From Curse to Blessing: The Hope of Forgiveness

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound truth that even in the aftermath of God's cleansing flood, sin persisted in the world. We began by acknowledging the devastation caused by recent natural disasters and the urgent need for prayer and action to support those affected. This call to action is a reminder of our role as the church to be a beacon of hope and a source of practical help, reflecting God's love in tangible ways.

We then delved into the story of Noah and his sons, exploring the narrative in Genesis 9:18-29. This passage reveals the reality of sin's persistence even after the flood, as seen in Noah's drunkenness and the subsequent actions of his sons. The story serves as a reminder that sin is a universal condition, affecting all of humanity, and highlights the need for our sins to be covered and forgiven.

The narrative of Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, illustrates two kinds of people: those who are blessed and those who are cursed. Ham's actions, which dishonored his father, resulted in a curse upon his lineage, while Shem and Japheth's respectful actions brought blessings. This dichotomy challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are living under God's blessing or curse.

We are reminded that, like Noah, we all need our sins to be covered. The good news is that Jesus Christ, a descendant of Shem, came to cover our sins and offer us forgiveness. Through His sacrifice, we can move from being cursed to being blessed, receiving every spiritual blessing in Christ. This transformation is available to all who repent and place their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

As we conclude, we are called to rejoice in the blessings we have received through Christ and to live lives that honor Him. We are also encouraged to share this message of hope with others, inviting them to experience the forgiveness and blessings that come through faith in Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- The Persistence of Sin: Despite God's cleansing flood, sin persisted in the world, as seen in Noah's actions. This reminds us that sin is a universal condition affecting all of humanity, and we must continually seek God's forgiveness and grace. [23:06]

- Two Kinds of People: The story of Noah's sons illustrates two kinds of people: those who are blessed and those who are cursed. Our actions and attitudes determine which group we belong to, challenging us to live lives that honor God. [49:27]

- The Need for Forgiveness: Like Noah, we all need our sins to be covered. Jesus Christ offers us forgiveness and the opportunity to move from being cursed to being blessed, receiving every spiritual blessing in Him. [01:21:19]

- Rejoicing in Blessings: As believers, we are called to rejoice in the blessings we have received through Christ. We are no longer under the curse but are blessed beyond measure, and this should be a source of continual joy and gratitude. [01:26:54]

- Sharing the Message of Hope: We are encouraged to share the message of hope and forgiveness with others, inviting them to experience the blessings that come through faith in Jesus. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel. [01:33:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [23:06] - Call to Prayer and Action
- [24:35] - Disaster Relief Efforts
- [26:14] - Prayer for Survivors
- [28:57] - Volunteers and First Responders
- [30:30] - Unity in Community
- [32:36] - The Example of Giving
- [49:27] - Two Kinds of People
- [50:47] - Reading from Genesis
- [51:52] - Noah's Sin and Its Consequences
- [53:38] - The Story of Ham
- [56:53] - The Importance of Ancestry
- [59:09] - The Curse of Canaan
- [01:03:18] - The Need for Repentance
- [01:21:19] - Jesus, Our Covering
- [01:26:54] - Rejoicing in Blessings
- [01:33:30] - Invitation to Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 9:18-29

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Observation Questions:

1. What actions did Noah take after the flood, and what were the consequences of those actions? [51:52]

2. How did Ham respond to seeing his father's nakedness, and what was the result of his actions? [01:09:50]

3. What did Shem and Japheth do differently from Ham when they learned about their father's condition? [01:10:58]

4. How does the narrative describe the blessing and curse pronounced by Noah on his sons and their descendants? [01:13:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the persistence of sin in Noah's story teach about human nature and the need for divine intervention? [55:46]

2. How does the story of Noah's sons illustrate the concept of blessing and curse in a spiritual context? [01:15:30]

3. In what ways does the narrative of Noah and his sons foreshadow the need for a savior to cover humanity's sins? [01:21:19]

4. How does the sermon connect the story of Noah to the broader biblical narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ? [01:25:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you, like Noah, made a mistake. How did you seek forgiveness and restoration, and what steps can you take to prevent similar mistakes in the future? [01:06:02]

