April 12, 2015
Godly Relationships
God calls us to nurture godly marriages, relationships, families, and communities that we might glorify God and fulfill His kingdom purposes for our lives.
Scripture: Genesis 6:1-4
Sermon Notes:
- To understand the Bible it is helpful to remember that there are two lines descended from Adam, typified in the rebellious line of Cain and the covenant-keeping sons of Seth.
- The phrase “Sons of Elohim” can refer to fallen angels, but not in this context: a) angels do not marry; b) only one mss. reflects an angelic interpretation; c) angels are spiritual beings; and d) the human race was judged for this sin, not angels.
- Such mythic interpretations need to be abandoned as pagan in origin.
- “Sons of God” is an early but typical reference of men of authority who were judges or dynastic rulers (cf. Ex. 21:6; 22:7-8; Ps. 82:1,6; 2 Sam. 7:14; 1Chr. 17:13).
- God’s intention for marriage was being broken by the Sethites in lawless and polygamous marriage.
- The Nephilim were giants, mighty men of strength and power (cf. Num. 13:33).
- By marrying into the rebellious line of Cain, the Sethites became corrupt, and brought about God’s judgment.
- All Seth’s descendants except Noah’s family perished in God’s judgment in the flood.
- When God removes His Spirit, a culture moves toward destruction at break-neck speed (cf. Rom. 1:18-32).
- God announces that His judgment will come in 120 years.
- Christians need to marry wisely and beware the dangers of mixed relationships (cf. Deut. 7:3).
- Both godliness and physical attraction are important factors in choosing a marriage partner.
- Beauty is fading but godly character grows more beautiful with the years.
- To introduce a religious division in the foundation of the family is to risk the marriage and therefore society itself.
- With an unequal yoking, it is hard to plow in the same direction (2 Cor. 6:14).
- Cleanness is not contagious, but uncleanness is (Hag. 2:11-14). Redemption and cleansing is a gift from God, while sin and evil pollute.
- It is an act of presumption to marry someone with a view to converting them to Christian faith: only God can change a sinner’s heart.
- Being married to the wrong person, who is opposed to Christ, can mean years of sadness and frustration.
- The end of all rebellion is judgment; the end of God’s discipline upon His children is the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:5-11).
- If our age does not repent, we too will be judged.
- Let us be faithful in nurturing godly marriages, relationships, families, and communities that we might glorify God and fulfill His kingdom purposes for our lives.
Application Questions:
- Who were the sons of God? In what ways did they stray from God's order?
- What are the effects within a culture of abandoning the knowledge of God?
- What are the risks and consequences of mixed marriages? How did mixed marriages lead to the flood?
- What are appropriate biblical attitudes and non-negotiable traits in finding a marriage partner?
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