When Grace Meets Judgement

Bible Passage: Genesis 6:1–22, Luke 17:26, Luke 15:11–32

1. Corruption and Compassion

Genesis 6:1-8

Right from the fall of Adam and Eve, through generations to the time of Noah, men were growing in their wickedness and activities of evil, someone like Lamech had killed just like his father Cain and in the same time the Spirit of God strived with man calling them back to repentance through olden times prophets like Enoch and Noah but as the Lord strived with them they kept on living in the flesh which was hopelessly evil and could not do good. Romans 7:18 “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

The Cambridge Paragraph Bible of the Authorized English Version Chapter VI

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually

Genesis XXII. The Growth of Sin.—Gen. 6:1–8

attitude of mind; the form, idea, object of thought may have matter, real content. Only evil every day. This is an unlimited condemnation of the state and process of the

In Luke 17:26 “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.”

Before Jesus returns, the behaviours of people, thoughts of people and processes will be as evil as it were in the days of Noah. And despite the evil and judgement that looms from God, Noah found favor with God. God’s grace even today is active.

In ancient Rome, a philosopher once remarked that the youth were becoming increasingly unruly. Fast-forward to today, and we might chuckle when older generations observe our behaviors and think the same! It seems like there’s a cycle of blame between the old and the young! Maybe that’s why we keep mentioning men’s wickedness—it’s just a historical echo through the ages! Perhaps we are just ensuring that future historians will have plenty to write about!

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, he was perfect, righteous and had a relationship with God yet he needed the grace and mercy of God.

When you encounter someone in public—perhaps a person asking for help whom you typically overlook—consider how God shows grace to you, despite your flaws. This week, actively look for opportunities to extend grace to others. Maybe it’s buying a meal for someone in need or simply offering a smile and a kind word. Engaging in small acts of kindness not only glorifies God but also reflects His love for humanity, highlighting how grace can change the narratives of those around you.

If you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform perfectly in your job and fear making mistakes, remind yourself that God's view of you is not contingent upon your performance. This week, practice vulnerability by admitting to a trusted coworker when you don’t have all the answers. Allow them to offer insight, or collaborate on a solution. By acknowledging your need for grace, you create a culture of honesty and openness, which can relieve stress and build stronger team relationships.

If you're struggling with guilt over past mistakes that you've made as a parent, remember that your children, just like you, need to experience grace. Set aside time this week to have an open conversation with them about your imperfections and how everyone makes mistakes. Share a personal story where you learned to embrace God’s grace in your life. This teaches them the invaluable lesson of grace and helps in healing and strengthening your relationship.

2. Character Amidst Chaos

Genesis 6:9-12

The instructions from God were so precise and specific and for sure it was to protect Noah and his family from licks into the ark, he followed these specific instructions for 100 years. He remained steadfast when everyone in his environment was doing wickedly.

He had faith as seen in Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

God’s judgement couldn’t be held back anymore, they had heard, prophets preached to them, and they saw things happen and heard stories of how God had clothes their grandparents to cover their shame, taken Enoch because he pleased him, Noah preaching by his actions. But they isolated the man and no one cared for what he told them Matthew 24:38–39 “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Though judgement was inevitable becase of sin, grace abound. The reward for faithfulness was near for Noah, God made a covenant with him and salvation came for him and his family.

Constructive Obedience

Genesis 6:12-22

The joy of doing good is found in the good itself; the reward of a deed of love is found in its own result. Words Of Counsel, Page 134

Charles Spurgeon

As you follow Christ and obey Him with your actions too. You will definitely receive the reward of your obedience.

Obedience to God

These rewards include both spiritual and material benefits.

Spiritually, obedience can lead to salvation, righteousness, and a closer relationship with God[1][2]. It is also linked to peace of conscience and divine love and approbation in the afterlife[3].

Materially, obedience is said to potentially result in worldly prosperity and success[2][3]...

Access to God's house, joy in prayer, and acceptance of sacrifices[1]. Additionally, obedience is described as bringing an abundant life, as Jesus taught[4].

However, it's important to note that while salvation is based on grace, rewards are often presented as being earned through works and obedience[3][4].

The articles also emphasize that obedience should primarily stem from love for God rather than a desire for rewards[5]. Ultimately, the greatest reward of obedience is portrayed as eternal life in heaven, contrasted with the punishment of disobedience leading to hell[4].

