Abram’s and Lot’s herds, so Abram proposed that he and Lot part company.  Lot, who was given first choice of land, took the fertile Jordanian plain.  He pitched his tents near Sodom, a city well known for its wickedness, thereby choosing to move away from a man of God and live near godless ones. (How careful are you and I about the company WE choose to keep?  Abram remained in Canaan, and once Lot had departed, God once again spoke of His promise to bless Abram in vv. 14-17.  How often do we promise to serve God while still holding onto our ‘Lots’–our past sins, our treasured possessions and bad habits?”  Only with the departure of the last family member was God able to bless him. Is there anything standing between us and God that WE need to leave behind in order to know the full measure of His blessings?

M-“Abram called on the name of the Lord.”  There may be more than one reason that he would have called out to God.  It was first of all from an attitude of thanksgiving for the many blessings he had received.  Thankfulness for a safe trip may have been in order. He may have been seeking of forgiveness for his lack of faith.  Whatever the purpose, we see a man who seeks God’s direction for his life. (Gen. 13:4)

C-Abram finally separated himself from Lot.  This completed the command that God had given to Abram to leave his relatives.  After Lot had gone his way then the Lord once again promised Abram the land which would be a permanent possession of his descendents forever. (Gen. 13:5-15)

GC-One of the beatitudes tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  How did Abram exemplify what Jesus was expressing in this beatitude? (Gen. 13:8; Ps. 120:7; Matt. 5:9)

GC-Man is always to consult God before making a decision.  What might seem good for the moment may have long-term devastating consequences. (Gen. 13:10; 16:2)

M-In Lot we see a type of all the men who are seeking the greener pastures, the better life and success according to the world’s standards.  On the other hand there was Abram who was willing to trust in God for his provision and to be right in the center of God’s purpose for his life.  Men of evil practices will congregate in those places that are like a counterfeit garden of Eden.  God said to Abram, “All the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendents forever.” (Gen. 13:10-15)

WM-Although God had promised to make Abram into a great nation he by his actions showed that he some reservations that the word of God was true. (Gen. 13:10-13)

WM-Goodness was non-existent in the city of Sodom where Lot chose to live.           (Gen. 13:12; 18:20)

WM-Unlike Paul, Lot did not have contentment.  He always was looking for the greener pasture.  The insatiable appetite for what he did not have eventually led to him losing all that he had except for his two daughters. (Gen. 13:10-11)  

DM-Lot chose to go to the land that seemed well suited for his herds and flocks.  It was a land with plenty of water and as the Scripture say, “like the garden of the Lord.” That choice eventually landed Lot in the city of Sodom. (Gen. 13:10, 12)

RT-Unlike Lot in obedience to the Lord Abram remained in Canaan the place that God promised to give him and his descendents. (Gen. 13:12)

RT-Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the promise land.  He could have kept his eyes focused on his immediate surroundings and the circumstances that had brought him to this point.  With the departure of Lot he may have had second thoughts about the decision to go their separate ways.  God said, look to Me, I have much more for you.  Just look around as far as you can see at the land that is to be yours. If that is not enough you have My promise that cannot be broken, to make you into a great nation.  That should be enough for anyone.  Walk in the land and travel with Me and we will make the journey together until the final promise land belongs to those of like faith. (Gen. 13:14-17)

UE-God will not do in and through us those things He wants to accomplish as long as we insist on doing things our own way.  It was only after Lot departed that God renewed the promise He had made to Abram. (Gen. 13:14-16)

E-It took the departure of Lot for God to once again come to Abram and issue His promise to him.  Abram was given two commands:

1. He was to look in every direction
2. He was to walk the land.

God commanded him to do so in order that he might have a true perspective of the scope of God’s promises to him.  What He showed Abram enabled him to accept the covenant as a real possibility of having many descendents which at this point had to be accepted by faith alone since he had no children at that time.  After Abram had done all God instructed him to do he then settled by the oaks of Mamre and built an altar.               (Gen. 13:14-18)

RT-If we think that we can get up close to sinful activities and think that we will not be sullied by that association we underestimate the power they have on our lives.  This leads to the question, what was Lot’s first mistake? (Gen. 13:12-13)

RT-It is interesting that the place Lot claimed as his own because it seemed to be the best land.  That parcel of land would one day be inherited by Abram’s descendents.              (Gen. 13:14-17)

M-The care that a man has for his family is motivation enough for him to protect them against the enemies that they face.  He becomes disturbed when situations or people try to hold his family captive.  He will go to any lengths to free them. (Gen. 14:14-16)

GC-Faithfulness leads to a blessing from God. (Gen.13:14-17)

 

Lesson 9

First Steps into the Promised Land

Genesis 12

Me

My whole life has been about first steps.  Each new stage in life has brought about the need to step out in faith into the unknown.  There is one event that has stuck in my mind all of these years.  Although it is about my son it pleased me that he had accomplished something new. When he was learning to walk each phase was an adventure for him and for us.  For a number of weeks we would hold on the straps of his clothing to give him the confidence to walk.  One day we returned home from an errand and put him down.  Rather than holding on to him that time I just released my grip on the straps and he took off walking on his own.  He walked around and around the house evidently enjoying his new found freedom.  The key for him and for me in all of the different situations in which I have found myself is the confidence/faith to make the first move to take the initial step.  Without doing it I would never have accomplished anything in my life. 

We-

Sometimes we in the church become too timid to strike out on a new adventure.  There is a word and phrase that describes this mindset.  The word is tradition and the phrase is “We have always done it this way.”  That for any person or organization is the most paralyzing attitude that one can have.  To strike out on a new path where we have never travelled is called determining God’s vision. This is followed up by then putting into place the pieces that will allow us to accomplish what He has called us to be.  It can be an exciting and challenging adventure for any church but the rewards will be great because we know we are carrying out God’s purpose where he has allowed us to serve.

Over the next several lessons we will walk with someone who was willing to take that first faltering step of faith.  We will learn that life is a process and we do not arrive at the doorstep of the future as the complete package.  Abraham was just like us.  He had to learn by travelling the road of life and finding out what worked and what did not as he tried to please God.

God-

Genesis 12:1-3

As was seen at the end of chapter 11 Abram had begun to respond to the call of God on his life.  He and his family had made it as far as Haran in present day Syria called Aram in the Bible. After his father, Terah, died, God began to deal specifically with Abram. There is no way of knowing how he began to hear the voice of God.  It is obvious that it made such a strong impact that he was willing to step out on faith and begin the journey to which he was being called to take.

Whether referencing Ur of the Chaldeans or Haran the message was the same.  Abram was to obey God’s command in four ways. He was to:

• Go forth from his country
• Leave his relatives behind
• Leave his father’s house
• Go to a land that God was going to point out to him.

God was calling Abram to break all ties with the past.  Those commands were a great deal to ask of anyone especially when at that point in the conversation there seemed to be no purpose other than arriving in a place that God wants him to be.

God was sending him to a place that in truth was no better than the one who he had been told to leave.  Remember, that Canaan was inhabited by the ungodly descendants of Ham. The thing not mentioned at that point was that both Ur and Haran were both pagan societies.

1. What one event freed Abram to hear God’s command?
2. Why did God command Abram to leave home and family and go to a country totally foreign to him?
3. What kind of faith would it take to get you to do the same?

Genesis 12:2-3

God was not finished with the things he had to share with Abram.  First, He gave the command and the conditions under which he was to make the journey. Secondly, God laid out for him the benefits to following His instructions.  The results of Abram’s obedience were two fold, each of them having three individual characteristics.  The first was:

• Abram would be the father of a great nation.
• He would receive God’s blessing.
• He would become a man of great renown. This was completely opposite of what took place at Babel.  There the men attempted to exalt themselves.  Here God was the One bestowing the honor and prestige that would come to Abram.

Following those God said:

• Those who blessed Abram would also be blessed.
• Just the opposite would happen to those who cursed him.
• In him all of the families from that point on would be blessed.

 

1. How would Abram benefit from being obedient to God?
2. In what ways did Abram desire what God was going to do in his life?
3. In what ways would these things appear to out of reach for him at that point in his life?
4. What was the difference between the hearts of the men at the tower of Babel and that of Abram?
5. What did the men at the tower fail to understand that was opposite of what was going to happen to Abram?
6. How does Matthew 23:12 relate to the two incidences mentioned above?

Genesis 12:4-6

Abram partially obeyed God.  He took his nephew, Lot, along when he left Haran and made his way into Canaan.  He began his journey at the age of seventy-five.  Along with Sarai, Lot is mentioned again. Evidently the stay in Haran had been good for Abram because he had acquired not only physical possessions but also a number of people to serve him and his needs.

His initial travels took him into the heart of Canaan.  He set up camp at Shechem which would later play role in the life of his grandson, Jacob.  The Bible emphasized that the Canaanites were in living in that area at the time of Abram’s arrival.

1. How did Abram only partially obey God?
2. In what way can it be said that obeying God in part is not truly obeying him?
3. What blessings could he expect to receive because of his actions?
4. Why did Abram insist on taking Lot with him?
5. In what ways would that trip not present much of a challenge to Abram?
6. How might we compare his actions to that of the “Rich Young Ruler, found in Luke 18:18-28?
7. How do our possessions and relationships sometimes hinder us?

Genesis 12:7

God only made one promise to Abram at the point in which he arrived at Shechem.  He promised that the land where he was would be given to him as a possession. Evidently this was enough for a man who was a nomad.  He would have a place where he could settle down and raise a family and take care of his business.  Because of the words of God he built an altar there out of gratitude for God’s promise.

1. Why did God not repeat all of the things promised at the beginning of this chapter?
2. Why could God only promise him a place to call his own at that point?
3. What was holding him back from receiving the whole blessing of God?
4. In what ways did Abram hinder himself from receiving all that God promised?
5. How is the altar a picture of the short sightedness of Abram?
6. What are some of the ways we limit ourselves in our relationship with God?

Genesis 12:8-9

For whatever reason, Abram decided not to stay in Shechem to move on to Bethel which was close to Ai.  These two cities would also play an important role in the life of Jacob and the Israelites later on.  Bethel means the house of God and Ai means a heap of ruins.  How prophetic are the names of these two cities. At Bethel Abram built another altar to worship God.  It is not known how long he stayed there but once again he found himself on the move going further south into the part of the land known as the Negev. 

1. What would be a reason Abram would keep moving?
2. What was he trying to find?
3. What does it show about him with the repeated actions of building an altar?
4. In what ways do we show a restless spirit in our walk with the Lord?
5. How much did Abram’s past play in his constant need to move?

Genesis 12:10

Difficulty came into the life of Abram in the form of a famine where he was living in the Negev. Notice he had moved closer and closer to Egypt.  He now left the land of Canaan and went into Egypt because of the severity of the famine. In may seem strange, but God may have allowed the famine to test Abram.  He had already promised him the land but Abram did not seem to find any satisfaction in that fact, but kept moving from place to place.  One of the resources I used said that the enticement of Egypt was strong on Abram.  The famine only provided the excuse to actually go there.  His action showed a lack of obedience.  God had told him to go to the land that He would show him and no further.

1. What was the difficulty that came into Abram’s life?
2. How would a famine be especially devastating for someone like Abram?
3. How did his desire to go to Egypt show that he was a man of small faith at that time?
4. What could he expect to find in Egypt?
5. What are our Egypt’s that hold a special allure in our own lives?

Genesis 12:11-13

If it was bad enough that Abram decided to go into Egypt he compounded his error by asking Sarai to state that she was his sister. In actuality she was his half sister so she was not being asked to tell a lie.  He, however, was using his wife for his own self preservation. The reason for this request was because Abram feared that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take his wife from him. How quickly he had forgotten that God had promised to make him the father of a great nation.  God would not have made that statement to him if He intended for Abram to die.  Abram should never have gone into Egypt in the first place.

1. What were the errors that Abram committed as he planned to go into Egypt?
2. What does it show about the character of Abram at that point?
3. Why did his actions show that his faith was not strong?
4. What good could come out of such deception?
5. What are some of the ways that we use people for our own benefit?

Genesis 12:14-16

Sure enough when Abram and his family went into Egypt those who saw Sarai were very impressed with the beauty of a woman who was over sixty-five years old.  They passed the information on to the Pharaoh.  He took her into his house. 

Because of his wife, Abram was treated very well because of the way the Egyptians regarded her.  His wealth increased as the Egyptians gave him sheep, oxen, donkeys, servants and camels. Everything seemed to be going better than Abram could have dreamed.

1. What happened to Sarai?
2. Why was she willing to do what Abram asked?
3. What do you think of Abram’s treatment of her?
4. How did he fair while in Egypt?
5. How long do you think that Abram would have stayed there under the conditions that existed for him?

Genesis 12:17-20

God had other plans for Abram and Sarai. He brought plagues to bear on Pharaoh’s house. Even though Abram seemed to hold his wife in low esteem, God protected her from having relations with the Egyptians. 

When the plagues came upon the Pharaoh and his house he somehow discovered the truth about Sarai and called for Abram to explain.  Pharaoh put all the blame on Abram asking him:

• What have you done to me?
• Why did he hide the fact that she was his wife from him?
• Why did he tell him that she was his sister?

There is no record of whether Abram was allowed to make a defense.  In this case discretion was definitely called for because he had none other than self-preservation.

Fortunately for Abram, Pharaoh gave Sarai back to him.  He then commanded him to leave.  To make sure that he was gone from the land, Pharaoh had his men escort him away.  He was allowed to keep all that Pharaoh and the people had given him even though he had acquired by deception.

1. Why did God bring the plagues on Pharaoh and his house?
2. Why was Abram not punished?
3. How did Pharaoh discern what was going on?
4. Why did Pharaoh want Abram and his family out of Egypt?

You-

• Think back to the time when you first became a Christian.  How have you changed in the years since that event?
• Consider the things in your life that may hold you back from taking risks for Christ.
• Pray that as God gives you guidance you will be obedient and not stray away like Abram did.
• Ask yourself, “Are the things that you have acquired in this life keeping you from trusting God for all of my needs?”

We-

We need to remember that we are a work in progress.  As Paul said in Romans, “The good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Romans 7:19)  We are all going to walk through this life stumbling at times.  The more we put our trust in the Father the fewer times that we will fall. 

Our lives are to be such that we take God at His word. Abram forgot the promises of God and caused problems for his family and himself.  Surely if God has promised something to us He will never go back on what He has said.  We pray that we will continually open our hearts to hear and be obedient to what He desires for us.  When we go off the path He has established we know that He will not allow us to remain there but will discipline us for our own good.

Additional Notes:

UE-God selected one man out all the people in the world to bless and through whom blessing would ultimately to every generation.  He did that when he chose Abraham and sent him on an adventure of a lifetime with only a promise of what was to come.           (Gen. 12:1-4)

WM-Abram heard only part of God’s explicit instructions to him.  He was told to leave.         

1. Country
2. Relatives
3. Father’s house

So what did Abram do after hearing the command of God?  He took his nephew Lot with him.  In essence he negated the opportunity for receiving the blessing God wanted to give him because of his disobedience. (Gen. 12:1-5)

M-It is difficult enough to proceed with our lives when we know what to expect and everything is clearly mapped out for us.  Consider what God asked Abraham to do. “Go forth from your country and from your relatives.”  Then came what made it more difficult.  He made specific promises to be fulfilled at some future time and place.  This meant that Abraham had to put his entire future in the hands of God.  Whether the promises He made were to actually occur depended on his obedience to the initial command he received.  God told him, “Go forth to the land which I show you;” The promises that He made to Abraham, which were repeated multiple times, were:

1. I will bless you
2. Make your name great
3. You will be a blessing

God would go even further in His relationship by telling Abraham that He would:

1. Bless those who bless you
2. Curse those who curse you
3. In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

(Gen. 12:2-3)

 DM-There were certain events in Abraham’s life which were important in his relation- ship with the Father and the future plans God had for him.  One of these was the stepping out in faith to leave all with which he was familiar.  Although critical this action was the one which truly defined him as a man of God.  A part of this calling was the natural curiosity of man for what lies ahead and his adventurous nature.                                      (Gen. 12:1-4; Acts 7:3-4; Heb. 11)

E-The calling out of Abraham was one of only a few instances in the first part of Genesis that was a positive encounter that man had with God.  Many of the previous incidents resulted in judgment, Adam and Eve’s sin and subsequent exile; Cain’s punishment; the destruction of all mankind except Noah and his family in the flood and the dispersion of the people from the tower of Babel.  Here we see God speaking to Abram and commanding him to leave his home and people and travel to a land in which he will be blessed.  This seemed to be the pattern that God used when he approached man and man then experiences God.  He then calls man to a task, to serve him and to be totally committed to Him.  In this case Abram would not receive the blessing if he remained where he was. God was very specific.  Leave homeland and family then the blessing would come. (Gen. 12:1-4)

Abraham

Was 75 years old when he left Ur.  Although God made the promise that the land of Canaan would be given to him, he never received the inheritance.  In his lifetime he was tested and faithful:

1. In leaving Ur of Chaldees to follow God’s direction
2. In maturing to the point in his life when he could trust for protection and not lie to protect himself.
3. In his walk with the Father, when he would no longer take the situation in his own hands as he did to ensure that he would have a male heir by fathering Ishmael.
4. In growing until to serve God was the most important thing in his life even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.
5. Confident in his relationship with the Father. 
6. In his sense of justice
7. In being a compassionate man                                                                                                  (Gen. 12:1-25:7)

DM-Starts and stumbles characterized Abram’s progress towards truly becoming the man of God through whom the covenant would be realized.

