What Can We Learn from Noah and His Sons? | Genesis 9:18-29 | Darien Gabriel
Series: Chaos to Covenant
Title: "What can we learn from Noah and his sons?"
Scripture: Genesis 9:18-29
Hebrews 11:7; Gen 6:8-9; 7:5; 9:8-9; Micah 6:8
Bottom line: We learn from Noah and his sons that as fellow image bearers we love and value each other as an act of faith in God's good plan for us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
"A rubbernecker is a term used to describe someone who slows down or stops to stare at something, often out of curiosity, especially at accidents or incidents on the road. The term comes from the idea of “rubbernecking,” where someone cranes their neck, almost stretching it like rubber, to get a better view of something happening.
Examples:
• A driver slowing down to look at a car crash on the side of the highway.
• A pedestrian stopping to watch emergency responders at a scene.
This behavior is often criticized, especially when it causes traffic delays or gets in the way of emergency workers. It’s a mix of curiosity and distraction that can sometimes lead to further accidents." -ChatGPT
CONTEXT
In the wake of God's flood of judgment and rescue effectively restarting creation, we see the righteous, blameless, faith-filled and faithful Noah sin along with his son, Ham. So while we see God re-create the world, it doesn't start without sin this time. Temptation and sin are still present.
SERMON
What do I want them to know?
That even in success, we're all vulnerable to temptation and misusing God's blessings.
That we're all made in his image.
That sin has consequences...sometimes for generations.
Honoring > Gossiping, which dishonors God and people.
Why do I want them to know it?
We're a blessed people meaning we're vulnerable right now unless we humble ourselves and become vigilant.
We're blessed no matter our circumstances because we're image bearers.
A lot hangs in the balance because the consequences of our sins has a long reach.
Not honoring/dishonoring is a serious sin.
What do I want them to do?
Humble themselves.
Remain vigilant.
Walk as an image-bearer
Honor others instead of gossiping about them.
Why do I want them to do it?
Because the consequences are great.
How do they do this?
Prayer for themselves and others.
Care for themselves and others.
Share with others what God is teaching you today.
CONCLUSION
How do they do this?
Prayer for themselves and others.
Care for themselves and others.
Share with others what God is teaching you today.
Main takeaways:
We're all from one race made in the image of God. Therefore, love and value each and every person.
Even mature believers can fall into sin; humble yourself and stay alert for temptations are ever-present.
When we see someone sin, we have a choice. We can
Honor them by respectfully and discreetly leading them towards repentance.
Dishonor them by gossiping about reveling in their shameful actions.
Sin has consequences that can ripple for generations.
Even flawed people can be used by God. Don't let your sinful past keep you down. Repent, believe and move forward. Also, don't let the sin of others against you keep you down. Forgive and more forward whether they reconcile or not.
Bottom line: We learn from Noah and his sons that as fellow image bearers we love and value each other as an act of faith in God's good plan for us.
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
Invitation
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
Good summary: Lessons from Noah & his Sons: A Tale of Blessing, Sin, and Redemption
Text: Genesis 9:18-29
Main Points with Answers
1. What does the unity of humanity’s origins teach us about God’s plan for all nations?
• All nations come from one family, showing that God’s plan is for unity, shared purpose, and relationship with Him. This underscores our responsibility to love and value all people as part of God’s creation.
2. How does Noah’s sin remind us of our vulnerability to temptation?
• Even the most faithful people are not immune to sin. Noah’s failure after his great obedience shows the need for vigilance and humility in guarding against temptation.
3. How do Ham’s actions and Shem and Japheth’s response challenge us to honor others?
• Ham’s disrespect highlights the destructiveness of dishonor and gossip, while Shem and Japheth’s actions demonstrate the importance of covering others’ failures with grace and respect.
4. What do Noah’s blessings and curses reveal about the consequences of our actions?
• Ham’s dishonor led to a generational curse, while Shem and Japheth’s honor brought blessings. Our choices have lasting effects on us and those who come after us.
5. How does Noah’s life and death point us to God’s grace and covenant faithfulness?
• Noah’s story shows that even flawed people can be used by God. His faithfulness to Noah’s family reminds us of His unchanging promises and grace despite human sin.
-ChatGPT
3 Question version:
Lessons from Noah & his Sons: A Tale of Blessing, Sin, and Redemption
Text: Genesis 9:18-29
Main Points in Question Form (ChatGPT inspired)
1. What does Noah’s sin teach us about the ongoing struggle with temptation? (Genesis 9:20-21)
• Even the faithful are vulnerable to sin,
reminding us to remain vigilant and humble.
2. How do Ham’s actions and Shem and Japheth’s response challenge us to honor others? (Genesis 9:22-23)
• Ham’s dishonor shows the harm of gossip,
while Shem and Japheth’s actions highlight the power of love and respect.
3. What do Noah’s blessings and curses reveal about the impact of our choices? (Genesis 9:24-27)
• Our actions carry lasting consequences for us and future generations,
but God’s faithfulness remains constant.
OUTLINES
N/A
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
Creator/re-creator
Holy judge
Merciful rescuer
Father of humanity and creation
Provider of good things; blessor
Curser of those who dishonor him and his people
Sustainer of life
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Creates/restores
Judges
Rescues
Parents
Provides
Blesses
Curses
Sustains
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
His creation created in his image; image-bearer
His child
His rescued, forgiven rebel child
Receiver of his blessings and/or curses
The one whom he sustains
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Bear his image
Follow his lead
Join him in rescuing others far from God but close to me
Bless and not curse
For the rest of my life
How do I do it?
Pray for those far from God but close to me.
Care for those far from God but close to me.
Share with those far from God but close to me.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt
The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris
The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)