Grace delivers us from the judgment to come – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
Introduction to Genesis 6:8
Brothers and sisters, we live in times of complex change. The world is becoming increasingly chaotic, with distorted values and growing violence, generating a sense that divine judgment is approaching. However, something separates us from condemnation and prepares us for the glorious future planned by God: His grace.
Today we will explore the story of Noah, a man who lived in a time of widespread corruption, but found favor with the Lord. Through this account, we will understand how God’s grace saves us from the judgment to come and empowers us for His eternal purposes. We will also use metaphors to apply these truths to our lives today.
“BUT NOAH…”: DISTINCTION FROM THE WORLD
This little conjunction (“but”) is full of meaning, contrasting Noah with the rest of humanity. While the world plunged into depravity, Noah stood apart. His identity was fixed in God, he knew his origin and destiny.
Imagine Noah as a lighthouse in the midst of a storm. While all the other ships were lost in the raging sea, the lighthouse remained stable, illuminated by divine light. That’s how we should be too. In these end times, we are called to distinguish ourselves from this world, for our homeland is heavenly (Hebrews 13:14).
In our age, many Christians have conformed to the pattern of this decadent world (Romans 12:2). However, God asks us to live in holiness, set apart for His glory. We cannot blend in with the darkness, but must shine as lights in the midst of this corrupted generation (Philippians 2:15). We must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
“You thought it was funny”: The unmerited favor
The second part of the verse emphasizes that Noah “found favor” in the eyes of the Lord. This is the crux of the message: God’s grace is not something we deserve to earn. It is an undeserved favor, a gift that comes from God’s goodness. Noah wasn’t spared because he was perfect or because he performed remarkable deeds; he was saved because God decided to extend his mercy to him and found a sincere place in his heart.
God’s grace can be compared to an umbrella on a stormy day. Under this shelter, the raindrops (which represent judgment) cannot reach us. In the same way, when we are in the protection of divine grace, we are preserved from the judgment to come.
We often think that we need to earn God’s favor through our works. However, the truth is that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We must recognize our total dependence on God and live with this awareness every day. Grace not only saves us, but also enables us to live a life pleasing to Him.
“In the eyes of the Lord”: God observes everything
Finally, the text emphasizes that Noah found grace “in the eyes of the Lord”. This means that God was watching Noah. He saw Noah’s heart, his choices, his faithfulness. We may be worthless in the eyes of men, but God knows our inner selves. He sees our struggles, our tears and our sincere efforts to serve Him.
God is like an artist shaping a sculpture. He draws our character like a work of art in progress. Sometimes He uses challenges to define our contours and highlight our details. Just as a sculptor adjusts the clay to create a unique piece, God transforms us into special beings, ready for the big show. Remember the pot in the potter’s hand?
We must be aware that God is always redefining us. Every action, every phrase and every option is brushed onto our portrait. We need to shape ourselves according to His vision, knowing that He is preparing us for the great day when His masterpiece will be revealed.
Perfecting the Church for the Rapture
Just as Noah lived by warning people, we too are at a similar moment. Jesus said that, just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when the Son of Man returns (Matthew 24:37). People were busy with worldly life until Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and swept them away.
The rapture can be compared to a train leaving. Those on board will be taken to their final destination, but those left behind will remain. Just as Noah embarked before the flood, we must be ready to leave before the final judgment.
We are living in a time of improvement. The church needs to be on the alert, seeking depth with God, maturing in holiness and spreading the Good News. We cannot become complacent, but must be prepared for the day when Jesus returns.
Conclusion of Genesis 6:8
Rest in God’s grace
Beloved, divine grace sets us apart from the sentence to come. Just as Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, we can find that same mercy today. However, remember: grace is not a license to err; it enables us to live a holy life pleasing to God.
May we, like Noah, be separated from this world, remain under God’s deserved indulgence and be prepared for the great day of the rapture. May God help us to be faithful until the last.
Preaching Outline on Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
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