October 4, 2020 – Genesis 6

Lesson Date: October 4, 2020

Focal Scripture Passage: Genesis 6:1-22

AIM: To lead students to contrast the judgment of God upon the sinful earth with the grace of God expressed to Noah, and to urge any who have never accepted God’s grace that frees them from condemnation to do so today.

Before class: Read the notes on Genesis 6 found in the Sunday School Teacher Book. Write the following scripture references on index cards or small pieces of paper: John 3:16-20; Acts 17:30; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-5, 8; and 1 John 3:23. Give the references to some class members who are comfortable reading aloud (in a smaller class give multiple references to those willing to read). Ask them to find the verses and be prepared to read them to the class when you call for them. Write the words “Condemnation & Judgment” and “Grace” on the marker board or chalkboard.

INTRODUCTION (Create Learning Readiness): Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read John 3:16. Tell the class that is a very familiar and popular verse of scripture; in fact, most of them could probably recite it from memory. Ask: “Do you know what Jesus said immediately after He made that wonderful statement and promise?” Ask the volunteer to read John 3:17-18. Ask: “Jesus said He didn’t come to condemn the world; why did He say that was unnecessary?” (because everyone who does not believe in Him is already under condemnation).

Direct the students’ attention to the words “Condemnation & Judgment” on the board. Ask: “When a defendant is convicted in a court of law we say the court has passed judgment and the defendant has been found guilty. What comes next after the criminal is found guilty?” (the criminal is sentenced). That convicted criminal is then condemned to serve his penalty in prison.

Explain that in the spiritual realm, the Bible tells us that sin and rejecting Jesus Christ make people guilty and place them under condemnation.

Tell the class that in today’s lesson we are going to learn about a time in mankind’s ancient history when God intervened to send judgment upon sinful man. Direct the students’ attention to the word “Grace” written on the board. Tell them in the midst of this terrible chapter about judgment; however, God demonstrated His wonderful grace to one man and his family.

HEART OF THE LESSON (Bible Study):

