Read: Genesis 4:1-26; Genesis 6:1-7:12; 8:13-9:17.

These passages contain the first recorded encounters between human beings and God outside the Garden of Eden.  In chapter four, there are alternating accounts of human sin (4:3-5; 4:8-10; 4:23-24) and God’s actions of grace, judgment or justice, provision, and salvation (4:6-7; 4:11-15; 4:25).  A similar alternating pattern is found in chapter six of human sin (6:1-2; 6:4-5; 6:11-12) and God’s actions of grace, judgment, provision, and salvation (6:3; 6:6-9; 6:13-8:19).  Even when God was “grieved to his heart” and “sorry” that he made us, God still acted in the same way (6:6-7).  In spite of our rebellion and his pain, his love for humans, who were created in God’s image, is demonstrated as he allowed the human race to survive (4:25; 5:1-2; 6:8-9; 7:1; 8:21; 9:1; 9:5-6).  By sparing Noah and his family, all of humanity experienced physical salvation.  This did not eliminate sin or its consequences.  Because God is just, sooner or later judgment against sin comes even in the midst of his love.  He has been faithful in his promise to limit his judgment method in never destroying all life with water again.

  • What is the ultimate consequence of all sin?
  • Reread Genesis 4:13-16, 6:5-8, and 6:11-14, as well as 2 Peter 3:3-9.  According to these passages, why hasn’t God already given up on a world filled with sin and wiped us out?  What is God’s mission in light of these verses?
  • With the examples of humanity’s physical salvation from extinction and God’s faithfulness to his promise symbolized with the rainbow, how would you describe his commitment to the mission of spiritual salvation and reconcilement of humanity?
  • Think of situations in our world today where it seems sin is out of control.  In what ways do you see God’s grace and salvation in action?
  • If God responds to us with grace, judgment or justice, provision, and salvation, as we join God in his mission, what should our attitude and response be to the wicked around us?  How can we do this?