650. GEN 6:8, GEN 6:9. NOAH, AN EXAMPLE AND BEACON
Gen_6:8, Gen_6:9. Noah, an Example and Beacon
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God."’97Gen_6:8, Gen_6:9.
No life was more eventful in itself, or can be more instructive and edifying to us, in Old Testament history, than that of Noah. Indeed, a series of discourses could be delivered on the various phases presented to us, in the life and times of this illustrious individual. We can only select, therefore, a few of the more prominent points, to illustrate the two aspects of his character, as announced in the notice of this evening’s subject.
His career was most marvellous and interesting; and we wonder that persons can give their time and minds to mere fiction, when such astonishing incidents and truthful realities are extensively overlooked.
Let us, then, notice,
I. The more striking features in his godly character. And,
II. The points of his moral weakness and defection.
I. The more striking features in his godly character.
Here it will be requisite to consider, as the basis of the whole,
1. His faith. Heb_11:7.
No religion without this. We must first know, and come, and trust in God. No works or state of mind pleasing to God, without this.
In connection with this, observe,
2. His reverential fear.
A knowledge of God will lead to sacred awe’97adoring reverence’97devout circumspection. This is the beginning of wisdom. Often put for the sum of religion. The very safeguard of the mind. He was distinguished,
3. For practical righteousness.
"A just man." Truthfulness, equity, integrity, are essentially involved in this word.
4. He was eminently pious.
"Perfect," &c. Symmetry of parts. A due harmony of graces and virtues. Religion shone’97stood out’97decided and preeminent.
5. He was distinguished for his peculiar devotion.
"He walked with God," &c. So it is said of Enoch. Elevated. Spiritual, &c. Had fellowship. Communion.
6. He was a preacher of righteousness. His subjects, human depravity, guilt, peril.
He warned the Old World. He did so, no doubt, verbally. But especially by his conduct’97building the Ark,’97preparing for the future.
7. He displayed all these excellences in the midst of general profligacy and sin.
Remarkably holy in corrupt times. Deep, universal corruption: Chap. Gen_6:5. The cause of this, Gen_6:4. Warn the young, &c. Bad influences of wretched associates, &c. Domestic irreligion. National vice. The corruption had become universal. Only this family exempt, &c. Provision was made for Noah’s security and deliverance. He survived. Became heir of the New World. Worshipped and sacrificed to God: Chap. Gen_8:18, &c. Covenant made with, him. Animal food given. The bow given as a sign, &c. How exalted, excellent, and blessed was Noah. So far he stands out as an example,’97a moral sun. But now we are called to see and be warned by the spots on its moral disk.
Hence, observe,
II. The points of his moral weakness and defection.
Noah’s sin described: chap. Gen_9:20. The sin was evidently,
1. The result of unwatchfulness.
He was vigilant and circumspect in the Old World’97careless in the New. He feared and cleaved to God amid general profligacy and sin; when he was no longer surrounded with scenes of iniquity, he fell. Maintained his integrity so long, and then became ensnared.
2. The sin was gross.
It was drunkenness. Public, palpable drunkenness. So the word of God avers in the plainest terms.
3. It was the occasion of sin and misery to his family.
Not the cause, but the occasion. Yet even thus it was to be deplored. Think of Ham and the curse. I fear it has been perverted by many as an excuse for using intoxicating drinks, and a plea for drinking. Yet justice to Noah demands that we should consider it a sin of surprise. It might have been the first time that he had ever tasted wine. His sin was not repeated; and doubtless he repented, and found mercy.
Learn,’97
From the whole,
1. The fidelity of the sacred writers. Here Noah’s excellences and sins are both declared. One to excite emulation, the other watchfulness. "Let him that thinketh," &c. Be sober, be vigilant, &c.
2. The possibility of religion in the worst circumstances.
3. Religion the only refuge from the Divine displeasure.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS