Reading Plan:
Genesis 6:1-8

Author: Nikki Payton

Noah was the only one in his day who found favor with God (Genesis 6:8). Surrounded by those who embraced chaos and evil, Noah stood out in an uncivilized republic where violence and corruption of every kind ruled the day. Noah was the only one who held on to his love for God.

You may have felt this kind of loneliness as a follower of Christ, trying to protect your faith and obedience to Jesus in an ungodly world. Being different is not easy, but trust me, friend, when I say you have genetic markers in your spiritual DNA that are designed to handle the pressure.

From Adam to Noah, there are nine robust generations of strong patriarchs who walked with God. Living a holy and faithful life is deeply engrained in Noah. His grandfather, Methuselah, was the only human being to live nearly a millennium. Noah’s great grandfather, Enoch, who was the first and only biblical figure “not to see death”, was taken to heaven (Hebrews 11:5). Seth, Adam’s third son after Abel, is noted as being the first to produce this godly line of men (Genesis 4:5). So, Noah was “designed” to handle his difficult surroundings and ultimately the task God set before him. You, my friend, are in a much better genetic position because you have the blood of Jesus.

Genesis 6:1-4 describes the evil state of Noah’s civilization. Sons of God, Nephilim, mighty men of old… There are many different ideas on who Genesis is describing in this chapter, but one thing is clear, there was such a level of wickedness in the world that God saw it necessary to wipe the earth clean.

The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:5-8).

Notice in verse 5. All human inclinations were evil, not some of the time, but all of the time. This reality troubled our Father. In protection of Noah and the seed that would come through a future line, He does what is necessary by cleansing the earth with water.

Being a Jesus follower is not an easy island to live on, but we are encouraged that we will be paid in dividends for all that we have done for his namesake including the sacrifices, the losses, and the hardships. Revelations 21:3-4 gives us courage that this is not our home. These verses tell us that one day we will hear God’s voice say to us, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Amen.

Reflection & Response:

• What spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study, giving, solitude, mediation, worship, etc.) do you need to add to your life to strengthen your position in the faith?
• What are some practical ways you can make your light shine brighter as a beacon in this dark world? At Venture Church, you can start by leading others to know, love, and follow Christ by Inviting with Intention, Investing in Community, Impacting by Serving, and Igniting through Giving. Contact us at hello@venture.org if you would like more information on how to take these Next Steps!
• What are some resources to help you stand firm in a posture of non-negotiation with your values? If you’re not already in a House Church, this is a great way to have accountability in your life.

Holy Father, thank you for standing with us in our trials and suffering. Each day you make the enemy a liar. We serve you and choose you not for what you do for us, not for what you’ve given us, but we serve you for who you are. You are the Alpha and Omega and everything in between. You are our Great I Am. Give us strength to resist the enemy and make a stand for you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have kids?

Use the content below to dive deeper into the Bible Reading Plan with your family.

Family Application: Noah & Doing the Right Thing

• When Noah lived on earth, He was the only person that loved God with all his heart, mind, and soul. The way Noah lived and followed God was not the popular way to live, but Noah was obedient to what God was calling him to do.
• Sometimes what God calls us to do is hard. It might not be a popular decision to make, but God is with us and helps us. Spend a moment encouraging your family; tell them they can do hard things because God is with us and helps us. Tell them one way that you have seen them be courageous lately.
• What is God calling you to as a family? Spend time talking through how each family member can play a role with what God is calling you to as a family.