1. God had said to leave all on his journey, but he took lot with him. (Gen. 12:5)
2. Abram’s deception in Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20)
3. Tentative faith (Gen. 15:6)
4. Birth of Ishmael (Hagar was an Egyptian) (Gen. 16)
5. Deception in Gerar (Gen 20:2-13)

C-The first move that Abram made was with his father from Ur to Haran.  Along with Abram and Sarai, Terah took Lot.  Terah died in Haran. (Gen. 11:4-6)

GC-A Christian is willing to follow God’s leading even if it mean leaving the comfortable and familiar. (Gen. 12:1)

GC-For a man to take the step that Abram did he must believe the promises of God.  (Gen. 12:1-4)

C-It was in Haran that Abram was given the command to leave his country and relatives.  He accomplished part of it.  He did leave Haran but he also took Lot with him.  At this point in his life he was unable to put his past completely behind him.  To have obeyed God at this time would have brought the blessings He had for him earlier than he actually experienced them. (Gen. 12:1-4)

RT-Although he would never see it, Abraham was given a tremendous responsibility when God called him to be the father of a great nation.  One could say what’s the big deal?  Abraham’s life story is very important.  We must remember that he was called to be faithful to God’s purpose for 110 years.  He was first heard the voice of God at the age of 75 and did not have even have the son of promise until he was 100.  For many the wait of 25 years or even a month is too much to ask.  (Gen. 12:1-4)

GC-Sometimes God directs us to leave those people and things we hold dear.  It may be the ones who love us the most may be the very ones who stifle, muffle or block the blessings that God has for us.  When that situation exists we must do as God commands and go to a spiritual country where He is able to fulfill His promises to us.                     (Gen. 12:3)

RT-Family provided for Abram the security that hindered him from having total dependence on God. (Gen. 12:3)

C-We each carry too much baggage with us to say that we are actually able to move forward with our lives unencumbered.  Just look at what Abram took with him as he made the journey into Canaan:

1. Lot
2. Sarai
3. Possessions accumulated in Haran
4. Also persons acquired there

Abram had not really left anything behind.  He brought all of his worldly possessions with him.  How can God truly bless one who holds on to that which is less than God wants to do for him. (Gen. 12:4-5)

RT-In the early years of his journey the vision God gave to Abram did not result in a consuming passion to serve God.  He had chosen Abram and set him on a course that would eventually establish him as the father of a new nation.  There were a number of instances where Abram failed because he did not fully understand what God was sharing with him.  Sometimes the words did not fit into what was happening to him at the time.

C-During his first years in Canaan Abram was moving constantly from one location to another.  This was precipitated by the need for pasture land for the animals he had brought with him.  There was even an ill fated side trip down into Egypt during a famine in the land of Canaan. The additional livestock he acquired there in Egypt set up the conflict with Lot. (Gen. 12:6-10; 13:1-3, 18)

GC-Worship and thanksgiving are due God. (Gen. 12:7; 26:24)

RT-The Canaanites and Perizzites were in the land and probably saw the conflict between Abram and Lot’s servants. (Gen. 12:7)

M-What was Abram’s response to the promises that were at this point in his life just that promises?  Was his faith strong enough?  Was he motivated enough to follow God’s leading?  The answer comes in verse 4.  There it says, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him.” Did he have an illusion that the trip would be easy?  The answer of course is no.  For Abram the one thing that would cause him to proceed was his faith in God.  Later events would show that this faith was not complete, but there would come a time when he would believe that He would not fail him. Part of this process included words of assurance from God.  He told Abram, “To your descendents I will give this land. (Gen. 12:7)

M-Abram responded by building an altar to the Lord. (Gen. 12:7, 8; 13:18)

M-Abraham understood from whom his blessing had come and “called upon the name of the Lord.” (Gen. 12:8)

M-It was as a result of God’s promises and leading that Abram came into the land God was to give him.  Out of the thankfulness of his heart, he built the altar.  This act would never have occurred without God’s word and Abram’s understanding that the message was for him.  When we spend time doing all of the other activities that take up so much time on Sunday morning is there truly time to hear the words that may be just for us.  These may be the sounding call to move into unknown lands and there to build the altar out of the gratitude of our hearts to the One who has given us His word. (Gen. 12:8)

M-More than once Abraham showed self-preservation is a strong drive.                      (Gen. 12:10-12; 20: 2, 11)

GC-Early in his travels Abram began to call on the name of the Lord.  This set a pattern that he would follow his whole life. (Gen. 12:8; 13:4; Ps. 140:6; Lam. 3:55)

UE-God intervened in Abram’s first misadventure into Egypt.  He protected Sarah form being used by the Egyptians.  While Abram only seemed to be concerned about his own well being, God had a greater purpose in preserving all mankind. (Gen. 12:11-20)

GC-Even though the command not to bear false witness had not been given at the time of Abram he certainly would have guilty of breaking it as he traveled to Egypt and later to Gerar.                                                                                                                             (Gen. 12:13; Prov. 10:18; 12:17, 22; 13:15; 14:5; 17:7; 19:5, 9; 21:6, 28; 24:28: 25:18)

GC-How do we view what Abram did to Sarai? In what way do you think that he was using her for his own benefit?  What does this show about Abram? One of the things that we are admonished to do is to never use other people. (Gen. 12:12, 16)

RT-Other than one terse statement in 12:7 God was silent because Abram had been disobedient to God’s command to leave everything behind that tied him to the place of his origin.  Abram did not hear from God while in Egypt for he was not suppose to go there.  After returning from Egypt, God only began to speak with him when Lot finally departed from him. (Gen. 12 and 13)

 

Lesson 8

The Beginning of the Nations

Genesis 10 and 11

Me-

One of the things I enjoy doing, especially in the winter time, is to work jigsaw puzzles.  I especially like the ones with a thousand pieces which provide just enough challenge.  Recently I tried to work one which became an exercise in futility and frustration.  Not only was there a lot of the same color but also many of the pieces were almost identical in size and shape.  In fact the box top which shows what the puzzle should look like as a finished product did not help.  It became an almost impossible task to complete, so I gave up on it.

The only thing more frustrating than the above mentioned one is to work at putting a puzzle together only to find that there is a piece missing.  Usually it can be found on the floor or in a chair but occasionally it cannot be found at all.  Without it the picture is complete and the enjoyment I expected to get from accomplishing is gone.

My life has been somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle. I know that God has had a plan and purpose for me.  Sometimes because of my actions there seems to be a piece or pieces missing.  It is only when I follow through on what He has given me to do is there the joy of accomplishment.  Thankfully He sees each of our lives as just one piece but as a part of the whole.  He views us as a completed picture through His Son.

We

What I have described is not limited to individuals.  Organizations have to look at the box top to see the purpose for which He has brought it into being.  The picture represents the vision that God has for each church.  In order to fulfill the vision we have to approach it from the standpoint of what God wants to accomplish.  Once we know that then all of the pieces can be brought together to complete the picture.  There cannot be extra ones and for sure if one is missing.  Lacking one part of the whole makes what we hope to accomplish incomplete.

In chapter 10 and 11 we will begin to see God’s plan, His vision, for mankind.  Before the seed of Eve could come to defeat the devil the world had to be made ready for His appearance.  Most of us like to skip the genealogies because to us it is just a list of names.  To God each one of the people mentioned served a purpose His overall plan. 

Genesis 10:1

God was about to do something.  He was going to bring about through the sons the fulfillment of His plan to multiply and fill the earth.  Every person is a descendant of one of those three men.  Here the names are given in the order of their birth.

Genesis 10:2-5

Moses begins with the family of Japheth the youngest son.  It is interesting to note that in the genealogical lists the elected family comes last.  In this case it would be Shem.  Each of the sons was the forefather of distinct people groups or nations.  Gomer who many believe was the founder of the Germanic people and Magog who was the founder of Russia are later mentioned in Ezekiel as enemies of Israel.  It is agreed that these along with the others mentioned started the nations of Europe and parts of Asia.  The dispersion of the peoples had begun. Each would have its own language. Because of the location of these nations interaction with the nation of Israel would not occur until much later in its history. For a more definitive breakdown of the nations begun by each of the sons “Exploring Genesis” by John Phillips would be one source to use.

1. Why does the Bible give us so much detail about the families of the three sons of Noah?  
2. How do these verses show that the command of God to fill the earth was being carried out?
3. Why is it important to us where each of the families settled?
4. Why was Japheth the youngest listed first?

Genesis 10:6-7

Next in order were the families of Ham.  For the most part they settled in what is now called the Middle East and the nations of northern Africa.  He had four sons Cush Mizraim, Phut and Canaan.

Genesis 10:8-12

Cush after having other sons had Nimrod.  Nimrod played an important role during that period of time.  He is described a “mighty one on the earth.”  Further Moses said, “He was a mighty hunter before the Lord.”  The word “before” might be translated against.  He became powerful enough that he was able to establish several cities including Babel, later Babylon, and Nineveh, the future capital of Assyria.  The anti-god sentiment of Nimrod can be seen in the naming one of the cities Babel.  Babel means, “the gate of the god.”  Eventually Babel (Babylon) would become one of the most powerful nations on earth under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar.

1. Why did Nimrod play an important role in the history of the people at that time in history?
2. What does it mean that he was a mighty hunter against God?
3. What would the naming of the city, Babel signify?
4. Why would an anti-God sentiment develop among the people?
5. What did they desire?

Genesis 10:13-14

Mizraim and his family founded Egypt.  This fact is important because the nation of Egypt eventually would give rise to the Philistines who came from the family of Casluhim.

1. What is the significance of the founding of Egypt?
2. Why did Moses mention the Philistines at this point?

Genesis 10:15-20

Aside from Egypt and the Philistines the descendants of Canaan, the grandson of Noah, would have the greatest interaction with Israel in the future.  The list is a who’s who of the enemies of the nation of Israel and inhabited the land that eventually became the Promised Land to be given to the Jews by God.

1. Why would the nations mentioned in these verses be of special interest to us?
2. Which of the different people groups would present the greatest challenges for Israel?
3. Out of all of them which controlled the land that in the future would become the home of the Israelites?
4. Why did Moses go into such great detail about the descendants of Ham?

Genesis 10:21

Moses finally gets to the family of Shem.  Notice that he jumps two generations and mentions Eber through whom the chosen people would come. As mentioned above it was the practice to list the family of the elect of God until the end.

1. Why did Moses leave the family of Shem to end of talking about Noah’s descendants?
2. Why did he refer to Eber who would have been Shem’s great grandson?
3. In what order do we generally talk about our children and grandchildren?
4. Why do we speak of them in that way?
5. When would the situation be different for you?

Genesis 10:22-25

None of the sons of Shem would live in what is now called Israel permanent until the time following the death of Moses. They travelled to places like Assyria, east of Babylon, Arabia, and Mesopotamia.  Throughout the listing of the descendants there are certain names about which more will be written.  Arpachshad (Arphaxad in some translations), Shealah, Eber (who became the father of Peleg.  It was during the lifetime of Peleg whose name means division, that the incident at the tower of Babel occurred. 

1. If the nation of Israel was to come from Shem why do we find them scattered in many other places like Assyria, Arabia and Yemen?
2. Why did Moses not continue with the descendants of Peleg?
3. What important event occurred during the lifetime of Peleg?

Genesis 10:26-31

In this chapter the genealogy of Peleg stops but that of his brother Joktan is given in more detail. Joktan is thought to be the father of the Arabians. Of his sons the only exception to those who lived in Arabia was Almodad who possibly founded Yemen.

1. Why are we given more detail about Joktan’s family than that of Peleg?
2. Where did the family of Joktan go as they were dispersed?

 Genesis 10:32 

With the naming of Shem’s descendants the completion of the dispersion of Noah’s family was complete.  Each of them founded different nations.  One of the criteria that described the separation was the differences in language each spoke.  All of these events described in this chapter were written by Moses from the perspective of almost one thousand years.  The language factor is expressed in verse 5, 20 and 31. 

1. Why was it necessary for the people to be separated?
2. What probably would have happened if all the people had been allowed to stay together?
3. What do we see around us when a location becomes overcrowded? 

Genesis 11:1-2

Moses returned to the time before the world was divided among the different people groups to explain how Genesis 10:6, 20, 31-32 occurred.  At that point in time all the people were together but they then began moving out from one location to populate the whole world.  Evidently, many of them migrated to the east went into the land of Shinar (present day Iraq) and settled there. 

1. Why did Moses return to the time when the world was not yet divided as he continued his narrative?
2. Which of the tribes would be the subject of the migration?
3. What is important about the land of Shinar?

Genesis 11:3-4

In contrast to the permanence of God’s kingdom, this new world order man’s attempt to make a name and place for himself would be made from that which cannot last.  All one has to do is look around to see the crumbling remains of societies long past to realize that what they were trying to do was an act of folly.  Notice each time they spoke of what they were going to do it was always with the words, “Let us.”  God was not going to be part of their plan.  Their attempt to make themselves the center of the world included three ideas:

• The first was to build a city for themselves. They desired to have a political social structure in place to guide their lives.
• Secondly and the one which reflected the humanistic philosophy was to build a tower.  This was to become the emblem of self worship.   
• Lastly they wanted to make a name for themselves.

The words which spoke of the tower suggested not that they expected that they could actually achieve the building of a tower all the way to heaven, but that the top would be the signs of the Zodiac.  It is the first mention of a false religion dominated the lives of man.

1. What is the symbolism of the materials that were used to build the city?
2. What was the reason they desired to build a city?
3. What did the tower mean to them?
4. Why is it so important for man to make a name for himself?
5. What do all these things say about man’s attitude toward God?

Genesis 11:5

Let be said that God did not have to have down physically.  Moses was speaking about God’s involvement in the affairs of man.  Inherent in the description of the tower there is the limited capability of man. The tower did not reach to heaven as has been mentioned previously.  God let the people complete what they desired to build before He intervened.

1. What does it mean that God came down?
2. What does the description tell us about the limitations of man?
3. Why did God wait until the project was complete?

Genesis 11:6

The common factor identified by God that allowed man to accomplish what they had done was that all of them spoke the same language. When He spoke to the God head it was not so much that man could actually accomplish because he cannot.  It was about an attitude that completely excluded God to his own detriment.

1. What was the common factor in God’s view?
2. Why did God say that man would be able to accomplish everything that came to his mind?
3. How would that attitude be harmful to mankind?

Genesis 11:7-9

God dealt with the issue by taking away the means that the people had of communicating with each other.  No longer could they coordinate the activities involved in building the city.  Since there was no longer a commonality the people separated themselves and were scattered by God over the entire earth. 

1. How did God deal with the situation?
2. In what ways was this a benevolent act on His part?
3. What does this tell us about the difficulty about different cultures coming together today?
4. On the positive what can be accomplished by good communication in the church and families?

Genesis 11:10-23

Here is found the same pattern that was used in the writing of Adam’s genealogy in which the age when a son was born and the length of life of each father was given.  Notice, unlike those who lived before the flood, the life span of those born after the event was much shorter.  This was a consequence of the judgment God brought on man at the time of the flood.  It was in His sovereignty to limit the life span of man. 

The previously listing of Shem’s genealogy had ended with Peleg.  When Moses returned to providing information about Shem’s family not all of the sons were listed.  He only mentioned those who were ancestors of Abraham.  Remember he was writing genealogy after the birth of Abraham.

1. What is one difference that is found in the Shem’s descendants from those of Adam’s?
2. Why did Moses stop then pick up on the speaking of the family of Shem?
3. Why did Moses leave out the names of all the sons but instead only listed particular ones?
4. What does this tell us about the plan of God for mankind?

Genesis 11:24-28

Moses now begins the narrative of one of the most important men in the history of not only Jews but the world.  Abram was born to Terah, the son of Nahor.  He had two brothers, Nahor and Haran.  Lot is also introduced in these verses.  He was the nephew of Abram.  His father was Haran who died while the family still lived in Ur of the Chaldeans.

1. Why did Moses present the genealogy of Shem’s family as he did?
2. What did he have in mind as he wrote it?  Remember he was writing about things that had occurred a long time in the past.
3. Why are these particular verses of Genesis important to us?
4. What was the relationship between Abram and Lot?
5. Why was Lot specifically mentioned here?

Genesis 11:29

Abram took a wife whose name was Sarai.  Later Moses will tell us that Sarai was Abram’s half sister.  His brother Nahor also married.  Milcah the daughter of Haran would also play an important role in the life of Abraham’s descendants.  Although her sister-in-law was able to have children, Sarai was barren.

