Genesis Outline Part II

Genesis Outline Part II

by Estelle Nazary

Genesis 2:4 - 25

I. The Formation of Man - verses 4-7

1. Formed man of the dust of the ground

2. Breathed into his nostrils

3. Man became a living soul

II. The Home of Man - verses 8-14

1. Garden - "A protected place"

2. Tree of Life

3. Tree of knowledge of good and evil

III. The Service of Man - verse 15

1. Man's work was to care for the garden as a steward of God's world.

2. The Bible pictures work as good and meaningful.

3. The dignity and need of work was a part of creation.

IV. The Moral Responsibility of Mankind - verses 16-17

1. Man's life was to be limited by obedience.

2. The result of disobedience is stated to be death.

3. Man was separated from God the very moment he broke the bonds of love by disobeying.

V. The Authority of Man - verses 18-20

1. Man's original dominion and lordship over nature.

2. Not good - need for help meet for Adam

VI. The Companion for Man - verses 21-25

1. A helper suited for him

2. Each would help the other to become the best self possible.

3. God performed the first "wedding", giving marriage sanctity as part of His good creation.

VII. Essential Elements of Human Life

1. Man's kinship with God - verse 7

2. Man's worship of God - verse 3

3. Man's fellowship with God - verse 16

4. Man's service for God - verse 18

5. Man's loyalty to God - verse 17

6. Man's authority from God - verse 19

7. Man's social life from and for God - verse 24

Truths:

1. Man is uniquely related to God as the steward or trustee of His creation.

2. Man's freedom is found in faithfulness to his responsibility to God.

3. Right relationships free persons from shame and bring confidence.

Genesis Outline Part I

Genesis Outline Part I

by Estelle Nazary

Genesis 1:1 to 2:3

I. God is creator
1. First Day: light, day, night - verses 3-5
2. Second Day: firmament - verses 6-8
3. Third Day: earth, seas, plant life - verses 9-13
4. Fourth Day: sun, moon, stars - verses 14-19

II. God created all living things
1. Fifth Day: water animals, flying animals - verses 20-23
2. Sixth Day: land animals, man - verses 24-31

III. God created man in His own image. - verses 26-28
1. His ability to have fellowship and communion with God.
2. The privilege of making moral choices, exercising proper authority over God's creation.
3. Possessing spiritual powers which enable him to see beyond himself.

IV. God's creation was good, so God rested. Genesis 1:31-2:3
1. God's creation was good, 6 times - good. verses 4, 10,12,18,21,25
2. Seventh time, it was VERY good. verse 31
3. Seventh day: Rested - verse 2
4. He blessed and sanctified the seventh day.

Truths:
1. The creation has a Creator.
2. Man is made in God's image and is, therefore, a special creative work.
3. God made man for fellowship with Him.
4. All God's creation is good.
5. Man is to have dominion over his world.
6. Maturing includes an enlarging concept of God.
7. Man needs a day of rest and worship.
8. Everything God did in His creative work had purpose.

The New Israel

The New Israel

Jacob or Israel

Genesis 32:27-28

(Written by Estelle Nazary - preached at West Jackson Baptist Church by Jack Nazary in 1988)


Introduction: The Peniel the old Jacob became the new Israel. The Old "supplanter: or cheater became the Prince of God.)

Genesis 32:27-28 - "So He said to him, "What is your name? and he said, "Jacob". And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."


It is a story of the grace and mercy of God. Nether by birth or practice should he have prevailed, but the infinite purposes of God were filled with goodness toward him and he became the chosen head of the children of Israel.


I. The Old Jacob - born a supplanter. He was cunning, shrewd, a selfish bargainer of the future!

1. He was born immediately after Esau and was holding Esau's heel. So they call him Jacob - one who takes the place of another. Esau was a gifted hunter. He knew the ways of field and forest. He was a bighearted rough outdoor man, and his father Isaac loved him. Jacob was a soft-voiced feminine sort of man who stayed at home and washed the dishes. Most any busy Mother is grateful for a helper who will sweep the floor, "tidy up" the rooms, bring in water and run errands. So Rebecca loved Jacob as fervently as Isaac loved Esau.


2. To sit at home and think seemed more profitable than to go into the fields and hunt for the next thing we read - Jacob has the birthright and Esau has now nothing. Nobody is willing to defend Esau for selling his birthright, but Jacob drove a hard bargain with his brother. Genesis 25:29. Esau thought he was dying of hunger - of what value would his birthright be, and Jacob saw his chance and took it like a veteran swindler!!


