sf759 - THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES (Genesis 6 1-7)
Genesis 6:1-7; Matthew 24:36-41
Introduction
Facts about the Return of Christ
Jesus is coming back
Jesus will come for His church – without warning – the Rapture.
God will then judge the earth because of sin – The Great Tribulation.
Christ will return to earth with the Saints and reign for 1000 years.
Satan will be finally and completely defeated.
The ungodly will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire – the Great White Throne Judgement.
God will make a new heaven and earth and time will be no more.
We cannot know the exact time of the rapture, but we can discern the ripeness of the world for judgement.
Jesus said the earth would be like it was in the days of Noah…
1A. It was a Time of Great Apostasy (1-3)
1B. There was a rapid increase in population (1)
The growing population accelerated the spiritual decline.
Population in our day is growing faster than ever
Ø Every second, five people are born and two die = +3 per second.
Ø Since 1959 the population has increased by 101%
2B. There was an increase in demonic activity.
Who were the “sons of God”?
Ø Phrase is used four times in other parts of the OT
Job 1:6; 2:1 & 38:7 = angelic beings, Satan included.
Daniel 3:25 = pre-incarnate Christ
Three theories as to the identity of the “sons of God”
Ø They are the descendants of Seth
Problem: Does not fit the context.
Ø They are demonic spirits that have taken human form.
(Jude 1:6 NIV) "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."
Problem: Angels appear not to have sexual capabilities.
(Matthew 22:30 NIV) "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."
Ø They are demon possessed men.
The point is that demonic activity was increased.
Ø Lillied case…
2A. It was a Time of General Anarchy (4-5)
1B. The ungodly became their heroes. (4)
Who are our heroes today?
We determine our heroes not by character but by commerce.
Ø It is not the godly we look up to.
Ø It is the rich and the successful.
2B. The ungodly became their leaders. (5)
“inclination” = to shape as a potter
We have given our leadership over to ungodly men.
When evil men reign everyone suffers.
(Proverbs 29:2 NIV) "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
We do not need more Republicans or Democrats in Washington – we need more Christians!!!!
3A. It was a Time of Growing Apathy (Matthew 24:36-39)
1B. It was a time of indifference toward work of God (38)
They were too busy making a living to make a life.
They ignored what Noah was doing.
2B. It was a time of ignorance about the Word of God.
They did not know the Word.
They ignored what Noah was saying
4A. It led to a Time of Godly Activity (6-7)
1B. God’s disappointment (6)
We do not grieved for those we do not love.
Sin always breaks God’s heart
2B. God’s decision (7)
God’s justice must be met!
Ø God would no longer tolerate sin.
Application
God’s grace is extended through Noah! (8)
God’s grace is extended through the gospel!
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
April 5, 1998 - Genesis 6:1-4; Matthew 24:36-41
Introduction
Facts about the Return of Christ
Jesus is coming _____________
Jesus will come first for His church – without warning – the _____________.
God will then judge the earth because of sin – The _______________ Tribulation.
Christ will return to earth with the Saints and reign for 1000 years.
Satan will be finally and completely ______________.
The ungodly will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire – the Great _______ Throne Judgement.
God will make a new heaven and earth and time will be no more.
1A. It was a Time of _____________ Apostasy (1-3)
1B. There was a rapid increase in _____________ (1)
2B. There was an increase in demonic _____________.
Who were the “sons of God”?
Ø Phrase is used four times in other parts of the OT
Job 1:6; 2:1 & 39:7 = angelic beings
Daniel 3:25
Three theories as to the identity of the “sons of God”
Ø They are the descendants of ___________
Ø They are ___________ spirits that have taken human form.
(Jude 1:6 NIV) "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."
(Matthew 22:30 NIV) "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."
Ø They are __________ possessed men.
Ø
2A. It was a Time of General Anarchy (4-5)
1B. The ungodly became their ______________ (4)
2B. The ungodly became their ______________ (5)
(Proverbs 29:2 NIV) "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
3A. It was a Time of ______________ Apathy (Matthew 24:37-39)
1B. It was a time of indifference toward ____________ of God (38)
2B. It was a time of ignorance about the ___________ of God.
4A. It led to a Time of ______________ Activity (6-7)
1B. _____________________ disappointment (6)
2B. God’s _______________ (7)