1. What were the relationships between husbands and wives?
2. Why did Abram and Nahor intermarry with their kin?
3. What other important fact do we learn about Sarai at this point?

Genesis 11:31-32

Terah set out from his homeland with the intentions of going into Canaan.  He carried with him his sons, their wives and Lot his grandson.  For a while they settled in Haran which is in present day Syria.  It was there that Terah died at the age of two hundred.

1. Why did Terah leave Ur?
2. Where was he intending to go?
3. Who did he take with him?
4. Why did God not allow him to go any further?

You-

• Think about the legacy that your family has left to you.
• Think about the times that you have excluded God from your plans and said, “Let me do it on my own.”
• What are the towers of Babel you have tried to build in your life to replace God?
• Consider the ways you have communicated in a positive or negative way and how it impacted those around you.

We-

In this lesson we have discussed how the world became so separated.  Hopefully the very things that happened close to four thousand years ago will teach us that whenever we exclude God from our lives that the consequences can be so destructive.  Often we find the greatest problem becomes the alienation that comes from our actions both from those around us and God.

Happily God had a plan all along.  It began with Abraham who came from the family of Shem who was chosen to father in a way our Savior Jesus Christ.  The Scriptures tell us what a difference He has made.  While the world at the time of Peleg had to go their separate ways because of apostacy, Christ has come to reunite us by reconciling us to the Father.  In 2 Corinthians 5:19, we are told that,

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”

We read further in Ephesians 2:14-16,

“For He (Christ) is our peace, who made both groups (Jews and Gentiles) into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.”

Christ has come and fulfilled all that God intended to be.  May we not live a life that is in open conflict with Him.  May we be an instrument of reconciliation of the world to each other and to the Father.

Additional Notes:

BL- At the time the people attempted to build the Tower of Babel everyone once spoke the same language.  However, when men settled in the plain of Shinar, they began to build a tower of bricks (a “ziggurat”!) in order to reach the heavens.  This was the first “religion”–man’s attempt to reach God through his own efforts.  The residents of Babel used bricks; people today often use rituals or good deeds, but the results are the same.  Sinful man can never reach holy God by human means.  God, however, DOES reach out to US, and that is what makes Christianity a relationship, rather than a religion.  It is a relationship initiated by God in which He came down to meet US through His Son, Jesus Christ–and when we, by faith, trust in Christ as our Savior, God forgives our sins and clothes us in His Son’s righteousness, making us holy and acceptable in His sight. This has been God’s plan from the beginning; we saw the first hint of it in Genesis 3:15 and we see it again here in verse 7 when the Lord says, “Come, let us go down and confuse their language. . .”  God initiates the action of salvation; He accomplishes it through Christ; and He convicts us of our need for salvation through the Holy Spirit.  The Lord confused men’s speech in vv. 6-8 because He said that if He didn’t stop them,  . .then nothing they planned to do would be impossible for them.  He realized that men, left unchecked, will attempt to build a world according to their own specifications; and because men are flawed, the world they create will be flawed as well.  As an example, there is the supposedly utopian society that the Communists tried to create in Russia and the evil to which they resorted in an effort to maintain it.  Could the same be true of our own country?  It will be, if we leave God out of it!  Are we, as Christians, willing to stand up for what we believe?  One of the best places we can start is in the voting booth!  Don’t forget to exercise YOUR freedom to vote next Tuesday! (Gen. 11)

BL-Are there any positive aspects that came from events surrounding the Tower of Babel and God’s subsequent destruction of it?  The sudden dispersal and inability to communicate, forced people out of their “comfort zones.” The action by God fostered new cultures and ideas.  It also taught the people humility and made them more dependent on God instead of each other. However, in building the Tower, the people had learned the value of teamwork.  They were unified in their goal, their purpose, and their planning.  What they tried to do may be compared to the Church today, in which each believer brings unique gifts that can benefit the entire entity.  What gifts has God given you and me?  How are we using them to build up the existing body of believers?

How can we use them to reach out to those who do not yet believe? (Gen. 11:1-9)

BL-In the remaining verses of chapter 11, we traced the background of Abram, a descendant of Noah’s son, Shem.  In chapter 12, Abram was commanded by God to leave his country, his people and his father’s household and go to the land God showed him.  If he complied, God promised to make Abram into a great nation (although Abram had no children at this point, to bless him and make his name great.  Abram did obey God–but with a few concessions!  He left his country, but he took along all his possessions, his servants, and his nephew, Lot–extra baggage that would weigh him down considerably at a later time!  In v. 7, God promised to give Abram’s offspring the land of Canaan, but Abram still did not trust God to care for him.  A famine in v. 10 sent him scurrying to Egypt, and there, his lack of trust prompted him to commit yet another sin–he deceived the Egyptians into believing that Sarai, his wife, was really his sister. Pharoah took the beautiful Sarai into his palace and gave Abram sheep, donkeys, servants, and camels in return. Who knows how long Abram would have lingered in this land of plenty if God had not intervened?  However, God inflicted Pharoah and his household with diseases. Pharoah quickly surmised the reason for his suffering and ordered Abram, Sarai, and Abram’s people out of Egypt.  Sometimes, God will use even godless people to set His children straight! 

M-Those who followed Nimrod came to the point where there concern of be scattered caused them to build a city that would give them a name.  One of those cities was Babel.  It became a good idea gone sour. For in that city they decided to build a tower to reach all the way to heaven.

When the reason for working at a project of the magnitude of building a tower to heaven is based on pride then it has become misguided and will not provide the fulfillment the builder’s desire. Babel was just such an endeavor.  It was doomed from the beginning because it was based on the same premise that caused the fall of Adam, to be like God or in other words replace Him with our own accomplishments and worship the material things that man has made. (Gen. 11:4-6)

WM-Man’s arrogance began to surface as he attempted to build a monument to themselves.  It is the same idea that the secular humanists have today of elimination God from all of their endeavors. (Gen. 11:4)

WM-The people who arrived at Shinar failed to understand that God has placed limitations on what finite man can accomplish.  When man begins to attempt to make himself equal or above God he can expect that He will take action to re-establish His preeminence among men.  God is jealous of His position and His name and will let no man take those attributes from Him.  Man has never caught on to the fact that every- thing he does is temporary at best, except for the eternal relationship he may have with the Father. (Gen. 11:5-10)

C-In the building of the tower of Babel there is the foundation of the present day humanistic philosophy and ideology. (Gen. 11:4-6) 

DM-The decision to build a city and the tower which became Babel has impacted the world from that point on.  Man has continually attempted to make a name for himself.  God then has had to intervene with discipline and judgment.  Man has not learned that God cannot and will not be supplanted. (Gen. 11:4-9)

RT-It was not the physical tower of Babel itself, but he pride of the men who were building it who responsible for it becoming a symbol of dispersion.  The tower was left standing but the people were all gone from that place. (Gen. 11:4-9)

UE-Unlike the gods that the pagans worship, God takes interest in the affairs of men. Especially when it calls for His direct intervention He took at the tower of Babel when He confused the language and scattered the people.  This was not done out of vindictive- ness but because man had become proud and arrogant believing that somehow by their own hands they could reach and become like God. They soon learned they lesson that it is God who reaches down to man with was beneficial for him and not man reaching up by his own achievements. (Gen. 11:4-9)

C-Attitudes of people sometimes necessitate change.  It may be as simple as a little attitude adjustment.  In the case of Noah’s descendents, God had to use more extreme measures.  As the people spread out over the face of the earth they reached a point in which they began to believe that they could build a tower all the way up to heaven.  In essence to accomplish this would raise them in their own minds to the level of God.  This could not happen.  God showed sovereignty over man by giving each of them a new language, thus ending the building project.  We can only imagine the chaos that one act caused.  No longer could any man understand what another man was saying.  The language barrier separated man from man and each went to different parts of the earth.  I believe that not only was the language changed but all races came into being at the same time as God allowed each to adapt to his new environment. (Gen 11:1-9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 7

Promises Kept

Genesis 9  

Me-

As I began thinking about this lesson it dawned on me that promises are only as good as the one making them.  I cannot even remember all of the times that I have made one only to break it. There have been occasions when a leader in a church service or retreat setting has challenged me to make some type of commitment only to find myself breaking it within a short time frame.

Because of this failure it is a wonder that anyone would put confidence in what I say.  I quite often let other things get in the way.  Another aspect that gets me in trouble is committing to too things at one time.  The to-do-list becomes longer than I can possibly hope to accomplish.  This is an area that I have to work on to make sure that I do not promise to do something and then fail to carry it out.

We-

All of us are guilty of making vows and commitments to the Lord that we fail to keep. Sometimes we make them and then quickly forget all about what we have said.  A very simple example would the promise to pray for someone.  We all have said this at one time or another and then have not followed through.  The list could go on and on.  We need to think seriously before we utter the first word.  We should only commit to those things that we truly plan to do and nothing more.

God made a contract, called a covenant, with Noah which would be universal in nature.  It would impact man from that point on until the promised seed of Noah would come to the earth.

God-

Genesis 9:1

Part of God’s words and actions included a blessing on Noah and his family and then a command.  They were to have children to repopulate the world.  Coming from a background of a godly linage the hope would be that God’s kingdom would be established through that family.

1. Why would God bless Noah and his family?
2. What did it mean to Noah to receive the blessing of God?
3. In what way does the command to multiply speak of God’s plan for the future of man?

 

Genesis 9:2-4

There was now to be a new relationship between man and the animal world.  No longer would there be the docile relationship that was present from creation until man and animal disembarked from the ark.  In order to protect man from his natural enemy God instilled into animals and birds a terror and fear of man.  Man would still have dominance over the animal world, but no longer the rule as he had possessed before the flood.

God also established new dietary laws.  No longer would man’s diet be primarily vegetables but he would be allowed to kill and eat meat.  There is no indication that this practice was specifically prohibited before the fall but was now spelled out clearly for man.  The one prohibition at that point was that man was not to eat raw meat.  God specifically stated that the life of every living creature is in the blood.  Since these dietary laws were given before the time of Moses meant that they would apply to all people universally.

1. What changed after the flood that put man and beast at enmity?
2. What protection did God provide for man from the attacks of the animal kingdom?
3. In what ways would man still dominate the animal world?
4. What new thing did God allow after the flood?
5. Why was man required only to eat food that had been well cooked?
6. In what ways is this still important today?

Genesis 9:5-6

The admonition against shedding blood for the sake of indiscriminate killing was carried one step further.  God established what would be referred to today as capital punishment.  If a person took someone’s life he would pay for that act with his own life. He reinforces the reasoning behind this idea by once again expressing that man was created in His image.

1. How did God deal with act of murder?
2. What is the importance of blood?
3. How is this new command different than His dealing with Cain and Lamech?
4. What does this command mean for us today?

Genesis 9:7

Once again God commands Noah and his sons to repopulate the earth.

1. Why did God repeat this command?
2. Why would Noah and his sons be hesitant to have children?
3. What assurances did this give to Noah and His family?

Genesis 9:8-19

Here is the most important part of these two chapters.  God made a new covenant with Noah and his family and those who were to follow them.  This covenant has not been revoked down to the present time.  He promised that He would never destroy the whole earth by water.  Notice He did not say that there would never be floods or other disasters but only that He would not judge the world by a flood covering the entire planet.  To confirm this covenant, in a way, God wrote in the sky the sign that would signify the fulfillment of the promise when it rained.  Man was given the rainbow.

1. What was the important covenant made with Noah and his sons?
2. What evidence do we have that this covenant is still in place?
3. Why does man need a sign?
4. What events in nature were not covered in the covenant?
5. Why did God only include the fact of a universal flood in His promise?

Genesis 9:18-19

Noah’s three sons are once again named.  Through them the earth would be repopulated.  It is important to note that the son of Ham is mentioned.  In the following verses will be seen how he fits into the narrative. He and his descendants were to be an integral part of the history of the nation of Israel as will be seen later.

1. Why were Noah’s three son named?
2. What part would they play in the history of mankind and the future of the nation of Israel?
3. Why was only Ham’s son mentioned by name at this point?

Genesis 9:20-23

Some time had to elapse since the flood.  Noah took up farming, following in the occupation held by Adam.  One of the things he did was to plant a vineyard.  The resulting harvest was turned into wine. Although there is nothing wrong with wine, it brought terrible consequences to the family of Noah.  He drank too much and in his drunken stupor undressed himself and lay is his tent naked.  Like so many others who find themselves under the influence of alcohol or drugs they lose a sense proper behavior and control over their actions.  His son Ham saw him in that shameful condition and rather than covering up his father or keeping the news to himself, he proceeded to tell his brothers Shem and Japheth.  As shall be seen in the response of Noah the way he told the story must have been a way that showed little respect for him.

Shem and Japheth, unlike Ham, went into the tent with their eyes cover.  They even walked backwards to eliminate any possibility of seeing Noah.  As they entered they covered their father with a garment.  Here is a picture of the covering that God made for Adam and Eve after they had sinned and discovered, to their shame, they were naked.

1. Why did Noah return to the occupation of farming?
2. What problems did he cause for himself and others?
3. How does being under the influence of drugs or alcohol affect those around the person who has indulged in them?
4. What was wrong with what Ham did?
5. How different was the way Shem and Japheth handled the situation?
6. What does it say about the character of each of the brothers?

Genesis 9:24-27

 Now Noah had to be a man of great perception.  When he woke, he immediately came to the conclusion that Ham had been somehow been involved.  Although it may seem strange that he cursed Canaan and not Ham there are other examples where prophecies were made about particular individuals.  Jacob spoke of what would happen to the different tribes in the future. (Genesis 49)  Moses also spoke of each tribe in Deuteronomy 33.  One commentator said that Noah could not curse Ham who God had already blessed.

The curse on Canaan actually did not occur for many years.  His descendents would not become slaves to the Israelites and Japheth for hundreds of years.  Only after the time spent in Egypt would Israel gain dominance over the Canaanites which include the Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites etc. Later the Persians, Greeks and others would control that part of the world.

1. How would Noah have known that Ham was the culprit in what had taken place?
2. What examples are there in the Scriptures that have the speaker prophesying what will happen in the future to a people, especially the Israelites.
3. In what ways does this reflect the idea of the sins of the father being passed down to the third and fourth generation?
4. Why did He curse Canaan, the son of Ham, instead of Ham?
5. How did this curse play out in the history of the Canaanites?

Genesis 9:28-29

At his death Noah was the last of the pre-flood lineage which began with Seth.  He was the bridge between the old world and the new.  After him it would be up to his sons to carry on in that new world. He was nine hundred and fifty years old.  He would also be the last to live to such an old age.  Notice that unlike those who had gone on before him he did not have other sons and daughters but just Shem, Japheth, and Ham.  Like every member of the godly descendents of Seth the Bible tells us, “He died.”

1. What was important about the role Noah played in history?
2. Why was God so specific about giving us the age of Noah at his death?
3. In what ways was he different than his ancestors?
4. How was he the same?
5. What legacy did he leave for us?
6. What was to be the tasks of his sons?

You-

• Consider some promises that you have made in the past.
• Now think about those you have kept.
• And those you have broken.
• Think about the consequences of the broken promises.
• Ask God to forgive you knowing He will keep His promise to forgive us.
• Ask yourself when have been the times when you have not been able to stay under control in areas like overindulgence etc.
• If they instances have brought harm to others ask for their forgiveness and seek it also from your Father.

God- 

We can be so truly thankful that we serve a God who keeps His promises to us.  This happens to be written to be taught after Resurrection Day.  As we reflect what that means may we truly understand that what happened is part of a covenant that was made thousands of years ago in the Garden of Eden when God promised to destroy the power that satan had over mankind through Eve’s descendant.  The Scriptures are replete with the narrative of how God has preserved His people inspite of our weaknesses and sinful nature.

When God sent His Son it was the fulfillment of all that has been prophesied over thousands of years.  Satan has tried to destroy man since the Garden of Eden but 1Corinthians 15:55-57 is the answer for him.  It says, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Thank you Father for Your everlasting faithfulness.