3. For sheer unadulterated deception nothing in time could surpass the deception that won for Jacob the blessing. Laws and customs bestowed upon the eldest son a birthright in property that the younger son did not possess. Jacob beat Esau out of that one thing that was left the patriarchal blessing which carried with it the Messianic hope, and the assurance that his house would be preserved and protected and made fruitful throughout succeeding generations. Isaac through the years had intended to bestow that upon Esau, but when the time came, Jacob beat Esau out of that too! It's a sorry story from beginning to end. As a result, Jacob had to flee for his life from before Esau - For in Genesis 27:41 - Esau hated Jacob and Esau said in his heart "I will slay my brother, Jacob." Jacob goes to the house of his Mother in Haran and begins all over again his cunning deception.


4. Jacob's hard bargain with God. God had said "Behold, I am with thee and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest...for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to the of." - Genesis 28:15. He did not take God at his word abut this bargain driver put an "if" at the beginning of the promises of God. - Genesis 28:20-21. He had not come to an end of himself thus had not begun with God.

Not a bad trade - -

You give me $10 and I'll give you back $1.00.

You give me $100 and I'll give you back $10.00.

To tithe most excellent thing - makes good steward of people blesses the church of our Lord. But to tithe in hopes of material gain is a cheap and shallow motive. Even an unbeliever would do that if he thought he could get rich by paying to Church a tithe.


5. Jacob in Haran 20 years. Lived in atmosphere suited to his bargain-making soul. Laban, Rebecca's brother was as tricky and unscrupulous as Jacob her son. Deception seems to run in the family! Cheater Laban met cheater Jacob, and Diamond cut Diamond. Laban enticed Jacob to work for 7 years for Rachel but found himself married to Leah - weak eyed one instead of Rachel the lovely eyed one. - Genesis 29:17. Seven more years of work for Rachel - thus 2 wives at the same time. Jealousy in Jacob's bigamist home led to his having children by 2 concubines and 2 wives, (4 different mothers)


6. Genesis - Trickster Labon and deceiver Jacob at odds over such things as herds, flocks, servants, and watering places. Labon learned that he was no match for this supplanter Jacob - and the affair came to open war, Jacob fled again. He stole away from Esau and now Labon. Had the Lord not intervened (Genesis 31:29) by saying to Labon "Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad." "O the depths of the love and mercy of God" and His grace who can know it. His ways are past finding out. God loved Jacob through all this. There is goodness of the elective purposes of God that is beyond understanding. How many of us are worthy of the wonderful providence of God that enriches our lives?!!! None!!! What have we done to become precious in His eyes? Yet He loves us when we are unlovely and bestows His wonderful grace upon us when we deserve the least.

II. Jacob and Esau - Genesis 32:7, 18

During the 20 years Jacob was in Haron, we wonder if he was ever able to escape the dark shadow that fear of Esau cast over him. Someday payday! Must meet the brother he had grievously wronged and treacherously deceived. Jacob was frantic: God's promises had been forgotten, the magnitude of the difficulties he faced was on his mind. Forgetting about God and His promises Jacob gave himself to fear and worry. Esau and 400 armed men meeting him "Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. Divided all he had into two companies, so that if Esau smite one the other may escape. He expected slaughter and bloodshed, his extremity drove him to his knees in a plea for help from God. The next day, Jacob prepared 5 generous presents for Esau, and gave instruction to his servants. Genesis 32:18 - Worry and fear drove Jacob to distraction. The wrong he had done under minded his confidence, and he feared lest his scheme would fail. He was unwilling to rely upon God's promise. "I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." Worry had taken things out of God's hands and was forced to deal with them himself. He was afraid of tomorrow! Worry is a losing game. It is the interest we pay on tomorrows troubles that never materialize. Psalm 53:5 - "There were they in great fear where no fear was."

Worry? Why Worry? What can worry do? It never keeps trouble from overtaking you. It puts a frown upon the face and sharpness in the tone, We're unfit to live with others and unfit to live alone. Worry? Why Worry? What can worry do? It never keeps a trouble from overtaking you.
Pray? Why Pray? What can praying do? Praying really changes things arranges life anew. It puts a smile upon your face the love note in your tone. Pray? Why Pray? What can praying do? It brings God down from heaven to live and work with you....Author unknown

Someone rushed into Mr. Emerson and said "They tell me the world is coming to an end." Mr. Emerson quietly replied, "Well never mind, we can get along without it." That is right. The essential and only thing that really matters is God. In Him we have a life that is not dependent upon the world. Heaven and Earth will pass away but we will still have Jesus, and that is enough! Birds live in the will of God one day at a time. Our refusal to live 2 days at a time reminds of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and at tomorrows evil take care of itself."

