Lessons from the Great Flood Genesis 6:1-8
The story of the flood in Genesis is more than just a historical event; it's a powerful and timeless lesson for our spiritual lives. As the Bible tells us in Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:6, these Old Testament accounts serve as examples and warnings for us today. The flood reveals a core truth: God is patient, but human wickedness always brings judgment.
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1. The Reality of Human Wickedness
The book of Genesis paints a grim picture of humanity before the flood: "Every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5). People had traded the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:24-26), and their corruption was complete. The world was filled with violence, just as it is today. When a culture is dominated by evil, judgment is an inevitable result (Psalm 5:4).
This raises an important question for us: are we just following the current of a corrupt world, or are we standing firm in our commitment to holiness?
2. God's Warning to the Wicked
Even in the face of such evil, God showed incredible patience. He declared that He would not strive with man forever, giving them 120 years before the flood (Genesis 6:3). During this time, Noah, a "preacher of righteousness," warned his generation (2 Peter 2:5). God gave time for the people to repent, but they refused.
This is a recurring theme in the Bible. God gave time for Pharaoh to change his heart, and Jesus warned the churches in Asia to repent before it was too late. God is patient and "does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). But the warning is clear: just as the door of the ark was eventually shut, the opportunity to repent will not last forever.
Today is the time to repent and turn to God. Tomorrow might be too late.
3. God Always Preserves a Faithful Remnant
In the midst of all the wickedness, Noah "found favor in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). He was God's faithful remnant. We see this pattern throughout Scripture: Lot was preserved in the wicked city of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-8), and Elijah believed he was alone, but God had preserved 7,000 faithful people who had not bowed to false gods (1 Kings 19:18).
You are not alone in your spiritual battle. No matter how dark the world becomes, God always has a faithful people who stand firm against evil.
4. God Provides a Safe Refuge
For Noah and his family, the ark was their refuge from the coming storm. For Lot, it was the safety of the mountain. For us, our ultimate refuge is in Christ. He is our Savior and protector.
While this world and its wickedness will eventually be judged, God has prepared an eternal refuge for His faithful people in heaven (Revelation 21:1-4). This is the blessed hope for all who put their trust in Him.
See Also
- Preaching on Oneness of the Church
- Preaching on Conviction: I Know Whom I Have Believed 2 Timothy 1:12
- Preaching on Storms in the Life of a Christian
Conclusion
The story of the flood teaches us four key lessons:
• Human wickedness always leads to judgment.
• God is patient, giving us time to repent.
• God always preserves a faithful people.
• God provides a secure refuge for those who follow Him.
Just as Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, we too can find grace through Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with sin or feel lost in this world, today is the day to turn to Him. He is the only true refuge.