Additional Notes:

WM-After the flood the trusting relationship between man and beast was replaced with fear. (Gen. 9:2)

C-Before the flood there is no indication that man ate anything other than vegetation.  Following the flood God gave Noah and his descendents permission to eat meat as well as plant life. (Gen. 9:3)

GC-One of the first commands given to Noah in this brand new world was to respect life.  To fail to do so would bring death to the offender. Why do you think God gave this command at this time?  (Gen. 9:4-6)

TM-At the very beginning of the fresh start God gave mankind after the flood, He gave specific commands concerning the consequences of the shedding of man’s blood.  How have we minimalized God’s command given here and in the Ten Commandments found in Exodus? (Gen: 9:6)

RT-Life is of upmost importance to God because man is made in His image.                      (Gen. 9:6)

C-God established a covenant relationship with Noah and his family and all mankind through him.  Part of the covenant included the promise that God would never again destroy all flesh by means of flood.  He gave the rainbow as visible sign to seal the covenant. (Gen. 9:8-17)

WM-Noah showed not restraint in indulging his appetite and became drunk.  His lack of self-control would affect all generation from that time forward. (Gen. 9:21)

WM-Ham did not show respect or honor for his father but told Shem and Japheth about Noah’s nakedness and drunken condition.  His actions led to the curse on his descendents.     (Gen. 9:22)

GC-“Do not be drunk with wine for that is dissipation.” Seen in the passage in Genesis is the result of disobeying the command.  A whole nation is cursed because of the inadvertent act of Ham. His mistake was telling his brothers that he had seen his father naked in a drunken condition.                                                                                               (Gen. 9:21; Prov. 20:1; 23:20-21, 30-35; 21:4-7; Is. 5:11, 22; 28:7-9; Eph. 5:18)

GC-If we do those things that are proper we eliminate the possibility of causing shame, disgrace, gossiping, cursing and anger.  Noah by becoming drunk started a whole chain of events that led to the disgrace of his son and enslavement of his descendents.            (Gen. 9:21-25)

GC-There are real consequences in gossiping or repeating a rumor.  Ham found out the hard way. (Gen. 9:22; Ex. 23:1; 2 Kings 7:16; Prov. 11:13; 17:9; 20:19; 25:23; 26:22)

GC-Ham failed to honor Noah and protect his reputation. (Gen. 9:22; Prov. 20:20)

WM-Noah forgot how much grace God had shown him and cursed his son Ham through his grandson Canaan. (Gen. 9:25-27)

UE-How, in my way of thinking, sad it is that a man considered righteous by God would in his anger put a curse not on his son but his grandson, Canaan. (Gen. 9:25-27)

C-Shem was given the preeminent position in his father’s house.  The descendents of Canaan, Ham’s son, were to be his servants.  Japheth’s descendents were to dwell in the tents of Shem.  This set in motion the lineage through which Jesus was to come.            (Gen. 9:25-27)

DM-When Noah put the curse on Ham through his descendents.  They became the godless Ites of the Old Testament. (Gen. 9:25; 10:6-18; 1 Chron. 1:13-16)

RT-Of all of ham’s sons Noah singularly put the curse on Canaan’s descendents who would be the people who would possess the Promise Land for over four hundred years and would be driven out by Abraham’s descendents. (Gen 9:25; 1 Chron. 1:8)

 

 

 

Lesson 6

One Obedient Man

Genesis 7 & 8

Me-

Subconsciously, one of the first sins that I committed intentionally was disobedience.  I say subconsciously because it seems to be built into the fabric of human nature.  Its foundation is pride. It comes from the idea of doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, how I want to do it and with whom I want to do it without anyone telling me that I cannot.  The earliest examples that I know existed in my own life was defying my parents.  I think of all the times I refused to pick up toys, clean up my room, or to eat what was put in front of me.  Then there were the times when I would return home when I was told to be there because what I was doing was more important than obeying. 

I have learned that obedience is an acquired skill.  It is all about trust.  Trust that what God is telling me to do is for my benefit.  To disobey now causes, not only me, but those around me a   great deal of harm.   Others are watching to see how I handle different situations because I happen to be in a leadership role.  My prayer each day is to do those things that are pleasing in God’s sight.

We-

It is so easy for the church to be disobedient.  We have to remember that the church is made up of individuals, which means that whatever takes place is multiplied many times over.  We would call it “church culture” which the accumulative attitudes and opinions of all who attend on a regular bases.  We might ask. How are we disobedient and what affect does it have on the body and the community around us?  Simply, we have been given two commands (Matthew 22:37-40) and the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) upon which we are to base all that we do.  To violate either or both of these is to be disobedient to the charge we have been given to impact the world.  Sadly, we are not doing well in either of them when we consider that 80% of Chesterfield County is un-churched and most of us have not witnessed to a single person this year. 

As Hebrews tells us that Noah witnessed to the ungodly for a hundred years as he built the ark.  He is the example of faithfulness and boldness that should be guiding our walk with the Father in obedience and not disobedience.

 God-

Genesis 7:1

The word for enter in Hebrew can mean enter as is normally understood.  It can also mean to come in.  What a beautiful picture is given using the second definition.  It would indicate that God was waiting for Noah to come into the ark which would provide his salvation and that of all who were with him.  This was the first of two recurring commands that lead to the actions taken by Noah in this chapter. 

God helps Noah to understand the reason that he is being saved.  In him alone did God find righteousness.  It was not because of his works but his continuing faith before and throughout the one hundred years it took him to build the ark.  His family was also given life because of his faith.  This is probably the only time that salvation came to people as a result of the faith of a parent.  Ezekiel speaking of the judgment that was to come on Judah said, “Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves. (Ezekiel 14:16)

1. Why did God tell Noah to come into the ark?
2. If he alone was declared righteous, why did God allow his family to be saved also?
3. Why must each person make his or own decision to accept Christ?

Genesis 7:2-3

Noah now is given the second command.  He is to make sure that the animal world is saved.  It is important to note that God gave him specific instructions concerning the animals.  There were to be seven pair of clean and one pair of unclean animals taken aboard the ark.  There are a couple of valid reasons for this arrangement.  Because of the flood, all vegetation would be destroyed and the animals would provide food for Noah and his family until a new harvest could occur.  The clean animals could also be offered up to God in thanksgiving. 

In all likelihood the animals were brought to Noah by God.  It is no way that he could have rounded all of them up.  His responsibility then was to make sure that each of them found its way onto the ark.

1. What was the second command?
2. Why did God decide to save the animals also?
3. What was the purpose for saving seven pairs of clean animals and only two of the unclean?
4. What was Noah’s responsibility in regard to the animals?

Genesis 7:4

God gave Noah a timetable in which the last minute preparations had to be done.  In a way it also gave him one more opportunity to speak to those about to be judged and destroyed.  The thing for which Noah had been preparing was about to occur.  He was given not only the duration of the rain but the results.  It was to rain forty days and nights.  During that time everyone and everything that moved on the earth would be destroyed.  Very few throughout history have been given a more precise timetable than the one Noah received.  One last idea in regard to this description of what God was about to do.  He has never taken pleasure in having to bring judgment on man.  See Ezekiel 18:33, 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9.  

1. Why was Noah given such a clear timetable?
2. How could he have used this time?
3. What would we do with our lives if we were given such a schedule and the results that would occur at the end of it?
4. From the lesson that can be learned from this verse how should we approach each day? 
5. What does it say about our lives and how God views them?
6. How do the verses in Ezekiel and 2 Peter relate to what is going on in verse 4.

Genesis 7:5

Once again a picture is given of the obedience of Noah.  He did not fail in all that God had called him to do.

1.  How do we do all that God calls us to do?
2. What does it take from us to make this happen?
3. Why are only half way commitments not enough for God?
4. What happens when we fail to give everything that we are to God?

Genesis 7:6

This is one of those defining moments in history.  The writer gives in the verse the age of Noah   when judgment came on the earth.  A new era in history was about to occur.  It was the dividing line between the old sinful, pre-flood world and a fresh start for mankind.

1. Why was God so specific in His timing of the events that were about to occur?
2. What was about to take place that is important to us today?
3. What do the events that occurred in the life of Noah up to the point of he and his family entered the ark say about God?

Genesis 7:7-16

The day finally arrived for Noah and all who were with him to enter the ark.  After the seven days mentioned before the flood waters came upon the earth.  A more specific dating was then given than that of verse 6.  Moses said in the 600 hundredth year in the second month and the seventeenth day there was a two prong catastrophe that came on the earth.  Not only did the rain fall for forty days and nights but of the subterranean streams burst forth.

It was on the very day that all with Noah went into the ark.  Here the names of the three sons of Noah are given.  By naming Shem, Ham and Japheth and then listing their wives it is clear the number of people who were to survive the flood.  In describing the animals Moses used a term that was seen in the creation narrative.  He spoke of the cattle, the creeping things and the birds having entered the ark each after their own kind.  Here again the whole idea of evolution is shown to be impossible and untrue.

Once God saw that all that was to be saved were inside the ark He did one last thing to ensure their survival.  It was He who closed the gang plank and sealed them inside to ride out the storm.

1. What was the reason that Moses mentioned a number of times who and what was on the ark?
2. Why did God use both the water from below and above to carry out His judgment?
3. What changes could this have brought to the world as Noah had known it?
4. What is the importance of the mention of “after their own kind” in this passage?
5. Why did God shut the door to the ark?

Genesis 7:17-23a

The extent of the flood is beyond imagination.  It reached a depth of over 22 feet higher than the tallest mountain.  All life on earth would have had no place to go from the water.  All living things whether man, beast or bird perished.  In recent years there have been a number of examples of the devastation that can be caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes and Tsunamis. Now think of this taking place over the whole earth and one can only begin to understand the scope of the destruction and changes to the landscape brought on by the flood. 

The greatest catastrophe was the almost total judgment of man.  Moses used a term again that was seen back in chapter two where he spoke of the breath being given to the living.  Now that same breath was being removed from every creature and His highest creation man.

1. Why was it important for the water to reach such great depth?
2. What perished in the flood?
3. What events can you name that have occurred in recent years that show the devastation than can take place in nature?
4. In your estimation what was the saddest part of the whole event?
5. Why did Moses speak of the “breath of the spirit of life?”
6. What was he trying to say with such an comprehensive description of what took place?

Genesis 7:23b

After speaking of all of the destruction, Moses gets back to Noah.  Only Noah and those with him out of all that had lived on the earth remained alive.  The breath of the spirit of life given to man lived on through him and his family.

1. Why was it important to bring the narrative back to focus on Noah?
2. By indicating that he was alive what does it say about God?
3. What did God intend to do with mankind?

Genesis 7:24

Although the rain lasted forty days the flood waters, of course, would take much longer to subside.  As will be seen in the next chapter at the end of the one hundred and fifty days the top mountain could be seen.

Genesis 8:1-4

It might seem strange that the text reads, “But God remembered Noah.”  Of course He does not forget anything or anyone.  In today’s times this could mean that God again took action on Noah’s behalf.  The storms had stopped and the underground water was no longer causing flooding.  A wind began to blow that would dry up the water. 

There might be a parallel to what was now taking place as the world was being recreated.  In chapter 7 the surface of the earth was covered with water.  In chapter 8 the waters recede as the wind blew over its surface and the dry land reappeared.

It took one hundred fifty days for the waters to subside enough for the tops of the mountains to appear.  At that point the ark came to rest on Ararat which is modern day Turkey.  The exact timing of the ark coming to rest is given.  It was the seventh month and the seventeenth day of that month.  That date would correspond to the resurrection of Jesus on the third day following Passover which is in the seventh month and the fourteenth day of the Jewish calendar. It is also interesting that the word for rest, Nuah, is a play on the name of Noah which also means rest. 

1. Why would Moses write, “but God remembered?”
2. If we took the word as it is written what would this say about God?
3. What was the Scripture really saying?
4. What is the significance of the timing of the ark coming to rest on Ararat?
5. What was the rest that would come through Noah?

Genesis 8:5-7

The water continued to recede for another three months until the tenth month.  At that point the mountains around him could be seen.  Remember his only access to the outside world was the window in the side of the ark.  After forty days he sent out a raven to determine the condition of the earth.  The raven was probably sent out because of its strength to fly long distances and its ability to forage for food that might be floating on the surface of the water.

1. What was the sign of hope that conditions were improving?
2. Why did Noah send out the raven?
3. What conclusion could be reached by Noah by the fact the raven did not return?

Genesis 8:8-12

After the raven did not return to the ark, Noah sent out a dove.  Not having the same abilities as the raven it would give a better indication of the condition of the land.  The dove returned without finding a place to rest.  Subsequent to that first time it was sent out two other times over a fourteen day period of time.  On the second flight the dove returned with an olive branch.  The third time it did not return at all.

1. Why did Noah choose the dove as his messenger?
2. What did it find in its flight?
3. Why do we use the olive branch as a symbol of peace?
4. What conclusions did Noah draw after each flight of the dove?

Genesis 8:13-14

One year from the start of the rain in the six hundred and first year of his life, Noah felt confident that he could open the door of the ark.  What he found was that the land had dried from the surface of the earth.  Even then he did not leave the ark but waited until the second month to make sure that everything had dried up.  Another reason he remained on the ark was that God had not given him instructions of what to do.

1. How long did the flood last?
2. What gave Noah the confidence to open the door?
3. Why did he not leave the ark at that point?
4. What does this say about the character of Noah?

Genesis 8:15-18

Finally God is seen speaking again.  He gave Noah permission to leave the ark and to take all of the animals with him.  One commentator suggest that the command to go indicated that God had been with Noah the whole time although there is no detail of that time He and Noah spent together.  Once on dry land they would once again multiply and fill the earth as God had planned for them back in the garden.  It was only after God commanded him to do so that Noah and his family departed from the ark.  Although not mentioned in the narrative satan’s scheme to have everyone and everything had failed.  God was allowing a new start for man and the animal kingdom.

1. What do we see God doing after a whole year had lapsed since the flood began?
2. Why did Noah only leave the ark after God spoke?
3. What were God’s explicit instructions to Noah?
4. What was to take place once the animals left the ark?
5. What does this event say about satan’s scheming?
6. What lesson about waiting do these verses have for us?

Genesis 8:19

Here again is an indication that God created different animals to remain unique.  Moses said that each went out in pairs according to their own kind.  There was no mixing of any of the animals with other types.

1. Why is important to understand what is being said in this verse?
2. What has been God’s plan concerning animals from the very beginning?
3. How does this verse help us to answer those who believe in evolution?

Genesis 8:20

The first action Noah took upon leaving the ark was to worship God.  He built an altar and offeredof every clean animal and bird as sign of thanksgiving for all that God had done for him.

1. Why was it important that his initial act was to worship God?
2. What was the meaning of building an altar and making a sacrifice?
3. In what ways can we indicate that we love God each day of our lives?

Genesis 8:21-22

God accepted the offering of Noah.  He then made two promises.  They were:

• He would never curse the ground because of man.  This is amazing since he indicated that He understood that Noah’s descendants would be no different that their ancestors.  He said, “The intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth.”  Sin did not disappear with the flood waters.
• He would never again destroy every living thing from the earth.

In verse 22 He told Noah that a number of things would never cease as long as the earth last.

• Seedtime and harvest
• Cold and heat
• Summer and Winter
• Day and night

God’s promises have been true.  Throughout all time and the catastrophes that man has known these things have remained constant.  They are a reminder of the faithfulness that began with Noah and remain until this day.

You-

• As you think about the circumstances in which you may find yourselves, pray that God will give you the faith and perseverance to face them.
• Pray that you will be obedient in all the ways God calls you to serve. See Matthew 28:19-20 and Romans 12:1-2
• Realize that sin is still alive in this world. 
• Confess and repent of all the sin you have committed
• Trust God that His promises still hold true for you.  See Genesis 8:22

We-

Noah had a chance to begin again.  He was carried into a brand new world by the waters of the flood.  In each of our lives we have the same opportunity as we go through the waters of baptism signifying the change that has taken place in our hearts.  We should pray that our lives reflect our commitment made to Jesus and work very hard at overcoming the evil intent that is prevalent in every man’s life.  We know that we can trust God because the promises He has made to man throughout history have come true.  His greatest guarantee is that those who have become followers of Christ will spend eternity with Him in a new land for man called heaven.  There we will not have to worry about failing to please Him. Our heart’s desire will be to always obey Him.

Additional Notes:

RT-The following are just thoughts I have.  There is no basis found specifically in the Bible or in science for them.  Since the biblical calendar is based on 360 days, there is a possibility that during the flood and violent underground eruptions that they were strong enough to cause the earth to be tilted to its present axis, thus altering the time it takes the earth to orbit the sun to its present 365 ¼ days and altering the seasons.  This may also be one of the reasons that certain animals became extinct because they were no longer suited to the new climate. (Based on Gen. 7:11)

C-It fell to Noah’s sons to repopulate the earth.  (Gen. 7:11; 10:1-32)

RT-Although we do not know how Abel came to understand that he was to bring a sacrifice to God, Noah after all his experiences of seeing God work in his life gladly made a burnt offering to the Lord on the altar he built.  (Gen. 8:20-21)

C-Although Noah was a righteous man God knew that those who came after him would not truly be any different than those who had perished in the flood.  In this case a fresh start for the world would not bring about a lasting change in the hearts of men.  It would take the coming of Christ to bring this about.  Even after the flood, God said, “The intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Gen. 8:21)

WM-Even after such a great judgment as the flood the fact remained that man has a bent towards evil.  Sinful man lacks the ability to continually do what is right. (Gen. 8:22)

I believe that this is an example that the modern world fails to understand.  Our concept is that conditions have to be just right if a person is going to be motivated.  Here we see a man who had the internal spirit drive doing, not what is comfortable or convenient or the right working conditions, but because he was righteous, blameless and walked with God, did what God called him to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 5

What’s in a Name?

