The True and Better Enoch: Moving from the Genealogy of Adam to the Genealogy of Jesus (Gen. 5:1-32)

Sermon Series

April 28, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 5

On Sunday, we return to our study of Genesis. And for those who have been waiting to hear about the Nephilim in Genesis 6, you’ll have to wait one more week.

For this Sunday, we have a genealogy to journey. And I say journey, because the names and events related to this list of figures is anything but boring. Indeed, from Seth to Enoch to Noah, we will see an important history that connects Adam to his faithful sons, on the way to a story of giants being destroyed by a global flood. That’s next week (see more below).

As we saw three Sunday’s ago, the sons of Cain pursued all manner of wickedness in Genesis 4. But now, as the sons of Seth begin to call upon the name of the Lord, there is great hope that those who die in faith will be received by the Lord. Or at least, that is the situation for one man by the name of Enoch.

Among the fathers named in Genesis 5, Enoch stands out as a turning point in the story. And more his ascension to heaven, as I will argue, promises mankind that death is not the only option. Instead, there is way of life that comes by walking with God. Yet, walking with God requires more than a daily quiet time, it requires spiritual warfare.

For, as we will see, the generations before Noah are wicked and rebellious, much like our own generation. And thus, from the fighting faith of these fathers, we will see what it looks like to trust God amidst a generation who doesn’t.

To prepare for Sunday, read Genesis 5. But don’t stop there. You will also be helped by reading Jude and Matthew 1. And for the more studious, you would be helped by reading 1 Enoch 6–16. As I mentioned three weeks ago, this passage is not found in the biblical canon, and I don’t treat it as inspired by God and authoritative for doctrine. Nevertheless, this book clearly contributed to the worldview of the Jews in Jesus' day and was quoted by Jude (1 Enoch 1:9 = Jude 14–15). So knowing its contents will help you better understand Genesis 5:1–6:8, as well as the message of Christ’s conquest over the powers and principalities.

Furthermore, as we prepare to tackle giants next week, you might be helped by picking up a copy of Giants: The Sons of the Gods from the bookshelf. Or you can listen to Haunted Cosmos on Giants (Part 1, Part 2). Next week is going to be gigantic . . . and not just because of the Nephilim.

This week and next we will see more clearly how great our risen Christ is! And so, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we come and worship our king, the one who reigns over all things in creation—things visible and things invisible too!

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 5)

When you read a genealogy in the Bible, what are you looking for?

What are they used for?

And how can you over-read them?

Or under-read them?

What comes before the genealogy in Genesis 5 and what comes after?

How does the genealogy help us understand both sections? And vice versa?

There are four key figures in the genealogy (Adam, Enoch, Lamech, Noah). What does the passage tell us about each? How does these vignettes add to our understanding of the passage?

There are also minor figures (Seth, Jared, Methuselah). What do we know about them? What role do the names of these men play?

What is the recurring theme in Genesis 5?

What does death teach about God and his world?

And how does the theme of death highlight Enoch’s ascension?

What is the relationship between the sons of Cain (Gen 4:17–24) and the sons of Seth (Gen. 5)?

Look especially at the seventh generation. Cf. Jude 14–15.

What connections does Genesis 5 have with the New Testament?

Cf. Matthew 1:1–17; Hebrews 11:1–7; Jude 14–15.

What do these connections tell us? What does it mean that Christ is a new Enoch?

What other questions do you have?

Are you ready to talk about giants (Nephilim) next week?

More from Genesis 4-11: Salvation & Judgment

In the Beginning... Again: 5 Puzzles to Put the World Back Together (Gen. 8:20-9:7)

June 2, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 8:20—9:7

Dear OBC Family, What is the world like? Is it like the beginning? Or is it completely different after the flood? And what does it matter? While we are often tempted to simply think about what comes next in our own lives, families, careers, or ministries, we need to slow down and consider the stage on which we live, move, and have our being. We are creatures made in the image of God, and that means we need to know who God is and what he has made. And also, that means we need to know what he has remade after the flood. This Sunday we will continue to look at Noah. Only now we move from his ark to his altar. And from his salvation to the creation of a new society. In Genesis 8:20–9:7 we will see at least five building blocks to civilization and also a particular order to arrange them. To prepare, take time to read Genesis 9. Pray that God would give us insight and interest into the world he has made, so that we might see where we fit in his creation and how his salvation in Christ is the only way to see the world put to rights. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. And this week, I am especially thankful for many of the graces God has given to our church. I wrote them down in a blogpost and I would encourage you to read them—https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d56e9a176ad%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c02%7c%7c8a61cdea383047090d9b08dc81b49df9%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638527859953431581%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ytlqc6brvt0gakoljgx1yp6blogmf0qgta5tgx2s8h8%3d&reserved=0 I bless God for the work of grace he has done at our church and I look forward to singing his praises with you, his saints, on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 8:20-9:7) Consider the text for this week. What stands out to you? How do you think about the flood? The world that came after it? Is Genesis 1–11 more like a galaxy far, far away? Or does it influence how you think about the world? How does the rest of the Bible pick up and apply this new beginning? What are the parts of the world that Genesis 8:20–9:7 describe? What is the pattern of “world building” that is found here? How does that support your views of the world? How does that invite change? How is this new beginning after the Flood distinct from the first beginning in Genesis 1-2? What change did the exaltation of Christ bring to the world? And does that mean for us? How ought we to respond to this text?