Take the account of Mother Teresa, who felt a divine calling to serve the poorest of the poor. It wasn’t enough for her to believe in compassion; she acted on it, dedicating her life to living alongside those in need, ensuring that her faith echoed through her deeds. In every act of kindness, she demonstrated that genuine faith isn’t simply acknowledged; it is lived out. Are we ready to embody our faith in tangible ways that reflect Christ's love to the world around us?

At home, you might struggle with creating a peaceful environment when tensions arise. To follow God to the details in this situation, start by committing to daily family prayers. Gather everyone together each evening, not just to pray but to share your day’s highs and lows. This practice invites God into your home, fostering an atmosphere of love and understanding. Encourage open conversations about grievances or worries, allowing everyone to lift these situations to God. Gradually, you will see how this commitment transforms your home life, filling it with grace and restoration.

In the workplace, you may face ethical dilemmas that challenge your faith. Following God to the details means you need to establish a personal code of conduct grounded in Scripture. Take the time to write out your values and how they align with your work responsibilities. Whenever you're confronted with a gray area, refer back to your written principles. Make it a habit to pray for wisdom before meetings or important decisions, trusting that God's direction will guide you. This commitment to integrity can be a powerful testimony to your colleagues.

At home, you could be facing communication issues, particularly during stressful times. Following God to the details means intentionally fostering a space where everyone feels heard. Start each week with a family meeting, where everyone can openly discuss concerns and praise each other’s victories. Incorporate Scripture readings that relate to your discussions to guide the conversations. Emphasize active listening, showing grace and patience. You’ll be amazed at how this practice strengthens relationships, helps resolve conflicts, and ultimately nurtures a Christ-centered environment where each member feels valued and understood.

3. Awareness Amidst Judgment

Luke 17:26

There is a high possibility for the people of to loose themselves and be blind to the judgement that is coming and be completely unaware that the time for God’s judgement is near. Jesus hence preached and gave us all the signs of time; wars and rumour of wars like we are experiencing today. This same issue of blindness in the days of Noah, is the same our generation will undergo. All things happening to warn us of the end yet be overcome by blindness like the men of the day; Noah building the ark before their own eyes, telling them the judgement that is coming yet they could not understand.

In 1941, during World War II, many people in Europe ignored the warnings of an imminent invasion that would change their lives forever. Despite the growing tensions and clear signs of conflict, some remained indifferent, choosing not to prepare. Similarly, when God speaks to us through warnings, are we blind to the dangers on our horizon, or are we attentive to His voice?

A man notices his friend's self-destructive behaviors: heavy drinking, neglecting relationships, and missing work. He tries to warn him, but the friend brushes it off, claiming, "It's not a problem; I can stop whenever I want!" This serious situation reflects how we often dismiss clear warnings in our lives until it's too late. Will we heed the signs before disaster strikes?

The Titanic was deemed unsinkable, yet it ignored multiple ice warnings on its maiden voyage. The ship maintained its course until it struck an iceberg, leading to a catastrophic fate. This serves as a powerful lesson on the perils of disregarding vital warnings. Just as those on the Titanic chose to overlook danger, we must be wary of ignoring God's alerts in our own journeys.

In the book of Proverbs, we find repeated calls for wisdom, but how often do we overlook the signs of folly in our lives? Like the city watchman who sees an approaching enemy but is unable to convince the people to prepare, we too can remain blind to the spiritual dangers that threaten our well-being. It begs the question: are we vigilant or complacent?

If you’ve been feeling the nudge from God to mend a broken relationship within your family, take a moment today to reach out. Maybe it’s a phone call to express forgiveness or simply a text to let them know you are thinking of them. Don't let time pass by—today could be the day of restoration. Pray for God’s wisdom and courage as you make that connection. Remember, each day holds the urgency of God’s call to act in love and reconciliation.

At work, if you've sensed God calling you to support a co-worker who is struggling or feeling isolated, don’t ignore that prompting. Approaching them can be uncomfortable, but consider inviting them to lunch or simply asking how they're doing. Share a word of encouragement, and let them know you're there to listen. Every moment you delay might mean missing out on being a light in their life during a challenging time. Time is short; seize the moment to embody Christ’s compassion.