Genesis 4:25-6:22

Me-

A subject that once bored me in school, possibly because of the way it was taught, has over the years become one which have bought me hours of enjoyment.  It is the history of mankind.  As I have grown older I have come to appreciate the great men and woman who have lived down through the ages.  Of course some of the most fascinating people are those found in the Bible.

On a more personal note I have enjoyed looking at the genealogy of my own family.  It is interesting to know the names and a little about those who came before me.  Sometimes, like most families, there are those who would be considered the black sheep of the family.  Every family is a mixture of good and bad.

Looking at circumstances surrounding how I got here, I am continually amazed that somehow God reached down and touched my heart and drew me to Him.  Left to my own will I do not know if I would have ever been led to the point that I am in my relationship with Christ.  I thank Him for His grace and mercy in my life.

We-

We all have a story that is made up of an accumulation of bits and pieces of all those who have gone before us.  Their lives have an effect on us because beliefs and behaviors are passed down from generation to generation.  We also have a great heritage of those who have carried on the faith in Christ throughout history.

In the lesson today there is a contrast between the descendents of the godless Cain and those of Seth.  We will see that the faithfulness of his family led to the ultimate salvation and survival of man in Noah.  We will also see the importance of our own faithfulness as we impact the generations that follow us.

 

 

Genesis 4:25

What was to happen now? Cain had been discredited and banished to wander the earth.  Abel was dead.  The seed of man could have easily perished.  However it is important to note that God had not rescinded His command to Adam to multiply and fill the earth or the promise of seed who would defeat satan. 

God in His infinite grace and mercy provided a son to Adam and Eve.  They called him Seth. His name can mean “seed, appointed or “granted.”  In Eve’s mind Seth was given to take the place of Abel. 

1. What could have happen to mankind after the death of Abel?
2. Why did Eve see Seth as a replacement for Abel?
3. Why were Cain and his descendents not taken into consideration?
4.  What does Seth’s name signify?

Genesis 4:26

Although nothing else is known about Enosh except his name, it was an important time in history.  Seth called his son Enosh which represents the mortality and frailty of man.  During the lifetime of Enosh men began to worship and praise God once again.  Abel had set the stage and others were taking up the banner.

1. What is the important fact of the time of Enosh?
2. Why did Seth name his son Enosh?

Genesis 5:1-2

Moses recounts the relationship that man had in the beginning.  God created man and woman in His own likeness.  In turn God not only created them but gave His creation the name of Adam and blessed them.  It is significant that these words were written here.  This was the new Genesis for man.  This would begin a new godly line man culminating in the promised seed Jesus.

1. Why did Moses give a recap of creation?
2. Who was at the center of what God created?
3. What does it mean for man to have been blessed?
4. Why was it important that God gave male and female the name of Adam?

  Genesis 5:3-20

There is a reoccurring theme that runs through these verses.  Although the names change there are at least some factors that remain the same.  In each generation is seen:

• Each person was born with the divine image of God but also the likeness of the fallen nature of Adam.
• Unlike Adam every person since his time have not been created but born to their parents.
• The names of only the first born.
• Each of them had other children both male and female
• Every single person died as a consequence of Adam’s sin.  There is one exception that will be discussed in the next section.

Following is the list of descendants of Adam down to Enoch:

Seth had Enosh. The meaning of their names has already been given.                                    Enosh had Kenan, Kenan is a variation of Cain.                                                                      Kenan had Mahalel. Mahalel is one who praises God.                                                           Mahalel had Jared.Jared may mean servant.                                                                               Jared had Enoch.

1. Why was each son described as having both the image of God and the likeness of Adam?
2. Why were only the names of the firstborn given?
3. What was the result of Adam’s sin in the lives of all of his descendents with a couple of exceptions?
4. How has his sin affected us?

Genesis 5:21-24

Enoch, Jared’s son, stood out among the descendents up to that point.  He was described as one who walked with God.  His life was one of communion and intimacy with God.  In this respect his life was different from all of his predecessors.  The other difference between him and other men was the fact that because of his relationship, he did not experience death as all of the others had.  When Enoch was 365 years old “God took him away.”  It is a picture of what will take place at the time of the Rapture when Christians will be caught up and changed from the mortal to immortal.

1. How does a man like Enoch come to the point of communion and intimacy with God when there is no indication that such faith exists in those around him?
2. Why did God take him away from this world without experiencing death?
3. How is this a picture of what will take place at the Rapture?

Genesis 25-27

When Enoch was 65 years old he had Methuselah.  Imbedded in his name was a prophecy concerning the future of man.  His name means, “When he dies, it will come.”  Enoch possibly saw the coming judgment of man as he witnessed the evil condition of the world because of the influence of Cain’s family.  Methuselah was the longest living man ever.  He died the year of the flood, 1656 years after the creation of man.  Like all those who preceded him, he had other sons and daughters, but the son written about was Lamech.

1. Why is the translation of Methuselah’s name so important?
2. Why did God allow him as well as the others to live so long?
3. What was God waiting for if man was becoming more evil?
4. What does it show about God?

Genesis 5:28-31

The life of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, was a complete contrast to the descendent of Cain who had the same name.  Although both men were powerful as the name denotes, Seth’s descendent was a powerful man for God in a world that had turned its back on Him.  This is reflected in his son’s name.  He called him Noah, which means, “rest, comfort or consolation.”   In the mind of Lamech Noah was seen as the hope of a future peace that could come to the earth.  Little did he know that through Noah a new world would begin.

1. How do we know that Lamech’s lifestyle contrasted with Cain’s descendent?
2. What evidence do we have that he used his power for God?
3. What lessons can we learn from the use of power from these two men?
4. What is wrapped up in the name he gave to Noah?
5. What hope did Lamech have for his son?
6. In naming his son Noah in whom did he put his trust?
7. How would Noah be able to live up to his name?

Genesis 5:32

The timing of God is amazing.  Noah was 500 years old when he had his sons.  This is the first time that not only the first born was mentioned but all three of them.  Shem, Ham and Japheth would each be instrumental in founding the different races and nationalities after the flood.

1. Why did God wait so long to give Noah sons?
2. What is unique in the fact that all three sons were mentioned?
3. What role would they play in the history of mankind after the flood?

Genesis 6:1-4

By the time Noah was an old man the world was a changed place.  As the population increased so had man’s capacity to commit evil also grown.  There is a part of Scripture found here that is very difficult to interpret.  “The identification of the “sons of God” is an age-old biblical-theological challenge that has been answered in various ways. The position taken in this commentary is that the marriages involving the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” were between the godly and ungodly lines of humanity based on the literary context and resulting judgment on the human world.

The more traditional explanation is that the “sons of God” were fallen angelic beings, based upon such evidence as the later use of this term in Job and Psalms, the apocryphal Book of First Enoch 6-7 which says they were angels, and possible reference to this sin in 1 Peter 3:18-20 and 2 Peter 2:4.

Other explanations have included dynastic rulers who were seeking to rule all humanity and non-elect despots under demonic influence.

Whatever position one takes on the identification of “sons of God,” the truth remains that there was a sin of improper, mixed marriage that resulted in great sin and eventually necessitated God’s worldwide judgment.”

Holman Old Testament Commentary – Holman Old Testament Commentary – Genesis.

When God saw the depth to which His creation had sunk, He put in motion the judgment that would befall all of mankind except for Noah and his family.

God said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”  The verse defined the number of years that would allow Noah to have the time to build the ark and give man more than enough opportunity to repent. It also meant that God’s patience with man had run out. 

1. What had happened to the world during the years of Noah’s life?
2. What is meant by the term “the sons of God and the daughters of men?”
3. What did God mean by the statement that He would not strive with men?
4. What was important about the number of years before judgment would come?
5. What does it say about God?

Genesis 6:5-7

God saw that not only the actions were evil but everything that man thought about was filled with evil intent.  Because of the total state of depravity to which man had fallen, God was sorry that He had even made them.  They had totally rejected Him at this point in history.  One verse speaks of the hurt that God felt.  It said, “He was grieved in His Heart.”  Although God is spirit and does not have a physical heart the reader could certainly understand the seriousness of the sin of man.

Based on the condition of man, God declared that everything that He created would be destroyed.  This included not only man but every living animal that moved on the earth and bird that flew above the earth.  Here is seen how the sin of man affects all of creation.

1. How did the earth look from God’s perspective?
2. How could man’s actions grieve the heart of God?
3. What other emotions do we see displayed by God in these verses?
4. Why were the animals and birds to suffer the same judgment as man?
5. What hope was left for man at this point?

Genesis 6:8-10

There was one man left who found favor with God.  Noah was that man.  He was viewed by God as one who was:

• Righteous
• Blameless in his time.  He was a man who had a spiritual maturity and was full of integrity.
• One who walked with God.  He had not been influenced by the evil world around him but was steadfast in his relationship with God.

This man had three sons Shem, Ham and Japheth who had been mentioned earlier.

1. Why did Noah find favor with God?
2. What does each of the characteristic of this man mean?
3. Why are his sons mentioned again?
4. What kind of influence did Noah have on them since they were not included with those who were to be destroyed?
5. How does God view you and me? 
6. How do our actions and words influence those around us?
7. What contrast can be drawn between Noah and the rest of mankind?
8. How does a man remain faithful living in an evil society?

Genesis 6:11-12

The writer gives a further description of the condition on earth.  There are two words that he used to indicate what was taking place.  The first was corrupt.  He used it three times.  Man had become rotten to the core.  The second was violence.  It is easy to see that from God’s perspective there had been total rejection of all that He had intended for His creation.  The world had become completely unraveled and lost its moral foundation.

1. Why did the inspired writer use the terms that he did to describe man’s condition?
2. What does each of them mean?
3. What evidence do we have that these same kinds of things are taking place in our own world?
4. What do these verses really say about mankind?

Genesis 6:13-16

Here is the first indication of a beginning dialog with Noah.  He first told him what He was going to do and what was going on in the world.  Noah could certainly understand the latter part of the words from God.  All he had to do was look around and see what was going on.  The former would be a little more difficult to grasp. God was telling Noah that everyone and everything with which he was familiar was going to be destroyed. 

These opening statements were given because Noah would have to have a reason for building a massive ark in the desert where there had never been any rain.  He did not give Noah an option.  In order to survive he would have to build the boat.  Then God gave him instructions on the materials to be used, the design and the precise measurements of this huge boat.  Remember nothing like this had ever been built by man up to that time. 

1. Why did God speak to mortal man about what He was about to do?
2. What might Noah’s immediate reaction have been to such a statement?
3. Why did God tell him what He was planning before He told Noah what he was to do?
4. What options did Noah have?
5. Why did God give such detailed instructions?
6. What would have been your response to all of this information?    

 Genesis 6:17

God once again reiterated what He was about to do.  Noah would have understood by that point that his only hope for survival was to build the boat.  To refuse to listen would lead to his own destruction along with everyone else.

1. Why did God repeat what He was about to do?
2. Why does God sometimes have to tell us something more than once?
3. What were the options for Noah at that point?

Genesis 6:18

This verse has two important parts to it.  First it was  God’s promise of a continuing relationship with Noah by way of a contract or agreement made by Him.  This certainly would speak of the survival of Noah beyond the flood.  It said that mankind would get a third chance. The second is that God was giving life to his sons based on the covenant relationship with Noah.  They would be the fathers of the generations to follow that would once again populate the earth.

1. What was importance of the covenant with Noah?
2. How were his sons included in the God’s agreement with Noah?
3.  What did this agreement mean for you and me?

Genesis 6:19-21

Noah was then given instructions of what was to be taken with him into the ark.  Of the clean animals there were to be seven pair.  Those of the unclean would be saved in two’s.  He was also commanded to carry onto the ark all the necessary food they would need to sustain them.  Notice, Noah was not told when the events would all happen or how long the journey would be. 

1. Why was God so specific about what would go on the ark?
2. What would you have thought given such instructions?
3. How in the world was Noah going to accomplish all that he was commanded to do?
4. What was the instruction concerning the provisions so important?
5. What evidence is given that Noah had a long time to accomplish all he had been given to do?

Genesis 6:22

All that was said about Noah comes to fruition in this verse.  As difficult and overwhelming a task that he had been given, “Noah did according to all that God had commanded him.”  Moses then puts the exclamation point on all that has been said when he wrote of Noah’s faith, “So he did.”

1. What does this verse say about the character of Noah?
2. How difficult would it to have been for Noah to remain faithful for a hundred years?
3. Although not mentioned, how do you think that he would have been viewed by all those watching him build the ark?
4. What would you like for your legacy to be?
5. What example did Noah set for us as you reflect on the statement, “Noah did according to all that God commanded him.”

You-

• As you review the last two lessons give attention to the meaning of each name.
• If you were named according to your attributes how would you be described?
• What legacy would you like to leave behind?
• Look at the characteristics you most admire about the men Moses wrote about and choose those you would emulate.
• Pray that you will remain firm in your faith no matter what is taking place around you.

We- 

For the last two weeks we have studied the descendents of Adam from Cain to Noah.  As we have seen there has never been a greater contrast between Cain’s descendents and those of Seth.  All of those who came from Cain were worldly and evil men.  Lamech was the perfect example of men who have rejected God. 

For us the descendents of Seth exemplify the kinds of men that we should desire to be.  In the time of Enosh men began to call on God.  Enoch had such a close relationship with God that he was translated into heaven and never faced death.  Lamech hoped his son Noah would bring about the restoration of  a godly society.  Noah was called blameless and righteous.  He was also described as man who walked with God. 

We live in a society not much different from the one in which each of those men found themselves.  Hopefully we will have the same spirit as Seth, Enosh, Enoch and Noah who desired to impact the people around them.  The question we have to ask after studying the events of the last three chapters is how close are we to the culmination of history?  Even Jesus stated that the last days will be just like those Noah experienced.

Keep looking up for your salvation is drawing closer.  It is closer than it has ever been.  We need to remain faithful in all that we do.

Additional Notes:

C-After the death of Abel and the exile of Cain, God blessed the couple with a son whom they named Seth meaning seed.  They saw this son as providing a new beginning for mankind. It would be through Seth that the world would be multiplied.  God brought joy out of grief with Seth’s birth. (Gen. 4:25; 5:3)

C-Man began to call on God during the lifetime of Enosh.  Faith reached its pinnacle in Enoch lifetime.  The Bible tells us that “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. (Gen. 4:26; 5:3)

BL-As a result of man’s fallen nature there is a recurring mournful refrain, “. . .and then he died,”  Only Enoch out of all the men listed in the line of Adam before Noah was born   responded to God’s call with gratitude, as reflected in his upright way of living.                      (Gen. 5:1-31)

E-We are not told the particulars of Enoch’s encounters with God.  What we do know that however he met God that it brought a life-long transformation in his life. Of all the people listed in the genealogy found in Genesis 5 only of him is it said, he walked with God.  His ultimate meeting with God came as the Scripture tells us, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”  Enoch’s faith remained strong in a time when others did not believe.           (Gen. 5:22-24)

GC-A Christian walks with God to find true communion with Him.  Eventually he will take that final walk into eternity and finally be at home. Enoch is our example.  For 365 years he walked with God and we are told that he was no longer to be found on the earth because God took him. (Gen. 5:22, 24; Ps. 116:9)

OC-Previous to Enoch there was one mention of man calling on the name of the Lord.  It is found in Genesis 4:25.  Enoch was born many generations later.  Of him alone was it said, “Then Enoch walked with God.” Because of this special relationship, “God took him.” We can only imagine what Enoch endured as he lived among men of which there was no indication that they shared his faith.  To be the only one of his family to walk with God had to make his life very difficult.  In spite of what others believed he was faithful throughout his life until God took him and he no longer walked among godless men.    (Gen. 5:21-24)

RT-Enoch’s whole identity was in God.  It should not surprise us that God took him home as He did. (Gen. 5:21-24)

M-It is a sad commentary on man that it was not until the Bible informs us that a man walked with God. That man was Enoch.  In a time and among the descendents when no one else acknowledged God, Enoch was that one man who held true. (Gen. 5:22-24)

UE-Once again at some point righteous men like Enoch will not experience death but at the rapture will be taken alive right into heaven. (Gen. 5:24)

RT-One of the characteristics that great leaders seem to posses is humility.  Enoch set a very clear standard for all who followed him.  It is said, (He walked with God and was not more.”  What a powerful statement of faith for all of us to emulate.  He was no more.  He was lost in his God.  Paul said practically the same thing in Gal. 2:20 and Phil. 1:21; 3:7-9.  (Gen. 5:24)

RT-It is a sad commentary on the state of man that God first destroyed all men because their hearts were full of evil intent.  Then He said to Noah after the flood from which only Noah and his family was saved that the intent of man’s heart was fully evil.  He then promised that He would never destroy every living thing by water because of it.  Finally our Lord could not trust Himself to man knowing what they were like. (Gen. 6&8; John 2)

OC-There was Noah, the one man who found favor in the eyes of the Lord.  In the midst of a people who God said He was sorry He had ever made them, Noah remained righteous and blameless.  Of all others God saw only that,  “every intent of the thoughts of the heart was only evil continually.”  For 120 years he and his family remained faithful.  During that time he built and ark and prepared for God’s judgment on His creation.  Noah overcame the influence of the evil society apart from God.  He obeyed God throughout his life, thus preserving himself, his family and the future of mankind.  If it had not been for Noah standing tall in his day mankind would have been completely  destroyed.  (Gen. 6:3, 5-7, 8-10, 13, 14, 18, 22; 7:23)

BL-What lessons can we learn from these verses?  First, when only one man stands up for God in a society, that society degenerates very quickly.  For that reason, Christians need to be like Enoch and Noah–people who are not afraid to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God!  Where would most people say that you and I stand?  And perhaps even more importantly, where would our children say that we stand?  Are we teaching them that God–or something else–is the most important thing in life?  We all leave a legacy behind us–what legacy will you leave to YOUR children? (Gen. 6:5) 

C-In his lifetime Noah experienced more drastic changes than any of us would want to experience.  Noah

1. Went from farmer to shipbuilder                                 
2. When the ark was completed he became a zoo keeper.
3. Along the way he was probably ridiculed by his family and those he thought were his friends.
4. He lost all of his family except his wife, sons and their wives.
5. The world as he knew it was completely changed as a result of the flood.
6. The relationship with one of his sons and his descendents became strained.
7. God began to give him some basic laws dealing with the taking of life and dietary restraints.
8. He received a promise from God that no man prior to him had received.      