2. Consider the actions of Ham and the consequences that followed. How can you ensure that your actions and words honor those around you, especially in moments of vulnerability? [01:09:50]

3. Shem and Japheth chose to cover their father's shame. How can you actively support and restore someone in your community who is struggling with sin or shame? [01:12:46]

4. The sermon emphasizes the need for our sins to be covered by Jesus. How can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of Christ's sacrifice in your daily life? [01:21:19]

5. The message of hope and forgiveness is central to the sermon. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear this message. How can you share it with them this week? [01:33:30]

6. Reflect on the blessings you have received through Christ. How can you express gratitude for these blessings in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:26:54]

7. The sermon calls for action in response to natural disasters. What practical steps can you take to be a beacon of hope and support for those affected by recent events? [24:35]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Unyielding Nature of Sin
Sin's persistence is a reality that humanity faces even after divine interventions. The story of Noah and his sons in Genesis 9:18-29 illustrates that despite the cleansing flood, sin continued to manifest in the world. Noah's drunkenness and the actions of his sons serve as a reminder that sin is a universal condition affecting all of humanity. This narrative challenges us to recognize our own vulnerabilities and the need for continual seeking of God's forgiveness and grace. It is a call to be vigilant in our spiritual lives, acknowledging that sin can manifest in various forms and that we must rely on God's strength to overcome it. [23:06]

Genesis 6:5-6 (ESV): "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see the persistence of sin, and how can you actively seek God's grace to overcome it today?

Day 2: The Path of Blessing or Curse
The narrative of Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, presents a dichotomy between those who are blessed and those who are cursed. Ham's actions, which dishonored his father, resulted in a curse upon his lineage, while Shem and Japheth's respectful actions brought blessings. This story challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are living under God's blessing or curse. Our actions and attitudes play a significant role in determining which path we follow. It is a call to live lives that honor God, seeking His blessings through obedience and respect. [49:27]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it align with a path of blessing or curse, and how can you choose life and blessing in your future decisions?

Day 3: The Covering of Forgiveness
Like Noah, we all need our sins to be covered. The good news is that Jesus Christ, a descendant of Shem, came to cover our sins and offer us forgiveness. Through His sacrifice, we can move from being cursed to being blessed, receiving every spiritual blessing in Christ. This transformation is available to all who repent and place their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is a reminder of the profound grace and mercy available to us through Christ, encouraging us to embrace the forgiveness He offers and to live in the freedom of His grace. [01:21:19]

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you need to bring before God today, seeking His forgiveness and covering through Jesus Christ?

Day 4: Rejoicing in the Blessings of Christ
As believers, we are called to rejoice in the blessings we have received through Christ. We are no longer under the curse but are blessed beyond measure, and this should be a source of continual joy and gratitude. The transformation from curse to blessing through Jesus is a profound gift that should inspire us to live lives of thankfulness and praise. It is a call to recognize the spiritual blessings we have in Christ and to let this joy overflow into every aspect of our lives, impacting how we interact with others and how we view our circumstances. [01:26:54]

Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What specific blessings have you received through Christ that you can rejoice in today, and how can you express your gratitude to God for them?

Day 5: Sharing the Message of Hope
We are encouraged to share the message of hope and forgiveness with others, inviting them to experience the blessings that come through faith in Jesus. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, serving as a testament to the hope and joy found in Christ. This is a call to be active in our faith, reaching out to those around us with the message of salvation and the love of Christ. It is an invitation to be a beacon of hope, sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need of His grace and truth. [01:33:30]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and forgiveness in Jesus, and how can you share this message with them today in a gentle and respectful way?