If there’s a ministry or small group you feel called to join or start in your church but keep putting it off, now is the time to act. Speak to your pastor or a church leader about your desire to serve, or gather friends to form that group to spread the word of God. The more you delay, the less time you have to impact others’ lives. God may have placed you in this position for such a time as this—embrace that urgency to obey.

If you’ve felt an urge to lead your family in daily devotions or prayer time and haven’t taken that step yet, delay no longer. Start tonight by gathering everyone for a short discussion on a Bible verse or a prayer request. Explain why it’s important for your family to grow together spiritually. The urgency of God’s call to grow in faith as a family is essential, and tonight can be the turning point for developing a deeper spiritual connection.

When out in your community, take note of the individuals who may need a kind word or a helping hand. If you see someone struggling with their groceries or a neighbor looking lonely, don’t hesitate to assist. God’s call often comes through simple acts of service. Make it a point to engage with others—the urgency is real, and these small gestures could lead to significant conversations about faith or hope. Let your actions reflect the love of Christ in everyday settings.

Let our Christianity start to be genuine. The grace of God is calling we must act immediately.

4. Returning to Grace

Luke 15:11–24

The forgiving father in the story of the prodigal son is best example of how to receive other with grace and covering their rebellious and foolish behaviours.

A father stands at the edge of his property, day after day, longing for the return of his wayward son. Each morning, he checks the horizon, believing and hoping for that moment. When his son finally returns, tattered but transformed, the father runs to him, not with condemnation but with arms wide open. This story echoes through generations, reminding us how important it is to embrace back those who have strayed, just like the father did for the Prodigal, and to cultivate a heart that forgives and celebrates redemption.

Think of a church that has experienced the loss of members to different temptations of the world—the allure of fame, fortune, or false belief. Years later, these individuals express a desire to return. The elders meet with mixed emotions; do they welcome them or scorn their past choices? Inspired by the father's grace in the Prodigal Son’s story, they choose to embrace them with open arms, recognizing that every heart can find its way back, reminding us that love and inclusion can shine brightly even after darkness.

Imagine standing at a crossroads, burdened by guilt and shame, feeling as if God is ready to condemn you for your sins. But what if I told you that turning back to Him guarantees grace? In 1 John 1:9, we read that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. This isn’t just a biblical truth; it’s a lifeline—one that assures us that God is eager to forgive and restore us when we return.

Reflect on the moment Peter denied Christ three times. He felt overwhelmed with guilt and shame, thinking all was lost. Yet after the resurrection, Jesus sought him out and reinstated him with love. This tells us that our return to God is never met with condemnation. Instead, it guarantees grace and restoration. Just like Peter, no matter how far we drift, when we come back to God, He extends grace beyond our understanding.

Allow those who had disconnected from God or the church back, embrace them with the love of Christ back into the congregation

If you've struggled with feelings of judgment towards those who have strayed away from faith, change your perspective by actively engaging in a ministry for reconciliation. Volunteer for outreach programs that support those who are returning, and be intentional about welcoming them back. Share your own testimony of grace and the challenges you've faced in your journey. This will not only remind you of the beauty of God’s forgiveness but also help create a loving environment where others feel safe to return.

5. Grace for the Graceless

Luke 15:25–32

Christ unlike the big angry brother participates in the process of restoration for siners. Embrace and encourage giving grace to others just like you and I have received.

Lastly, examine the older brother’s perspective, which shows a misunderstanding of grace. The father’s response to him underscores that grace is undeserved yet available to all. Bring into context how Christ, unlike the angry brother, participates in the restoration process for sinners. Encourage embracing the grace given to others, just as we have received. This can challenge believers to reflect Christ’s grace toward others, promoting unity and forgiveness.

[1] Finis Jennings Dake, Dake’s Topics (WORDsearch, 1991). [2] David W. Hegg, The Obedience Option (Scotland, UK: Christian Focus, 2011). [3] William Greenough Thayer Shedd, Dogmatic Theology, ed. Alan W. Gomes, 3rd ed. (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Pub., 2003), 295. [4] Josh Hunt and Larry Mays, Disciple-Making Teachers, ed. Bob Buller (Josh Hunt, 2010). [5] Joyce Meyer, Loving People Who Are Hard to Love: Transforming Your World by Learning to Love Unconditionally (New York, NY: FaithWords, 2022).