I Heard an Old Old Story: Sermons on the hymns and songs we love (2)



Just a closer walk with Thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel God speaking to you and you ignore it, only to get down the road and the regret what you didn’t do and have to turn around to go back and do it anyway?

Kenneth Morris had a moment similar to that while he was on a train trip from Kansas City to Chicago. Kenneth got off of the train at one of the stops to get some fresh air and while walking, he heard one of the porters at the station singing a song. He paid little attention to the man until after he reboarded the train and the train left the station. As the train moved down the tracks, the song lingered with him until it took over his thoughts. At the next stop, He got off the train and waited at the station for the next train back toward Kansas City and went back to the station he had just left… when he got back to the station, he asked the porter to sing the song for him and carefully recorded the lyrics. After adding a few lyrics of his own, He published the song in 1940 and within 2 years it became a standard in gospel music.

Now, I’m not saying that God told Mr. Morris to listen and write down those lyrics the first time… but it would have saved him a lot of time, energy, and probably money if he had followed his instincts and wrote it down the first time!

Just a closer walk with thee… Grant it Jesus, it’s my plea...

In this sermon we’re going to look at two people who truly walked with God. One of whom walked faithfully with God and as a result was taken to heaven without ever having to experience death. And the other who was found to be blameless in a world full of corruption and the result of his walk with God changed the course of human history.







Summary: This sermon explores the life of Enoch, who walked faithfully with God and was taken to heaven without experiencing death. It emphasizes the significance of living a life that seeks a deeper relationship with God.

Application: This passage challenges Christians to reflect on their own walk with God, encouraging them to prioritize their relationship with Him over worldly concerns. In a culture filled with distractions, Enoch's example inspires us to cultivate faithfulness amid life's challenges.

Teaching: The focus of this sermon is that walking faithfully with God leads not only to a blessed life on earth but also to eternal life with Him. It teaches that faith, demonstrated through a relationship with God, is crucial for pleasing Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the narrative of Enoch, we see a precursor to the perfect fellowship with God that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Enoch's ascension foreshadows the hope of resurrection and eternal life offered through Jesus, who provides the way for believers to walk in intimate relationship with God.

Big Idea: A life devoted to walking with God leads to an eternal legacy and communion with Him, modeled perfectly in Christ's righteousness.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into Logos for a detailed study on the historical context of Enoch’s life in Genesis. Investigate Hebrew terms used in Genesis 5 and their theological implications, while also exploring references in the New Testament, particularly how the author of Hebrews connects faith to Enoch's legacy. You may also find it helpful to explore commentaries on Genesis 6 that discuss humanity's condition leading up to the flood and Enoch's role in making a stand for righteousness.

Beginning Faithful Journeys

Genesis 5:21–22

You could explore how Enoch began his walk with God after the birth of Methuselah, suggesting that major life events can prompt us to earnestly seek God. Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own moments of transition and how these can become opportunities to realign with God. This point introduces the profound simplicity of walking with God daily.

2. Extraordinary Intimacy Rewarded

Genesis 5:23–24

Perhaps highlight the extraordinary nature of Enoch's life by examining how his daily walk with God led to an exceptional conclusion — he was taken by God. Challenge the audience to desire such intimacy with God that their lives would also be notable for spiritual depth, aligning with Christ’s transformative power.

3. Faithful Living Pleases God

Hebrews 11:5–6

Maybe use this passage to discuss how Enoch’s life was an embodiment of faith that pleased God, emphasizing that faith remains key to our relationship with Him. Connect this point to Christ, who grants us righteousness through faith, encouraging believers to trust in God’s promises wholeheartedly.

4. Righteousness Amidst Darkness

Genesis 6

Consider discussing the contrast between the wickedness of the world during Enoch’s time and his steadfast righteousness. This could illustrate the importance of maintaining one's walk with God despite surrounding darkness, reminding Christians that Christ empowers us to remain faithful amidst trials.