But God Remembered: The Gospel According to Noah

May 26, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 8

Dear OBC Family, As we come to Memorial Day weekend, we will take our time remembering that God remembered (Gen. 8:1). Indeed, in a world awash with sin, sorrow, loss, and longing, we sometimes wonder—aloud or in quiet desperation—does God remember? If God is for us, why does it seem like he is so long in coming, answering prayer, or changing circumstances? Equally, if our sin has resulted in consequences that we cannot fix, we might wonder –will God come and repair the damage? To all these questions and more, we cannot deny the fact that life in a fallen world is hard. And when we come to God’s Word, we need to remember that God does not forget his promises or his people. Instead, he always comes to save, repair, and restore at just the right time. This Sunday, we will see just that, as 8 image-bearers on the ark are brought safely through the flood. After nearly a year, God brings Noah, his family, and the animals out of the ark and into a new world. And in this context, God begins again. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Genesis 8–9. This will be our third trip through the story of Noah and this time we will focus on God’s renewal of creation. Please pray for our time together, that we might delight in the God who remembers and who makes all things new. We also invite you to return in the evening for our screening of https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d8b045d957d%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c02%7c%7cb05092237f354d0c225808dc7c3036a6%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638521793728348023%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=pxtshaduuccq2tf4edrzpvr1errjlm0btgzumjkokj4%3d&reserved=0 at 6:00pm. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 8:1-9:7) Consider the text for this week. What stands out to you? How long was the ark occupied? Consider the time from the beginning of the flood until they disembarked. What is Noah’s first action after disembarking? How does relate to Genesis 4? And what does that teach us? Consider the parallels between Genesis 1 and this morning’s text. What is repeated or modified when you compare God’s blessing and instructions to Adam and then to Noah? Consider the promise of God (8:21–22). What kind of assurance does this provide? What is revealed about mankind’s condition? What is affirmed about the image of God? How is mankind’s relationship with creatures changed? Where do you see judgment followed by renewal in the Scriptures? What does renewal for the saints look like today? What does the Scripture promise about judgment and New Creation in the future? How ought we to respond to this text?

The Baptism of Noah: What the Waters of Judgement Have to Do with the Waters of Baptism

May 19, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 7

Dear OBC Family, What does baptism have to do with the flood? Or to reverse it, what does the flood have to do with baptism? This Sunday, we will discover that baptism is not simply an ordinance that divides churches—do we baptize infants, or only believers? (The answer is believers 😀). In answer to the question, baptism is actually the way God has decided to destroy sin and bring new life. Baptism is something that every generation of God’s people have experienced. Baptism is also something that Christ himself does today, as he gives the waters of life from heaven when he ‘baptizes’ someone with the Holy Spirit. Churches follow suit with water baptism as they baptize on earth those who have been baptized from heaven. Indeed, baptism is a major theme that runs through the whole Bible. And on Sunday, we will see how the waters of judgment in Genesis 7 serve as the headwaters for baptism in the Bible and even today. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Genesis 7-8, as well as 1 Peter 3. Notice how Peter looks to Noah to explain salvation with the baptism of Noah’s ark. And pray for God to pour out on us his living water. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday and worshiping the One who sits above the floods! For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 7:1–24) What stands out to you after reading this text and listening to Sunday’s sermon? What questions do you have? As you read this text, remember that God is the primary actor here. What is God doing? Consider the use of “God” (Elohim) and “LORD” (YHWH) in this passage. What do you notice? What repetition do you notice? What does this repetition highlight and emphasize in this history of the Flood? What is the significance of the LORD shutting them into the ark? Read 1 Peter 3:18–22. Consider the relationship between baptism and the Flood. What is Peter teaching? Read 2 Peter 3:1–7. What are implications of the Flood for us today? How ought we to respond to this text?