III. The New Israel

Over a little brook called Jabbok that flows into the Jordan from the east, Jacob sent his family, his flocks, and herd, his servants and all that he had, and he was left alone. With what dread and fear he waited for tomorrow. We do not know with what anguish he prayed out his soul, we are not told. We do know that night witnessed the conversion of the deceiver Jacob; that night he became Israel, the Prince of God.

What Kind of Dad

What Kind of Dad

Genesis 7:1

I originally planned to post this for Father's day, but well, just read the previous blog. I am not sure who wrote this. It is very old though. No names or dates...

Introduction: God had been trying to get the ear of fathers for 150 years. Cup of iniquity was full! Ark was prepared. God's call came and the flood came.

I. The call of the text is to a father, not a mother. It is hard to get sons in the ark when fathers are headed in the other direction. Example of lad who was interested and attended one of Dr. Truett's revivals - seemed to loose all concern when Dr. Truett talked to him - he said he had made up his mind to follow his dad. He went and talked to his dad who was a leading surgeon, his dad was much concerned, made profession of faith that night and his son followed. Father took son in his arms - a scene to make angels rejoice. It is the fathers solemn obligation to shoulder the religious responsibility of the family. Concerned with making a living, for their education and an eye on the ark of safety against the day of God's judgement.

1. His is the responsibility of a counselor. There are pitfalls, physical, mental, moral and spiritual. Example of man coming to Dr. Alford Jenkins during revival in Louisville, Kentucky. He had gone into deep sin. Father left him $50,000 and no kind words. He spent his money in sin, and said, "How much better off I would have been if he had left me not a dollar, but had taken up some of his time with me, played with me, been a pal, and left me some good sound counsel and advice. Example of the story of a dying young man, "Father, when I am dead bury me by the path that leads to the horse lot, and when you pass by it say: There lies the body of a boy who never heard his father pray.

2. His is the responsibility of a Protector. Any worthy father would protect his son from physical harm. It is all the more important to protect him from moral and spiritual harm. Soul enemies: filth in newsstands, immoral pictures, evil companionship' "My son if sinners entice the consent thou not." Proverbs 1:10 Some say times have changed yes but sin is still sin.

3. His is the responsibility of leadership and example. A lad wants to be like Dad. Example of man converted in Dallas that Dr. Truett tells of - He said as he started in the saloon his son yelled Daddy, I'm stepping in your tracks. Example of father taking two boys out for a swim. He went way out calling for them to follow - they did, but before long he heard cries but before he could get to them they were both drowned. Their bodies were recovered and as he walked the floor that night he cried "O! I went out too far with my boys!" Thought: Father goes out too far with his boys, and awake to it after sin has done its evil work and too late.

II. Why was Noah concerned that he and his children come into the ark of safety?

1. It was the only place of safety for Noah and his family. Revelation 6:12-17
Once Noah and his family are in the ark, they are safe. The had that shut Noah in shut the flood out. (John 10:28-29)

2. The ark was ample for their protection. "Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Hebrews 7:25

3. The ark constructed to meet their needs. Had one door. Jesus said "I am the door" No man cometh to the Father but by me.
Had one window - For vision, vision now, but not worthy to be compared to those awaiting.

III. Noah only father who went in. Why? Procrastination kept some out. Derision perhaps kept some out. Unconcern kept others out. Example of boy dying, You gave me education, etc, but you never told me how to die. Example of boy saying, I'll tell Jesus it was you who led me to him!

