Connections Class 2014-2015
September 14
– In the Beginning
Lesson 04 – Along
Came Noah
Comments and Questions
Genesis chapters 5 and 6 reveal to us the many generations
that came into existence after Adam. This is used as a chronology of names to
link the ‘pedigree’ of Adam’s descendants. Eventually this list will link up
with Abraham, bringing the Semite race into being.
The ages of these ancient people are
remarkably high. According to the Bible, life expectancy before the Great Flood
was between 800-900 years old. Life expectancy in the 21st century
is about a tenth of that, so are these figures real or did they have a
different way of counting the years back then?
Genesis 6 may combine some ancient
myths and folklore that were told throughout the region in ancient days. The
Nephilim, who are mentioned, are very much like the ancient Greek demi-gods and
Hindu avatars. Whoever they were, they symbolized a cross-fertilization between
human and divine beings.
This chapter also sadly reveals the
evil state of the world. God’s creation had turned its back on Him and had
become sinfully corrupt. God appears to be weary of the evil that men do, so He
just wants to destroy everything that He has made, in order to begin again.
However, there appears to be one man
who remains loyal to God and so Noah is appointed to be saved from God’s wrath.
In Noah, humankind is preserved and the link back to Adam is maintained. Noah’s
story is one of divine separation and salvation – a story that those who
believe in Christ will one day personally experience, too.
Questions for discussion
What do you
think is the purpose behind this ancient genealogy? Are there any surprises?
Why aren’t Adam’s other sons and daughters named?
What do you
think about the longevity of the ancient people? Will we ever see that again?
Are there any
characters on the list who intrigue you? Why?
What do you
think about the first four verses of chapter 6? Who were the sons of God? Who
were the Nephilim?
What does God
feel about the sins of mankind? How does He respond?
Why do you think
Noah found favor in the eyes of God? What made God want to save him?
How do you
think Noah initially reacted when he heard of God’s intention to destroy the
Earth? What do you think he told his family?
Why does God
give Noah specific instructions about how to build the ark? Where else will we
see this kind of building instruction in the Bible? What does that tell us
about the Ark?
Why is God so
intent on destroying every living thing? What does this tell us about the
contamination of sin?
What does God
command Noah to bring into the ark? Why?
Unison Prayer
O Lord of all
Creation, You have the power to sustain life, as well as the authority to end
it. We are merely creatures brought into existence by Your will. Help us to
understand that we are not at the center of Your universe, but instead we exist
in Your awesome and wondrous creation.
We are sorry, O
Lord, for the sins we commit, as well as for the corruption that still exists
on our planet. We thank You for Your mercy and favor, as well as for Your
patience and love. Keep us from taking You for granted and protect us from
foolishly believing that everything we say or do has Your blessing. In Christ’s
Name, we pray. Amen.
NEXT WEEK:
GENESIS 7-8 The Flood
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