(Gen. 6-9)

WM-God saw

1. The wickedness of man
2. “Intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Missing was the desire to do right and to focus one’s heart not on evil but on that which is good in the sight of God. (Gen. 6:5)

C-Man went from the position where he called on God to the condition of being wicked in the eyes of God. There was now only one man left on earth who was righteous and blameless and “walked with God.  That man was Noah. (Gen. 6:5-9)

C- The world became a place full of violent men.  God said that “wickedness of man was great on the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was evil continuously.”             (Gen. 6:5, 11, 13)

M-In chapter 6 of Genesis we see the clear contrast between the wicked and the righteous.  God said of the wicked, “Every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” The condition of man made Him sorry He had ever created him.                                                    (Gen. 6:5-6)

GC-Just the opposite of the way men were behaving in the time of Noah, they are not to grieve the heart of God. (Gen. 6:6; Ps. 78:40)

UE-What a sad day it had to be when God looked down on His creation and saw that out of all the people on the face of the earth that only Noah and his family found favor with Him.        (Gen. 6:8)

GC-If we are to find favor in the eyes of God we must be seen as righteous and blameless before Him.  Our daily walk must be a walk with Him. (Gen 6:8-9; 17:1-2)

GC- Righteous and blameless are terms that God uses only for a few men who truly lived a life in obedience to Him. It is not because of whom man is that earns this description, but what God has done for us. We are told that one man could be described in this way.  That man was Noah. (Gen. 6:8-9)

GC-One of the attributes that do not fit into the life of a godly man is one of insolence. God found that this describes the people of the earth in the time of Noah. (Gen. 6:9)

GC-God wants from us:

1. Goodness not wickedness (Prov. 26:23)
2. Proper intentions
3. Good thoughts leading to a pure heart.
4. Not one who is disposed to evil continually. (Gen. 6:5)

RT-If the story of Noah is true then evolution is dead in the water.  The flood would have ended any kind of transitional species.  Noah took, at least two of every kind of animal that God had intended to survive into the ark with him.  Beyond that, man survived the flood as man, not some variation of an animal. (Gen. 6:9-11)

M-Evil men in their godless state will become corrupt and violent are driven only by his own agenda. (Gen. 6:11-12)

WM-Corrupt individuals and those prone to do violent acts cannot see God.                           (Gen. 6:12-13)

UE-Things had become so wicked on earth in the mind of God that He saw the need to use such a catastrophic event as a worldwide flood to destroy all of mankind because of his sinfulness. (Gen. 6:13, 17)

RT-It is interesting to note that in listing the heads of households that only the descendents of Reuben, Levi and Simeon are given to us.  After mentioning Reuben and Simeon, Moses goes on to describe the family of Levi in detail.  He never gets to the fourth son of Leah, Judah. What might have been his reasoning in doing so? (Gen. 6:14-30)

UE-God preserved mankind as Noah and his family found safety inside the ark.                    (Gen. 6:18; 7:1, 23)

GC-A Christian is obedient to God’s commands.  “Thus Noah did according to all that God commanded; so he did.” It takes faith to operate on the unknown.                                           (Gen. 6:22; 7:5; Prov. 19:16)

GC-A Christian is obedient to God’s commands.  “Thus Noah did according to all that God commanded; so he did.” It takes faith to operate on the unknown.                                           (Gen. 6:22; 7:5; Prov. 19:16)

DM-Even though Noah was considered a righteous man, blameless in his time and one who walked with God, he still had to face his on critical moment, his hour of decision. It took a tremendous amount of faith to believe that God was going to bring judgment on the earth in the way described for us in the Scriptures.  It tells us, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Gen. 6:22; Heb. 11:7)

M-Noah however heard God and was driven by the desire to please and obey Him.  He understood the will of God and set out to fulfill it despite the obstacles and difficulties that may confront him.  In the case of Noah the task would be difficult for two or three reasons and maybe more. They were:

1. The length of time it took to build the ark
2. The fact there had never been a flood of the magnitude that God was promising would come
3. The possible ridicule from his neighbors as he built the ark in the middle of the desert, especially one of such tremendous size.
4. The thought of how to get all of the animals together to house them in the ark and how they were going to be fed.
5. How long would this incident last.

The key is that Noah believed and the Scripture tells us, “Thus Noah did; according to all God had commanded him, so all that God had commanded him, so he did.” (Gen. 6:22)

  

 
 

 

 

Lesson 4

Genesis 4

Pride Versus True Worship

Me-

There have been many times in my life when I have attended a worship service with the wrong attitude.  All kinds of reasons have diminished the opportunity to meet God.  I did a Bible study a number of years ago that I titled Encounters with God.  Like so many others I had often left the church with a sense of emptiness because nothing had happened.  I decided to look at the people of the Bible to see what occurred in their lives when they were truly confronted by God.  Did they walk away from those encounters the same or did God do something in them?  I discovered that what is missing when I leave the church without having my expectations met.  It happens to all of us because like you I have put my focus on the wrong things.  Not that any of the activities that take place in a worship service is wrong, but I sometimes pay too much attention to them and miss out on the fact that anything that distracts me from concentrating on God and worshipping him becomes all about me.  I struggle with this.  I am not in church for entertainment or to have all my desires met but to come before the Father in all humility and give myself over to worshipping Him.

We-

We can get so caught up in those activities and pay more attention to them than the reason we are in church in the first place.  We must remember it is not about fellowship per se.  It is not about the music or well you name it.  Our time together is about genuine, humble giving ourselves over to the pure worship of God.  If we let other things distract us we just might miss why God wants us in His house.  We have to be very careful that pride in programs, choirs, Bible Study Classes and even the sermon from the Teaching Elder do not somehow leave God out of the equation.  When we begin to forget God then we become like Adam, Eve, Cain and Lamech.  Each of those individuals thought that they could handle their own lives and move God to the periphery.  In the same way that kind of attitude did not work for them in certainly will not work for us.

Life outside of the garden was certainly different.  It was not long before the sinful nature of man manifested itself in terrible way in the lives of Cain and Abel.

God

Genesis 4:1-2

Part of God’s command to Adam came to fruition.  The first son of the couple was born.  She said of him, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the Lord.” Therefore he was named Cain which could mean brought forth as in procreation.  Some commentators indicate that the name given to the first born might have indicated that Eve thought that he was the fulfillment of the promised seed given in the garden dialog. Nothing else is said about the event. Immediately Moses wrote that a second son was also born and was called Abel, meaning breath.

Without reference to their childhood the next thing that is learned about each of them was their occupations.  Abel is listed first although the second born.  He was called “a keeper of the flocks.”   Cain was a tiller of the ground which God had told Adam that he would do outside of the garden.

1. Why did Eve name her son Cain?
2. How did she misinterpret his birth?
3. Why are we not told anything about the childhood of these two boys?
4. What is the significance of the two professions?
5. Why did both of them not take up farming?

Genesis 4:3-5

The writer does not tell how the two men knew to make offerings to God.  Evidently, the worship of God was instilled in them by their parents.  Adam and Eve would certainly have shared with them all that the Lord had done, including the sacrifice of the animals to make a covering for their bodies.  In a very few words Moses wrote about the two different offerings     presented before the Lord.  Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground to present to the Lord.  Abel on the other hand brought the first of his flock as his offering.  Cain’s offering was the rejected but the one brought by Abel was accepted.  Not only were the offerings different in a physical sense but the quality and attitude with which they were brought caused God to accept one and reject the other.  When He rejected Cain’s offering he became angry and his whole demeanor showed it.

1. How did the two men know to bring offerings to God?
2. What did Abel learn that Cain somehow missed?
3. What hints are we given why Cain’s offering was not regarded or accepted by God?
4. Why was Abel’s offering viewed differently than that presented by Cain?
5. What did Cain’s reaction show about him?
6. Which reflect the attitude that we might have when it comes to things of God?

Genesis 4:6-7

God in His mercy came to Cain to give him an opportunity to address the issue of why his offering was rejected.  He dealt first with Cain’s anger issue.  The real problem was the sin of pride.  By asking him about his anger, God was trying to bring him to the point of confession and repentance.  He had not brought the first fruits or the best of the harvest but only a portion of what had been produced.  By doing so he did not acknowledge that God was the provider of all good things.

Once He had brought attention to Cain’s condition God gave him an opportunity to overcome his pride and anger.  He once again asked a question that would cause Cain to look at himself and understand that God wanted a relationship with him.  It was up to Cain to make the choice to remain as he was or to do well.  The reality of the situation was then laid out for him.  He could  master the sin in his life by eliminating the pride that dominated his life.  If that was not his choice then sin was waiting at the door of his heart to destroy him.

Paul wrote in Romans,

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.  For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14) 

1. Why did God approach Cain?
2. In what way did the questions reflect the concern that God had for Cain?
3. Why did God use rhetorical questions in His conversations with Adam and Eve and Cain?
4. How close does the advice in Romans 6:12-14 relate to what God said to Cain?
5. What does anger show about a man’s heart?
6. What are the choices that God gives us?

Genesis 4:8

It is interesting that this verse begins with the fact that Cain told Abel what had happened.  The Scripture is completely devoid of what that conversation entailed.  Abel may have repeated God’s words urging Cain to repent.  Cain’s answer to God’s offer of grace and mercy was to display his jealously and anger by killing his brother.  His answer was a total rejection of God saying no thanks I can handle my life and problems all by myself. The apostle John wrote, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20)  By his actions Cain showed that there was no place for God in his life.

1. Why do you think Cain shared with Abel what had been said?
2. What drove Cain to take his brother’s life?
3. How did pride play a part in his actions?
4. What was his answer to God?
5. In what ways are we like Cain? Like Abel?
6. In what ways are the attitudes of the world like Cain?
7. How do we know that Cain had no love for God?

 

Genesis 4:9-12

After the murder of Abel, God once again confronted Cain.  As before He asked a question of which He already knew the answer.  The question was, “Where is your brother Abel?”  Instead of confessing what he had done, Cain lied and then arrogantly asked God a question.  By his question it is obvious that his heart was hardened and his pride would not allow him to humble himself before Almighty God.

God then answered both his own question and Cain’s with another question which again would have allowed Cain to confess his actions.  The question went straight to the heart of the matter.  He asked, “What have you done?”  The next words He spoke let Cain know that He knew what had taken place.  Cain could no longer hide behind his lies.  With the strongest words possible, God emphasized that “the voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.”

God waited no longer but gave to the sentence brought on by his act.  He would be:

• Cursed from the ground that had received Abel’s blood.
• The ground would no longer yield a harvest for him.
• A vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.

 

1. What approach did God use to confront Cain after the killing of Abel?
2. What did Cain’s response indicate about his spiritual condition?
3. Why did God have to finally tell Cain that He knew what he had done?
4. Why did God pronounce such a harsh punishment on Cain?
5. Why did God not kill him as he had done to his brother?
6. What happens in our own lives when we think we can lie to God?
7. What is the remedy for such an attitude?
8. What happens if we refuse to hear the convicting words of the Holy Spirit and act upon them?

Genesis 4:13-14

At that point the consequences of his actions became a reality.  What a wakeup call he received.  No longer was he the prideful individual who could answer back to God in such a derogatory manner.  He was now on the receiving end of God’s justice and it was make than he could bear.  There is no way to know whether is his response was out of true repentance or self- preservation.   Whichever it was he was overwhelmed by God’s decision.  His only concern was that he might face the same destiny as his brother and someone might kill him. 

To protect him from others some type of mark was given to him for protection.  He also gave a command that vengeance would come on anyone harming Cain. The once promising statement made about him by his mother was now forgotten.  He proved that he was not the hope of mankind after all.

1. Why did God finally tell Cain what would be his future?
2. How did Cain’s actions end the prospects of being the promised seed as his mother had exclaimed at his birth?
3. When thinking about the justice meted out to Cain, how do you view what God did to him? Too lenient? Too harsh?
4. What are your thoughts about Cain’s reaction to the sentence from God?
5.  Why would God so far as to put a mark on Cain to protect him?
6. Why would He command that vengeance would come to anyone that might harm him?
7. Why did God not execute Cain?

Genesis 4:16

This is one of those verses that is very disturbing because it presents a finality in the relationship that a man will have with God for the present and for eternity.  Yes, Cain was still alive but the Scripture says that he went out from the presence of God.  One other time this same idea was conveyed.  It was the night of the last supper when Jesus had reached out to Judas in every way possible and had not changed his heart that John wrote, “he went out immediately, and it was night.” (John 13:30)  Both of these men went out into the darkness away from God’s love and mercy.  The place to which Cain went was called Nod which was beyond the garden to the east.  The name Nod is appropriate because it means wandering.   

1. Why is this verse disturbing?
2. What does it show us that the future holds for people like Cain who reject God?
3. What does the reference to Nod being east of the garden mean?

Genesis 4:17-18

In the short description of the descendents is found the same defiant acts that had already been manifested in the life of Cain.  Although condemned to be a wanderer Cain once again defied God and built a city which he named Enoch after his first born son.  Enoch’s name may mean several meanings.  It could be train up, dedicate, introduce and initiate.  The meaning that would most fit the actions of Cain would be “Dedicate” since he honored his son by naming a city after him.  Of the other descendents of Cain the writer only gives their names until he gets to Lamech who is the seventh generation after Adam.

1. How did Cain once again show a defiant attitude towards God?
2. What had God said that Cain was to be the rest of his life?
3. Which of the meanings of the name best describe what is seen in the Scriptures?
4. Why is there a lack of information about the other descendents after Enoch until we get to Lamech?

 

Genesis 4:19-22

Lamech is the personification of the line of Cain.  There are two incidents that reflect the same attitude of Cain in his disobedience and defiance of God.  First, in the direct violation of the sacredness of marriage between one man and one woman, he committed bigamy. His wives have interesting names which indicate the worldly perspective of this whole family.  Adah means ornament.  Zillah the second meant shadow, shade, shrill and tinkle. It might be said that these two women were “praised for their beauty and sweet voice.” (The New American Commentary- Genesis)

Lamech’s children by these two women included three sons and a daughter.  Each of the sons had a different profession that would advance society.  Notice that nothing was said of any relationship with God in the development of their skills.  Their achievements were:

• Jabal in the field of animal husbandry which would have included not sheep but possibly cattle also.
• Jubal was in involved in music.  He played the lyre and pipe.
• Tubal-Cain developed the process called metallurgy.  He forged objects from bronze and iron. 

There is nothing else known about Naamah. One commentator mentions that she was possibly listed to provide symmetry to Lamech descendents.

1. What does the meaning of names of the wives say about them?
2. How do these fit the description of Lamech’s family?
3. What is your view of the professions of the sons?
4. What do they show about the mindset of the family?
5. How can the professions in which we are involved be used for God’s glory?

Genesis 4:23-24

After these two verses there is no more mention of the genealogy of Lamech.  In them is seen the results of Cain’s sin fully manifested in the final act of Lamech.  He displayed a complete disregard for the man who had been created in God’s image.  He openly bragged that he had killed both an older and younger man out of revenge for harm they had done to him.  It is possible that he may have used the implement of metal produced by his son as the weapon with which he carried out his act.  Arrogantly he then set himself above his ancestor by announcing that anyone who tried to avenge the death of the two men would have seventy-seven times the vengeance brought against them. This is the last that is heard of this godless family.