Dust

Dust

by J.B. Jones

As many of you know, my house fell apart a couple of years ago. It has been a very long painstaking process to negotiate with the warranty company, but most distressing the "fixin". By the complete goodness of God, we had a 2-10 warranty so we have not had to pay anything to fix our house. So, after two checks totaling roughly $160,000, we began to have work done on the house. Of course, Granddaddy passed away on Sunday, February 1st and after 2 years of waiting - perfect timing - Monday, February 2nd the work began. The outside pier work was no big deal. I could handle it! Then, it moved inside. I came on one day at lunch to find my entire master bedroom covered in dirt just plain ol' earth from beneath my house was some how dug out of 4 small holes in the foundation. The pile of dirt was extreme. The next day the same thing in my living room and on and on. The amount of dust and dirt from this drove me insane! I thought once they were through inside oh things would get back to "normal". Oh no, because of the 20 or more filled in holes in my once beautiful stained concrete floor, we were destined to have to get new flooring. In my infinite wisdom, I decided I would go ahead and have the flooring contractor come in the take the finish off the concrete in preparations for the future flooring just to get over the imminent dust from that process. After they sanded or took the finish off, we were left with a great look. People would come over and surely out of niceness, they would comment on how much they loved our floors they were so different. It looks like swirls of white and brown. We call it our snow floor. I again thought oh I can clean all this and things will get back to normal - my nice comfortable somewhat put together home. It was simply not meant to be. In March, the painting began. I have to say the amount of dust from painting the walls, ceilings, and trim was unbelievable. At this point, I just gave up and hired a couple of ladies to rid me of dust. They like me before, cleaned base boards, floors, blinds, etc... Dust was everywhere. It was so nice to have someone else do the work because as you can imagine by the end of March I am crazy. So, life seems to get back to normal, we were still waiting for the final check to arrive so we could order flooring and I actually felt semi clean. My feelings were shattered when the flooring began. We are now on the 3rd week of flooring. I have never seen so much dust nor has my house ever smelled as nauseating. Every weekend I clean and then Monday comes and a whole new set of dust begins. Not to mention, we had our toilet on the back porch for a week and 1/2, and our refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer, were all in our living room for almost a week. I feel like a person without a home. This is my vacation and I can't even stay home in my pajamas for one day! I am going crazy! I am sorry for the rambling. I am quite sure no one reads my blog anyway so I don't feel too stupid for venting. I have to go dust some more.... Hopefully, Friday all will be done! Please Pray! I will now continue with my original purpose to spread the word of God through the great sermons and devotionals of my dear grandparents that I know would not let something like this drive them nuts! "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" I am now repeating this verse. I will survive.

Grandmother's Thoughts

I found this written on a scrap piece of paper by my grandmother, and thought it was too good not to share.

The old things are passed away, now, today, I enter into a new life...
Have you ever heard a person say "If only I could live my life over again?" But this is not what anyone really wants. What we really want is a different life, a new life, a new direction now. Let us have no regrets over the past. Let us not long to go back to relive it - Now is the time, Now is our beginning, Now - new life is ready for us. Think of yourself as at the point of beginning again. Do not let the mistakes, the failures, the unhappiness of the past - not even the happiness of the past bind you to yesterday. Let the past go. Live now. Live today in newness of thought , newness of life, newness of purpose. Everyday you have a new life to live if you only realize it and this new way of living can be transforming and enriching.

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind." Isaiah 65:17

What's in a Look?

What's in a look?

Genesis 1:31; 6:1-7

Introduction: Surprise, joy, hate, revenge, love, compassion, faith, favor.

I'd like to present for your thinking what was in the mind of Christ as he looked upon people and then some looks of men.

I. The looks of our Lord
1. Pleasure, joy - Genesis 1:31
"God saw and behold it was very good." Heaven, earth, light, day, night, firmament, sun, moon, stars, animals, man.

2. Grief - Genesis 6:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 14:2

3. Compassion - Matthew 9:36

4. Anger - Mark 3:5

5. Look of sorrow and sadness - Luke 22:59-62

6. The look of forgiveness - Prayer - "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" Luke 23:27-34

II. Two looks mentioned concerning man.
1. Look to our ways - Isaiah 55:8-9

2. "Look unto me and be saved." - Isaiah 45:22

The Ark of Safety

The Ark of Safety

Genesis 7

1. It was of God's Provision - Genesis 6:13-14

2. It was a refuge from divine judgement

3 arks: 1. Ark of Noah 2. Ark in Bull rushes - 7:1, 7 3. Ark of Covenant

3. Into the Ark man was invited to come - Genesis 7:1 "Come" over 500 more comes - here the first. A gracious invitation (same as Gospels) "come unto me"

Invitation a Personal one ("Come thou")

Invitation included whole family "Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved and thy house." Acts 16:31

4. A place of absolute security

a. pitched within and without - Genesis 6:14

Colossians 3:3 - Your life is hid with Christ in God

b. "The Lord shut him in" - 7:16

Did not have to take of himself. God was responsible. I Peter 1:5, John 10:27

c. All came out alive - 8:18-19 - none perished John 18:9

5. Ark - Had only one door in it. Genesis 6:16

John 14:6; John 10:9

6. Ark had 3 stories

Whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning.