1. Review.
   • Remind the students that we are studying the book of Genesis.
   • Ask: “What was last week’s lesson about?” (Cain and Abel – the terrible results of sin).
2. Conditions on Earth Before the Flood.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Genesis 6:1-2.
   • Tell the class these verses describe conditions on earth about 1,500 years after creation.
   • Explain the following:
     • With long life spans and fewer diseases, population boomed on earth.
     • There were only two groups of people on earth at the time: the godly line descended from Seth (described in Genesis 5) and the ungodly line descended from Cain (described in Genesis 4:16-24).
     • The “sons of God” were the godly descendants of Seth. The “daughters of men” were the ungodly descendants of Cain.
     • Godly people began intermarrying with the ungodly people. Satan wanted to corrupt the race.
   • Read Genesis 6:3-5.
   • Ask: “According to verse 3, how long did God say He would withhold His judgment?” (120 years).
   • Tell the class there were giants and mighty men on earth during those days.
   • Ask: “What does verse 5 tell you about human nature?” (it is corrupt and sinful).
   • Tell the students that we are often amazed by the wicked and perverse things the mind of man thinks up. Ever since the Fall human beings have been sinners by nature.
   • Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read Romans 3:23.
   • Summarize: The population boomed on earth before the Flood and Godly people began intermarrying with ungodly people. God saw that man was hopelessly sinful.
3. God Planned to Destroy the Earth.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Genesis 6:6-7.
   • Ask: “What did God plan to do about the terrible, sinful, situation on earth?” (destroy mankind, the land animals, and the birds).
   • Ask: “How extensive would this destruction be?” (worldwide).
   • Tell the class that skeptics contend that the Flood was only a local event. If that is true then the Bible is a lie! The Flood described in the Bible covered the whole world.
   • Summarize: Because of the pervasive wickedness of man, God decided to destroy the earth and everything living on it.
4. God’s Provision of Grace Upon Noah.
   • Read Genesis 6:8.
   • Ask: “What is the first word of verse 8?” (“but”).
   • Stress the fact that God was going to destroy the entire world, BUT Noah found grace. If God had not shown grace to Noah the human race would have ceased to exist.
   • Tell the students there is another very important “but” in the Bible.
   • Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read Ephesians 2:1-5.
     • That passage says we were all sinners, dead in our trespasses and sins.
     • We were worthy of condemnation and death, BUT God graciously and mercifully offers salvation through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
   • Ask a volunteer to read Genesis 6:9-13.
   • Ask: “How do these verses describe Noah?” (he was just, perfect in his generations, and he walked with God).
   • Ask: “How do these verses describe the world in Noah’s time?” (corrupt before God and filled with violence).
   • Ask: “Does that description fit our world today?” (yes).
   • Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read Romans 6:23a.
   • Ask: “Why did the sinful people in Noah’s time deserve to die?” (because the wages of sin is death: sin always brings about death).
   • Summarize: In the midst of a wicked and sinful world, God graciously chose to save Noah and his family.
5. God’s Instructions to Noah.
   • Read Genesis 6:14-16.
   • Tell the class that the word translated pitch in verse 14 is usually translated “atonement.” Noah’s ark is a picture of Christ and the atonement He provides for repentant sinners.
   • Explain the following:
     • The ark was to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet tall.
     • It was to have a window around the top, a door in the side, and three decks within.
     • Scientists have studied the size and proportions of the ark and found it to be very stable and seaworthy; in fact, many modern ships have the same relative proportions as the ark.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Genesis 6:17-18.
   • Ask: “According to verse 17, how widespread would the death and destruction be?” (every living creature on earth would die).
   • Ask: “What did God say about Noah in verse 18?” (He was going to make a covenant with Noah and save his family).
   • Read Genesis 6:19-22.
   • Tell the class that God told Noah to take pairs of animals and plenty of food on the ark.
   • Ask: “Did Noah obey God?” (yes, he obeyed all of God’s instructions).
   • Summarize: God gave Noah detailed instructions about building and filling the ark. Noah did everything God said.

PERSONAL APPLICATION: Review and apply the lesson by making the following statements and asking the following questions.

Sinful mankind corrupted the world and filled it with violence.

• The Bible says, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
• Ask: “Does that sound like modern man?” (yes).
• Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read John 3:19-20.
• Mankind is wicked, violent, and rebellious toward God.

God decided to destroy the earth because of man’s sin.

• Direct the students’ attention to the words “Condemnation & Judgment” written on the board.
• Ask the previously enlisted volunteers to read John 3:18, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23a.
• Sinful people are still under God’s condemnation and judgment today.
• When those without Christ die, they spend eternity in the torment of Hell.

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

• Direct the students’ attention to the word “Grace” written on the board.
• God planned to spare Noah and his family from the worldwide destruction of the Flood.
• People today still find grace in God’s sight through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Ask the previously enlisted volunteers to read John 3:16, Romans 6:23b, and Ephesians 2:8.
• Those who repent of (turn away from) their sins and place their faith in Jesus receive God’s grace, which will protect them from the destruction awaiting everyone else.

God gave Noah some instructions and Noah obeyed.

• Ask: “What would have happened if Noah had refused to obey God’s instructions?” (he would have died along with the rest of the world).
• Noah’s response to God’s instructions determined whether he lived or died.
• God has also given us some instructions.
• Ask the previously enlisted volunteers to read Acts 17:30 and 1 John 3:23.
• These are the instructions God has given us.

Ask: “Have you ever obeyed those clear commands of God? If so, you will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus; if not you will die and go to hell. Will you repent of your sins and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation right now?” Encourage those who are not saved to trust Jesus, and those who are already saved to thank Him for His saving grace. Voice a closing prayer.

CONCLUSION: Ask everyone to memorize Genesis 6:7-8. Tell them whenever they are reminded of the sinfulness of the world this week they should thank God for His gift of grace. Tell the students that next week’s lesson is about the Flood.