1. In what ways did Lamech show us when a family continues to disobey God?
2. What did he say to his wives that show the utter disregard for human life?
3. What claims did he make for himself that prove how self absorbed he was?
4. Why do we see nothing else about this family after these verses?

You-

1. Approach each encounter with God with all humility.
2. Confess any sin of which you have become aware.  This could come from accountability partners, sermons, Bible study lessons, or during times of prayer.
3. Look at the work you are doing or activities in which you are involved as opportunities to glorify God.
4. Realize how important it is to raise up children in the Lord.

We-

We need to understand from the life of Cain how a life begun in promise can end in disaster not only for ourselves but our families.  Our praise and worship is to be genuine bringing only our best before Him.  Anything short of total sacrifice of giving ourselves to God, as Paul spoke about in Roman 12:1 where he wrote, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”   One last point we know that we all sin.  The bringing of a sacrifice not acceptable to God was a sin but the undoing of Cain and any of us is to disregard God’s call to confess and repentance of the sin.  Continual rejection of God will eventually lead to the spiritual death.  God showed to Cain to us that He truly cares for us and gives us every opportunity to have a relationship.  He does not give up on us until we give up on Him.  It is our call.

Additional Notes:

BL-God’s problem with Cain was not the sacrifice Cain brought Him, but the attitude with which Cain gave it. Cain gave his crop, while Abel brought his best. When God looked with favor on Abel’s sacrifice, Cain responded by pouting.  God warned Cain that sin would master him if he did not repent, but His words fell on deaf ears. Cain’s resentment festered until finally, he murdered his brother.  Even after killing his brother he still did not repent.  While he deserved to die for spilling his brother’s blood, he was not grateful even when God spared him.  Instead, he whined that his punishment was too harsh for him to bear.  Sadly, this is the same attitude all too many people in today’s world who commit sin.  Their initial reaction when caught is to blame God for their problems.  Their arrogance and ingratitude often become a way of life that is passed down to their children. (Gen. 4:3:15)

RT-Probably one of the most puzzling question that there is in the Bible is, if Cain and Abel were the two first born children where did he get his wife? (Gen. 4:17)

BL-We see the impact that Cain’s sin had on his descendents.  Lamech justified his murder of two men who wronged him by saying, “If Cain avenged himself, then it’s all right for me to do it, too.”  (Gen. 4:23)

UE-It should not astonish us that man could so quickly descend to the depths of depravity that overpowered Cain.  In this one man was embodied what pride and rebellion can do.

1. It started with the rejection of his offering and a warning from God.
2. This led to jealousy of his brother.  How easy it is to blame others for our short comings
3. The next thing that he did was to carry out the ultimate injustice against an innocent man, the murder of his brother.
4. Then like his parents before him he attempted to cover up what he had done with a false decree of innocence.
5. Finally when God pronounced His judgment of Cain, he played the part of the victim saying, “My punishment is too much to bear.” (Gen. 4:3-13)

DM-Cain had set a pattern of not offering God his best.  There came a point when God called him to be accountable.  His response was to become angry and despondent.  Even after receiving God’s admonition Cain made the decision to take out his anger with God on his brother Abel.  Because of anger and jealousy we had the first murder. 

Because of Cain’s decision he was cast out into the world by God to wander and be fearful of what man would do to him all of his life.

Sin is waiting at the door of each man’s life to destroy him.  Cain chose to give into the temptation and committed one of the worse sins that one man can do to another man.  He chose to let sin master him.  That was the crucial point for him and his life.                   (Gen. 4:3, 5-7, 13-14; Heb. 11:4-5)

M-Evidently the sacrifices of Cain were self-serving and self-centered.  When God would not accept his offering he became angry and jealous which ultimately lead to the murder of his brother, Abel.  (Gen. 4:3, 5-8)

M-Abel’s relationship with God was such that he knew that God deserved the best and the first of his flock long before the Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God.             (Gen. 4:4)

TM-God was trying to give Cain a lesson in the way to have a proper relationship with Him.  He also tried to share the types of activities in which he should be involved.  To do well lifts one’s spirits and chases away anger. (Gen. 4:6-7)

DM-After a decision is made an act is just the extension of it.

GC-Genesis 4 deals with Cain and Abel.  It is pointed out that the problem God had with Cain was not the sacrifice Cain brought Him, but the attitude with which Cain gave it. Cain gave his crop, while Abel brought his best. When God looked with favor on Abel’s sacrifice, Cain responded by pouting.  God warned Cain that sin would master him if he did not repent, but His words fell on deaf ears. Cain’s resentment festered until finally, he murdered his brother.  Even having committed that act there was no repentance but belligerence on his part.  While he deserved to die for spilling his brother’s blood, he was not grateful when God spared him.  Instead, he whined that his punishment was too harsh for him to bear.  This can be likened to many people in today’s world who sin, then blame God for their problems.  Their arrogance and ingratitude often become a way of life that is passed down to their children.

WM-Cain did not give God what was due Him.  He thought he could get away with bringing an offering not of the first fruits but just part of the harvest.  (Gen. 4:3-4)

WM-Cain had some major character flaws

1. Lack of reverence towards God
2. Anger
3. Jealousy
4. Hatred for his brother resulting in killing of Abel
5. Disobedient
6. Uncontrolled sin in his life                                                                                 (Gen. 4:3, 5)

M-Once again we see the self-centered attitude of Cain.  He was more concerned with his own future than he was about the terrible act he had committed. (Gen. 4:13-14)

TM-Cain learned too late the results of yielding to the temptation of sin. (Gen. 4:13)      

WM-Cain was only concerned about himself and preserving his own life. (Gen. 4:13-15)

TM-One of the key elements and possibly the most important in being forgiven is to face the fact that we have sinned.  In the case of Cain God was directing him to answer some of the following questions;

1. Why was he angry?
2. Will you not feel better if you do well?

Depending on how he dealt with those questions would lead him to take one of two paths.  Either he would;

1. Do well
2. Allow sin become his master.

How do those same questions maybe worded differently apply to us?  How do we respond when confronted with our own sin?  Which path do you take? Why?                   (Gen. 4:13)

TM-At what point does God give up on a person who has hardened his heart?  Even after the death of Abel what was God trying to do with Cain?  How did the following questions set the stage for different responses?  When sin prevailed in Cain’s life God again asked:

1. Where is brother?
2. What have you done?

Based on Cain’s answers what did it say about the condition of his heart? (Gen. 4:6-10)

RT-Adam and Eve were given two sons, Cain and Abel.  We do not understand how Abel developed an awareness of the correct relationship with God.  Somehow he had learned that God deserved the offering he brought.  Cain on the other hand displayed the attitude that so plagues mankind today.  He offered God only a token half-hearted gift and it was not acceptable to God. (Gen. 4:3-6)

C-After a period of time tragedy struck this fallen family.  Cain who was jealous of his brother became the first murderer, thus changing the relationships in this family forever.  To his parents he brought the experience of death and grief.  For himself there would now be guilt and separation from not only his family but from God.  His fate became that of a wandered and fugitive.  His only protection was the sign that God gave to him.         (Gen. 4:8-15) 

GC-The offering we bring must be of the first fruits.  If we set aside that which is upper most according to worldly standards, we offer the sacrifice, including our very lives, with proper motives. (Gen. 4:3-4; Ex. 34:26; Prov. 21:27; Is. 43:23-24)

GC-True worship and genuine sacrifice are what God desires from us.  God had regard for Abel’s offering but not that which Cain brought. (Gen. 4:5)

GC-Through Christ a Christian has the ability to be master over sin. Cain was told that sin was after him, but he must master it.  He must not let it get a foothold in his life, because once that happens it would become his master. (Gen. 4:7; Rom. 6:12-14)

GC-The godly man realizes that jealousy leads to anger and anger leads to murder.                                                 (Gen. 4:8; 1 Kings 21:1-13; Prov. 6:34-35; 27:4)

GC-The end of chapter four shows what happens when a parent has not lived an exemplary life before his children.  If we want our children to grow into adults who respect others we must set the example. (Gen. 4:8-24)

GC-Is it going to take murders, jealousy and arrogance of man to finally cause man to begin to call on the name of the Lord?  A Christian knows that in order to avoid such actions as listed above he must constantly communicate with the Father.  After Enosh was born there came a time when man finally began to know the Lord. (Gen. 4:26)

C-Sadly, Cain’s influence filtered down to one of his descendents named Lamech.  He used what Cain had done to justify his killing of others for a wrong done to him.  A lesson needs to be learned that man never knows how his actions will impact those around him.  In this particular we are talking about five generations from Cain. (Gen. 4:19-24)

WM-Lamech saw Cain had done as justification for killing those who had hurt him.    (Gen. 4:23-24)

M-Following in the footsteps of his ancestor Cain, Lamech took the revenge which is sadly is one of the characteristics of a godless man. (Gen. 4:23-24)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fall of Man

Lesson 3

Genesis 3

Me-

Back when I worked with the youth there was an activity the leaders would use to point out the consequences of sin.  We would have each person write down a wrong that they believed they needed to confess to the Lord.  Those pieces of paper were then nailed to two boards in the shape of a cross.  Once everyone had nailed their confessions to the cross we would burn all of them up.  This was to signify God’s view of the sins that had been confessed.  Then the nails were pulled from the wood leaving holes.  We then explained that even though God forgave each of us for the wrongs we had committed that there always be consequences of our actions.  As I reflect back now I have to say that I quite often fail to confess both to God and to others the wrongs that I do that may have lasting effect on their lives.  In a way this keeps me from condemning the actions of Adam and Eve because I am no better than them.

We-

We live in a blameless society.  Making that statement does not mean that we are sinless or do no wrong, it just means that we have reached the point that we no longer accept the responsibility for our wrong doing.  We blame everyone else for our failures, our inadequacies and reasons we commit sinful acts.  The church is not exempt from this attitude.  No longer do we hear messages from the pulpit or Bible study classes concerning sin and its consequences.  When we do speak of the ills of society it is the fault of the media or someone trying to keep others down.  Adam and Eve learned a harsh lesson that should be an example for each of us.  We are to take responsibility for our own sin. We are not to come before God with excuses but with humility, owning up to what we have done with a broken heart confessing and asking for forgiveness from the perfect Creator of this universe.

God-

Genesis 3:1

In this verse the adversary of God and man came onto the scene.  Even in the perfect world of the garden there was the presence of evil. He was described as a serpent which was, depending on the translation used, wise, subtle or crafty.  There are words like cunning that could be used to tell of his attributes. He possessed what the other beasts did not have.  It meant that whatever kind of beast the serpent was the devil had taken control and spoke through it.

This creature came, not to Adam, but to Eve to begin his assault on mankind.  It is on the surface strange that he would approach the woman and not the man.  It was to the man, before the creation of woman, that the command was given to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  The woman would have therefore received the information second handed from her husband.  The other factor to consider, according to one commentator, is the psychological makeup of men and women.  Women seem to be the more sensitive and emotional in dealing with issues.  Men have a tendency to approach situations from a logical and intellectual point of view.

The serpent began the conversation with a question that was meant to undermind God’s authority in Eve’s life.  The question was more rhetorical in nature than the honest seeking of information.  He knew the answer before he asked the question.  It was asked in a way to start Eve thinking, why did God not want them to eat of every tree? Why was that particular tree off limits?

1. How are we introduced to the serpent?
2. What indications are given according to the text of the kind of creature he was?
3. What description is given to indicate that the serpent was real and Satan is real?
4. Why did he approach Eve instead of Adam?
5. To whom had the command been given not to eat of the tree?
6. What was the serpent attempting to do by asking the question in the way he did?

Genesis 3:2-4

Of course there is no returning to the way things were before the fall but there is a lesson to be learned from this conversation.  Anytime someone contradicts the word of God man must be leery of what is being said.  The woman lost the battle once she began to speak to this animal which had been created by God.  The woman’s answer completely changed the tenor of God’s command to Adam.  She spoke of:

• Being able to eat of any of the trees
• the tree which could not be eaten as being in the middle of the garden and omitting the significance of it being the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
• Not being allowed of even being able to touch it.
• The possibility of death not the surety of which God spoke.

1. What was Eve’s first mistake?
2. How did she change the commands of God?
3. What would have kept her from being influenced by Satan?
4. What lesson can we learn from this conversation?

Genesis 3:5

The serpent immediately picked up on the questioning of death and arrogantly stated that God would not kill either she or her husband. He carried his point even further. Not only did he declare that God would not kill them if she ate the fruit but would become like God knowing good and evil.  Who would not want to be wise?  Who would not want to be like God having total knowledge?  Satan played to the one characteristic of mankind that has led to the downfall of many a person beginning with the first couple.  Pride would lead to the fall wanting to dethrone God and to put one’s self in His place. 

1. Why did the devil go straight to the issue of whether God would cause Eve to die if she ate of the tree?
2. What is the one characteristic that leads to all other sin in man?
3. Why is pride such a problem?
4. What does to have pride really mean?

Genesis 3:6

Here is one verse upon which the history of man’s relationship hinges.  Pride had become full blown in the heart and mind of Eve.  She could be like God.  In First John it was written how the desires of what this world has to offer leads one to the devastating effect of Pride.  John said, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”  (1 John 2:15-16)

How was this played out in the garden?  Eve saw

• The fruit as good to eat (Lust of the flesh)
• It was pleasant to the eye (Lust of the eye)
• It would make her wise (Boastful pride of life)

Not only did she eat of the fruit, but implicated her husband in the transgression against God’s commands.  She gave him some of the fruit and he willingly ate of it.  Again choices were made that carried the couple to their own destruction.  Although Eve had been deceived, it was Adam who knowingly broke the command of God which he had personally received.  His was an intentional violation of all that God had said and thus deserved the greater condemnation. 

There is an unspoken thread that runs throughout the Old Testament and into the New.  The devil’s ultimate goal has always been for the total destruction of mankind.  He had accomplished this at the very beginning there would be no need for Christ to come and he would never be defeated causing continual problems for God.  He has never been strong enough to confront God head on.  By tempting God’s children to sin, he might provoke God to destroy all of mankind.  He did not nor will he ever succeed. 

1. Why is this verse one of the two hinges upon which all of history turns?
2. What could Adam have done even at this point?
3. Why do you think that Adam gave into his wife’s wishes and ate the fruit?
4. Was the man or the woman more at fault and why?
5. Why is there greater guilt for the one who chooses to sin than the one who is deceived?
6. Why did they not give greater thought to the possible consequences of their actions?
7. What has always been satan’s ultimate goal.
8. How has he been prevented from accomplishing this?
9. What can we do to make sure he goes down to defeat?

Genesis 3:7

Immediately, the first thing that happened to them was the loss of innocence that they had enjoyed up until this point.  They now felt guilty at seeing the other person unclothed and knew that they could not face God in their sin.  The knowledge of sinfulness, the broken relationship with God occurred the moment their eyes were opened and they saw each other as they were.  As man always does when confronted with the reality of sin, they attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves sewn together.  Of course throughout history there would be other attempts to hide one’s sin from God.

1. What did man lose because of his actions?
2. In what way did the awareness of their nakedness bring them to the realization of their sin?
3. Why did they believe it necessary to cover themselves with fig leaves?
4. At what point did they understand that their relationship with God would be different?
5. How are fig leaves representative of the way that we try to deal with sin?
6. If we stop at this point who would appear to be the victor?

Genesis 3:8-13

Some translations use the term voice when speaking of God’s presence in the garden.  The NASB uses the word sound.  Whether it was the voice of God or His sound, the man knew that God was in the garden in a way that He had done so many times before.  This time was different.  Rather than welcoming the sweet fellowship the man and woman had experienced before they now feared making themselves known. They hid themselves because of their shame. When Moses wrote Genesis it was part of the mid eastern culture that public nudity was considered a shameful act.

The initial question that God asked was not for His own benefit.  He knew where the man was physically.  It was asked for two purposes.  He wanted man to explain his spiritual relationship with Him.  It was to have man confront himself and use the opportunity to confess and take responsibility for what he had done.  It was obvious that he was not going to do it voluntarily but only under the scrutiny of God.  The man did not own up to the sin of disobedience but only the consequences of his action. Supposedly, he was afraid to come before God because of his nakedness.

The answer given was unsatisfactory, so God asked a more penetrating one.  He wanted to know how the man knew that he was naked.  Then He went right to the heart of the problem when He asked whether the man had eaten of the tree.  God reinforced this question with the words, “Of which I commanded you not to eat?” 

There was no way to evade the question, but like man from that point on, the man managed to deflect responsibility and blame the woman for his failure.  God then turned to the woman giving her a chance to confess, but she like her husband, now put the blame on the serpent.  Her answer was so telling.  “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”  This is like the cartoons that have been drawn in which everyone says “Not I” when confronted with the broken vase etc.

1. Why did God ask the questions in the way that He did?
2. Why do we sometimes fear God?
3. What is the equivalent to appearing before God as the man did in our own lives?
4. In what ways do we try to hide our sin?
5. What does it mean when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin?
6. How does this compare with the way God questioned the man and the woman?
7. Why is it so hard to confess our sin?
8. Why do we blame others for our failures?
9. How far does the blame game get with God?

