FINDING GRACE Gen 6. 5-12
Introduction:
1. God was ready to “destroy man . . . from the face of the earth . . . But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6.7-8).
2. “Grace” – chēn [Hebrew]: kindness, favor…usually kindness shown by a superior to an inferior. Similar to cháris [Greek], as commonly translated in the LXX (Gen. 39.21; Ruth 2.10).
3. Finding Grace is Crucial When…
I. CONFRONTING ONE’S OWN PERSONAL SIN!
A. Reality: Grace is humanity’s greatest need! Why?
1. Acknowledging our sin is the first step. (Luke 15.18, 21)
2. God’s Grace & Man’s Obedience – Can they really work together? How? (Titus 11-14; Eph. 2.5-9; Acts 2.37-41)
B. Grace remains a constant need in the lives of all Christians! When? (See Rom. 7.15-25; 8.1-2; cf., 1 Cor. 27)
II. FACING THE CARES OF THIS WORLD!
A. Reality: Life can be hard & we need some grace!
1. Job faced it. (Job 1.21-22; 2.9-10; 14.1)
2. Jesus acknowledged it. (Matt. 6.25-34)
B. God’s favor comes to those who cast their cares upon Him. (1 Pet. 5.6-7; cf., Phil. 4.6-8} “Peace” in v. 7 is a grace!)
III. SOMEONE HAS SINNED AGAINST US!
A. Reality: “Temptations to sin are sure to come” (Luke 1-4).
1. But “woe to the one through whom they come…” (v. 1).
2. For the offender, he would be better off dead (v. 2)!
B. But are willing to forgive as God forgives through Christ Jesus our Lord? (Luke 17.3-4; cf., Col. 3.12-14)
IV. PAINED BY THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE!
A. Reality: “It is appointed for man to die once” (Heb. 9.27).
1. Because of the loss, the pain remains. (Gen. 37.35)
2. It’s a grace to be able to mourn with others. (Rom. 12.15)
B. God’s perspective of the death of His saints is yet another expression of His marvelous grace! (Psa. 116.15; Rev. 14.13)
Conclusion: Yes, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…” Find God’s grace before it’s too late!