Quotes

1) "And so we began to think through that, and I was like, you know what? We need to talk about that and pray about that as a church. God had me contact Caleb in the middle of the night and say, we're changing some things for tomorrow morning. And basically what it's going to look like is I wanted us to spend some time as God's people praying for these men and women impacted in Florida, in Tennessee and Georgia and the Carolinas, six states have been devastated by a massive hurricane that, you know, so oftentimes people look at it and go, it was the wind. It's not the wind. The flooding that usually causes all the damage. And then seeing mothers who've lost their children and entire families who've lost their lives hurts. And so we need to pray for them, and they need the hope of the gospel." [23:06] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Well, I'm going to tell you, the church is better than FEMA, and we need to be helping up and doing this. And so I hope you'll be a part of that today. Our giving, all of our giving, whether it comes in through online or you put it in the offering plate, 100% of it's going to be designated to go to the survivors there. We are going to put that in the right hands to make sure we're helping these men and women from Florida all the way to the Carolinas. And so I hope you'll give generously to help these people because they're going to need it being no water, I mean, it's pretty bad. So I hope you'll give." [26:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "We say there are people who build you up and people who tear you down, people who give and people who take. People who are content, people who are nothing. There are people who are I people and some who are we people. There are people who need to be told and people who just figure it out. There are people who we say are greedy rich people and there are arrogant poor people. We also say there are people who are leaders and there are people who are followers." [49:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So while reintroducing us to Noah's three sons, I love this. God directs our attention to one son. Does anybody know? Have you read the verses? Who are we being directed to pay attention to in these verses? Take a guess. Really loud. Come on, Ham. Right? Look at verse 18. He's highlighting, actually one of Ham's sons, in particular, a guy by the name of Canaan. In chapter ten, which we'll look at next week, we're given the names of Ham's sons. They're cush, Egypt put and Canaan. Well, here in chapter nine, in these verses, 18 through 29, Ham's son Canaan is mentioned five times. Even if you just have a rudimentary understanding of the Old Testament, you will know why this is important, because you will know who the Canaanites are." [59:56] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "I think in an age where racism continues to be a topic we need to understand, there's no room for that. Whether you like it or not, we all descended from one man. We're all one big happy family. These are his three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. So while reintroducing us to Noah's three sons, I love this. God directs our attention to one son. Does anybody know? Have you read the verses? Who are we being directed to pay attention to in these verses? Take a guess. Really loud. Come on, Ham. Right? Look at verse 18. He's highlighting, actually one of Ham's sons, in particular, a guy by the name of Canaan." [59:09] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Now, please do not assume that this was an accident or that Noah was innocent here. Do not believe that Noah was unaware of what drinking too much wine would do. The guy was 600 years old. He had lived in the pre flood world. He had every bit of an understanding of what would happen in drinking too much of this. And for whatever reason, I don't know, maybe Noah had a bad day. But that day he decided to drink way too much wine. He got drunk, and it says he lay uncovered in his tent." [01:03:18] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Now, don't misunderstand Paul. Paul was not saying if a person gets drunk, they cannot ever be saved. He was not saying if a Christian gets drunk, they lose their salvation. Nor am I saying that Noah was not saved because he got drunk one time. Paul says, those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. And he means just that. If this is your life, if sexual immorality or if drunkenness describes your life, or if any of Galatians five describes your life, there's a good chance, though, you think you might be saved. There's a real good chance you're not." [01:07:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "This story also teaches us, like Noah, we all need our sins to be covered. Noah's two sons, in a sense, acted like God in this story. They covered the nakedness and shame of their father. Well, in a similar way, we sinners need our sins to be covered. What does that mean? I love that the Bible helps us understand. In psalm 32, one king David wrote this, blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. The apostle Paul repeats those exact same words in Romans chapter four, verse seven. Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." [01:20:22] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "I mean, you think about it. If those whose sins are forgiven are blessed, the opposite is equally true. If your sins are not forgiven, you are cursed. We find ourselves in a similar situation to Canaan. He was going to be enslaved to his brothers, right? Well, according to the Bible, we are enslaved to sin. According to God's word, the wrath of God remains on us. John 336. Whoever believes in the Son as eternal life, whoever does not obey the son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Those who sins have not been covered, they've not been redeemed from the curse." [01:21:19] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "I pray today that if God has worked through the preaching of his word and the work of his spirit in your life and he's drawing you to his son, you'll receive the blessing that can only come through him, the forgiveness of sins. As I close out our time of worship in prayer, I pray that you'll call on the son for salvation. Christians, I pray that you'll rejoice and praise them for your salvation. Father, we thank you. Through the Son, we are blessed. Every spiritual blessing belongs to believers. God, may we rejoice in the blessing. May we live lives that honor you. May we walk faithfully, not return to the very sins you died to save us from." [01:33:30] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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