Genesis 3:14-15

The judgment on the serpent was twofold.  God first dealt with the beast which had been inhabited by satan.  He condemned it to move about on its belly and eat dust forever.  Secondly, he pronounced on the devil himself with the first prophecy concerning the coming Savior.  He said to the devil that he would be:

• The enemy of the woman’s seed.
• The seed would bring ultimate destruction to the devil.
• He would bring short term harm to the seed.

1. Why was the curse on the serpent twofold?
2. What did God mean by the seed of the woman?
3. Why would the serpent be the enemy of the seed of woman?
4. What would be the fate of the devil?
5. How would he bring harm to the seed?
6. What do the verses mean for us today?

 Genesis 3:16

God then turned to the woman.  As a consequence of her disobedience the woman would

• Experience pain in childhood.
• Have a desire for her husband.  She would look to her husband for protection and be dependent on him.
• Be ruled by her husband.

1. In what ways were these conditions appropriate for the woman?
2. How do the statements differ from reasons presented at the time of the creation of woman?
3. What rights did this give to the man?

Genesis 3:17-19

God explained to the man the reason that His judgment had come to him. The man had heeded the voice of his wife and had deliberately eaten the fruit from the tree. The command had been given to the man and no one else.  As a result of his disobedience his future would be much different than he had experienced in the garden. 

• Only through hard work described as toil would the earth produce food.
• The land would yield thorns and thistles.
• By the sweat of his brow the land would yield food.

The final part of the judgment had to do with life itself.  No longer was the blessing of living forever a possibility.  When he died he would return to the ground from which he had been taken.

1. Why did the man receive the brunt of the judgment?
2. What changes were to be in the future for the man?
3. Who was affected by man’s disobedience?
4. What was the difference between the sin of the man and that of his wife?
5. What was the ultimate penalty for man?

Genesis 3:20

The man now names his wife.  He called her Eve, which meant “living.”  She was to be the mother of all who would come after them.

 Genesis 3:21

Instead of the fig leaves that Adam and Eve had made to cover their nakedness, God made clothing from the skins of animals.  This is the first time that animals would be sacrificed to cover man’s sin.  Throughout the Old Testament this is called atonement.

1. Why did God sacrifice an animal to clothe man?
2. What did this represent in the life of man?
3. What does the term atonement mean?
4. What does this show to us about the character of God?

Genesis 3:22-24

To keep the man from having access to the tree God drove him out of the garden.  If he had remained then he would lived in his fallen state forever.  No longer did man have all of the vegetation of the garden but now had to cultivate the land in order to eat.

After God drove man out of the garden He stationed the “cherubim and the flaming sword” to guard against the attempt on the part of man to return.  The tree of life continued to be in the garden as a reminder of all man had lost. Man after the fall could no longer avail himself of it.

1. Why did God drive man out of the garden?
2. Why did He not want man to live forever in his fallen state?
3. Why was it necessary to put the angel to guard against the return?

You-

• Through prayer and Bible Study come terms with the fact that you cannot face the devil alone.
• Humble yourself and realize that you can never attain to the place of God.
• Desire to be like God’s Son so that you will not be deceived by the methods of the devil.
• Take responsibility for the sins that you commit and do not blame others for your failures.
• Confess and repent of those sins that you commit and seek God’s forgiveness.

We-

If we truly understand the events that took place back in the garden there should only be one response on our part.  To think how close the devil came to winning and having man destroyed should cause us to fall down on our faces and cry out for mercy.  Let none of us think that we can  stand up to the devil in our own strength.  Perfect man and woman were no match for him, much less we who are fallen creatures. Thankfully God in His great compassion has heard our plea.  He sent His son to ensure that the devil cannot win.  Christ has won the victory. We now have the relationship with God that was lost in the garden. Let us continually praise Him.  

Additional Notes:

BL- Bible Lesson

WM- What’s Missing

UE- Unexpected Event

 

 

BL-In Genesis 3 Satan (as the Serpent) approaches Eve tempts her to be even “better” than she was  already–to be gods, instead of godly–by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Eve succumbed first then gave some of the fruit to Adam to eat.  The Scripture tells that immediately their eyes were opened to the awareness of not good and evil but the fact they were naked.  They DID gain knowledge of both good and evil, but what they failed to consider was the terrible consequence of their sin–the loss of their previously perfect relationship with God.  This resulted in separation from Him and from each other, and introduced them to emotions they had never experienced before–shame, guilt, and fear.  Sin hardened their hearts, and we saw Adam blaming the woman for tempting him, blaming God for making the woman, and Eve blaming the serpent. 

However, we see God’s mercy in Genesis 3:15 when He tells the serpent, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel (NIV).” 

In the Old Testament family lines are normally traced through the man, but here the order is changed.  God tells Eve that it would be her seed that would eventually defeat satan. This makes Genesis 3:15 the first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was not conceived by man, but through the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary. Satan “struck” Him when He suffered and died on the cross, but through His death and resurrection, Christ crushed Satan’s weapons of sin and death (see I Cor. 15:55-57).  We see God’s mercy again in 3:24-25, when He banishes the couple from the Garden of Eden.  He does this to keep them from eating from the tree of life and thus living in a state of separation from Him forever.

GC-Do not provide satan an opportunity to make inroads into our lives by raising doubts about God’s commands and His ultimate purpose for us. (What is our responsibility towards sin). (Gen. 3:4-6)

GC-We must always be on guard against those things that stimulate the senses but may destroy the spirit.  Remember man does not commit a sin in a vacuum, but there is the strong possibility that others  can  be grievously affected or destroyed along with us.                                                                                  (Gen. 3:4-6; Josh. 7:20-21, 24-25)

GC-A Christian must beware of deception (things appearing differently than they really are).  Eve was deceived by the serpent. (Gen. 3:4; Matt. 7:15; Luke 6:26; Eph. 4:14; 5:6)

M-In this text is the essence of the motivational theories of today.  The idea that is pervasive is to be independent of God.  Man has the ability to accomplish all he desires on our own.  It is to be like God and to have the knowledge of good and evil with us and by what we do.  He is continually stepping out into areas that God calls taboo, which includes those things that are not good for our own well-being.  The whole concept comes down to self.  Maslow talks about everything I need finally resulting in what he calls self-actualization. (Gen. 3:5)

WM-To desire to want to be on the same plane as God shows a lack of understanding and acceptance of who God is. (Gen. 3:5)

RT-It should have been enough for Eve to already be like God. Both she and Adam were created in His image.  They were also given all responsibility and authority that they could handle. (Gen. 3:5)

RT-In order for change to come there must be a physical, mental or spiritual condition preexisting that needs to be altered.  Part of what will be written in these notes started as many of the studies that I have done because of some events that were occurring in the life of the church.  It was a conscious decision to look at this subject from a biblical perspective.  Every remark that follows talking about change will have a C preceding it.

C-Since the beginning of time there has never been a time when change has not been occurring.  Of course this is not news to anyone no matter how isolated from the rest of the world they may have been.  Understanding that changes seem to be taking place more rapidly today than ever before, I decided to look at all of the changes in the Bible.  Since we seem to deal with them reluctantly, especially in the church, the Bible should provide a clear picture of all the different changes man may face.  Today we may put different tags on them, but in reality are they that much different than what man has already experienced?  From the beginning we shall see how dynamic this world is. 

RT-As a free moral agent man is allowed to choose the path he will take.

1. Adam and Eve chose to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil located in the garden that God had told them they were not to eat. (Gen. 3:6)                         
2. They chose to hide themselves from God because of their shame.  The shame was not for what they had done but because they were naked. (Gen 3:8)                                       
3. God was deeply concerned at that point that man might choose to eat of the fruit of the tree of life and live forever in his fallen state.  Man would have certainly done this having already disobeyed God. (Gen 3:22)
4. Enoch set out as a man who chose to walk with God. (Gen. 5:22, 24)
5. Noah was righteous and blameless.  He walked with God in the midst of a decadent world. (Gen. 6:9)
6. Abraham went forth from his home country as God directed him. (Gen. 12:4)
7. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. (Gen. 13:4)
8. He proved that he feared God by his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. (Gen. 22:12)
9. Esau despised his birthright. (Gen 25:34)
10. Jacob chose to follow the instructions of his mother in the deception of Isaac in order to receive the blessing that should have gone to Esau. (Gen. 27:5-29)
11. Jacob promised to future conditional commitment to God. (Gen. 28:20-22)
12. Joseph chose not to sin against God. (Gen. 39:9)
13. He feared God. (42:18)

RT-Man decided he could do a better job without God’s help, therefore alienating himself from God.  This decision made man an unfit vessel to carry out God’s plan for this world.  In that fallen state man could no longer accomplish any good thing for God.  It took Jesus to bring about the reconciliation between God and man.  Through Christ man can once again carry out the purpose of God. (Gen. 3:1-6)

RT-To mourn for the lost innocence, the lost purity of each and every man should be in the hearts of each of us.  Our sorrow is that the ways of this world have become the dominating factor in the lives of most people, the god of life and so each person lives in opposition to God. (Gen. 3:1-7)

C-Perfect man and perfect woman were no match for satan’s guile.  Since that was true for them, how do we think we can face him in our own strength?  (Gen. 3:1-6)

WM-Missing in the life of Adam and Eve was the whole concept of self-control.  They were more willing to gratify their own desires than to obey God.  (How much like them are we? (Gen. 3:6)

DM-Eve did three things that would show her rebellion to God’s authority.  By her actions and the involvement of Adam she received what she desired.  Her eyes were opened but not what God had determined was best for her. (Gen. 3:6-7)

DM-Adam was a party on this rebellion. Both of them and subsequently the whole earth has suffered for the acts and decisions in Eden. (Gen. 3:6-24)

C-When the serpent entered the picture and man succumbed to the temptation to be like God a whole new chapter for Adam and Eve began.  No longer would they stewards of a perfect environment, but would have to labor to provide for themselves and their family from a land that would grudgingly yield its fruit.  Even the thing that would be precious in their lives, giving birth to a new life, would now be accompanied by submission and pain.  The Bible indicates that this new life was difficult for Adam and Eve to accept.  In Genesis 3:23 it says, “Therefore the Lord sent him out of the garden of Eden.” One verse later we are told, “He drove the man out.”  Adam went from maintaining the garden to becoming a farmer eeking out his existence from the very ground out of which God had formed him. How could a loving God do such a thing to His special created being?    (Gen. 3:1-24)

RT-Most of us go out into the world spiritually unprepared to face the reality that satan is wreaking havoc on our homes, church and society as a whole. (Gen. 3:1-4)

WM-The thing missing in the lives of Adam and Eve was that they did not fear God enough to completely obey Him. (Gen. 3) 

WM-When we live in perfect relationship with God our heart does not convict us.  Sin brings shame and separation. (Gen. 3:7)

UE-The first death that followed eating of the fruit was the loss of innocence.  They lost that childlike faith that calls every man to have who wants a relationship with Him.   (Gen. 3:7-11)

E-Before the fall of man God used to spend time walking with Adam and Eve in the garden communing with them. (Gen. 3:8)

C-For Adam there was not the option of holding on to the past.  By his actions he closed that door forever.  Both he and Eve did not view the consequences of what they were about to do through the eyes of God.  If they had they would certainly have made a different choice.  Mankind is so short-sighted in only seeing what is in the moment without any real thought of how what it does affects others.  The last point to be made is that in much the same way we cannot hold on to the ways we once knew.  Each new moment of life brings changes and new challenges from where we have been. (Gen. 3:24)

 RT-Eve saw that the fruit on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was

1. Good for food
2. Delightful to the eyes
3. Desirable to make one wise

She then took of the fruit and ate of it herself.  The fruit was then shared with Adam.  With this last act she involved others even though willing in her sin. (Gen. 3:6)

RT-A man of vision cannot be one with an appetite just for what can be accomplished only for today.  He must think beyond himself to the benefits can come when he seeks for the greater good of those around him.  This is where Adam failed. He saw the possibility of self-promotion, becoming like God, doing the one think that indicated that he was living for the now. Sadly, like many of us, his actions did not make him wise or give him the power and position he desperately sought.  It brought only death, heartaches and unfulfilling labor. (Gen. 3:6)

M-We need to take look at the things we do if we are to understand if they are going to produce the desired results in our lives.  Disobedience to God’s direction will always bring shame not glory. (Gen. 3:7-8)

WM-There was a failure to accept responsibility for their actions.  It is so easy to play the blame game when we are caught in our sin.  They did not have the courage to confess what they had done. (Gen. 3:12)

M-One of the negative results of motivation of fallen man is to not accept responsibility for his actions. (Gen. 3:12-13)

GC-He realizes that God is always the One seeking to restore each person to a right relationship with Him.  It is man who seeks to hide from Him or tries to cover up his sin. (Gen. 3:10; Is. 1:18; 29:15)

GC-We must take full responsibility for our sin and not blame someone else for our actions.  The ultimate decision to serve God, to obey Him or to sin rests with each one of us individually. (Gen. 3:12-13; Ex. 32:21-22; 2 Kings 14:6)

RT-What are the things in your life that if exposed would make you ashamed before God. (Gen. 3:7-11)

RT-Universalism is as old as the Garden of Eden.  Even then satan’s great lie was at work.  He used the same argument with Eve then that is still heard today.  Surely a loving God will not let you die spiritually. To say such a thing means that those who make such a statement expect everyone to go to heaven. Another example of worldly reasoning is If God is so powerful why is there so much evil in the world?  But his most devastating words are you can become life God which means to become a god yourself. (Gen. 3:4)

Those things that bring about spiritual death are the ones that are all too often the most appealing to man. (Gen. 3:6)

RT-One other fallout occurred from Adam and Eve’s sin.  No longer did they enjoy the relationship with God that they had had.  They lost the experience of His presence they had enjoyed while in the garden.  Sin puts up that kind of barrier in the lives of people, alienating them from God. (Gen. 3:8)  

RT-When God asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” He was seeking to know of their physical presence but their current spiritual relationship with Him.  This is the same question that has plagued mankind ever since the fall.  We continue to wrestle on a daily basis with that relationship because of our fallen nature.

Paul shared his own struggle when he speaks of not doing what he should and doing that which he should not be doing.  He then asked the rhetorical question, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death,” knowing of course the answer for him and for us is Christ.                              (Gen 3:9; Rom. 7:15-25)

RT-To be naïve is a form of rebellion.  God has provided for each of us the means to know Him.  To fail to do so is to bring judgment on ourselves. (Gen. 3:12-17)

RT-However, we see God’s mercy in Genesis 3:15 when He tells the serpent, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel (NIV).”

DM-A critical moment occurs at the point when God showed to Adam and Eve that the serpent (the devil) was their mortal enemy and all their descendents. (Gen. 3:15) 

OC-Man would finally overcame the work done by satan in the garden of Eden thought the seed of Mary who would finally defeat our enemy the devil and crush his head.    (Gen. 3:15)

UE-Even in the time of judging the sin of Adam and Eve, God was speaking of His provision for forgiveness and the ultimate defeat of satan.  As parents when we had to discipline our children did we give any thought to what we would do once the disciplining had been completed?  What actions should we have taken to bring about a restoration of the relationship?  (Gen. 3:15)

UE-The very thing that satan hoped would occur never did take place.  His desire in the garden and in our time was and is the total destruction of mankind.  If he cannot accomplish that then he attempts to severe our relationship with God.  This is important to him because on it hinged his survival.  Destroy man and Christ would have no reason to come.  No Christ and satan would not have to face his ultimate end.  Life for Adam and Eve would now be difficult in a hostile world, but God’s plan of salvation for the world remained intact. (Gen. 3:15-19)

C-With the fall of man there came a change in the relationship with God and creation.               (Gen. 3:15-24)

GC-A godly person should always be convicted of the shame which disobeying God always brings. (Gen. 3:17; Is. 42:17)

GC-Work done within the will of God is meaningful, but once we step outside of His will it then becomes a curse and drudgery. (Gen. 3:17-19; Prov. 12:14)

 UE-When God sent Adam and Eve forth out of the garden, it must have been another of the unexpected series of events that was a consequence of the fall.  Something they could not have foreseen as happening. (Gen. 3:24)

RT-In the Old Testament family lines are normally traced through the man, but here the order is changed.  God tells Eve that it would be her seed that would eventually defeat satan. This makes Genesis 3:15 the first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was not conceived by man, but through the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary. Satan “struck” Him when He suffered and died on the cross, but through His death and resurrection, Christ crushed Satan’s weapons of sin and death (see I Cor. 15:55-57).  We see God’s mercy again in 3:24-25, when He banishes the couple from the Garden of Eden.  He does this to keep them from eating from the tree of life and thus living in a state of separation from Him forever.

GC-When considering the whole matter of the knowledge of good and evil, we grow when we can discern the difference and learn to stay away from evil. (Gen. 3:22)