a. Salvation embraces 3 fold nature of man - Spirit, Soul, Body - I Thess. 5:23

b. Salvation is 3 tensed:

Saved from penalty

Being saved from the Power of Sin

Yet to be Saved from the Presence of Sin

7. Furnished with a window placed "above" - Genesis 6:16

Noah and his family not to be looking down, but UP

Children of Israel - pillow of cloud by day; fire by night

Colossians 3:2 - "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

8. Furnished with rooms - "nests" - Genesis 6:14

Resting place

"nests" object of another's loving care

The Ark As A Type

The Ark As A Type

Genesis 7:1

Christ; the Church; the Way of Salvation

Sermon by Jack Nazary - West Carthage Baptist Church 1997

I. The ark was provided at a time when death threatened all. Genesis 6:11-14

II. The ark was a refuge which was provided by God. Genesis 6:13, 14

III. The ark was the only known refuge for that age. Genesis 6:17-18

IV. The ark was an absolutely safe refuge. Genesis 7:10-16

V. The ark brought salvation to all who came into it. Genesis 7:15-20

VI. The ark provided no salvation to those who remained outside. Genesis 7:21-23

VII. The ark offered no hope when the door was shut. Genesis 7:16

Additional notes - Ark built on dry land - 120 years Noah worked to prepare the ark. 40 days rained - 150 days flood lasted

Noah

Noah

Genesis 6

Introduction: God saw wickedness and He promised to destroy it.

I. Man of faith - pleased God - Hebrews 11:7
II. Walked with God amid evil surroundings - Genesis 6:8-12
III. Obedient when appointed a hard task - Genesis 6:14, 22; 7:5
IV. Warned neighbors of impending doom - II Peter 2:5
V. Persistent in his obedience to God.

Joseph - Mighty in Temptation

Joseph - Mighty in Temptation

Genesis 37:3-28; 39:1-20; 40:1-23

(Sermon preached by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1976)

Introduction: Things common to all of us in life -

1. Everyone is born and dies

2. All must breathe, receive nourishment, and sleep

3. Temptation is common to all.

Thomas Edison, when asked how he handled his temptations, replied, "I never have any; I don't have time." he was speaking of his ignorance, not only about life but himself. All men experience temptation.

The life and experiences of Joseph can teach us much about the universal fact of temptation. Joseph, the most Christ-like man in the Old Testament - almost nothing is said negatively about him! Tributes to his character and conduct become more significant when we learn how greatly tempted he was. Thus we consider Joseph mighty in temptations. As we do, we learn some lessons about temptation.

I. The reality of temptation

Joseph tempted in several ways:

1. Tempted to become BITTER TOWARD OTHERS (his brothers) Genesis 37:29-28

Sold into slavery - deprived of his liberty

2. Tempted to COMMIT IMMORALITY - Genesis 39:6b-8a. (opportunity to strike back) Opportunity for personal advancement; there was in the temptation immunity to exposure, for who could she tell? Joseph had a ready-made alibi - If he became guilt laden, he could always say, "she started it, not I" Reality was marked all over the temptation.

3. Tempted to DESPAIR - Stood for right (cast into prison) Genesis 39:19-20 Forgotten by man, befriended in prison for 2 years - Genesis 40:14,15, 23.

TEMPTATION IS REAL in our lives - all tempted - not by God. James 1:13-14

REALITY OF TEMPTATION IS VARIED

One aspect of Temptation - invitations to commit an immoral act. There are other aspects -

* to fail in realm of emotions (bitterness)

* to fail in realm of spirit (despair)

* To yield in any of these, the consequences are serious.

TEMPTATION, THOUGH REAL, IS NOT SIN.

Temptation you cannot escape

Yielding to Temptation becomes Sin

Some feel guilty without cause. Our Lord was tempted, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

II. The Repetition of Temptation

Joseph repeatedly tempted to do wrong - 2 ways

1. Variety of temptation - to become bitter toward brothers, desire of a conniving woman, mistreated by those for whom he had stood rightly - to despair.

2. The repetition of temptation can be seen in Joseph's experience with Potiphor's wife - continued to tempt - Genesis 39:10-12

Temptation is a repeated experience of life.

Jesus tempted - Matthew 4:1-11

People desired to make him King

Obstinacy of Peter - Matthew 16:23

In the Garden - take the other road - easier way - Devil does not give up easily - He is a poor loser - He persists in his efforts - Temptation comes to us repeatedly.

Because they continue to come, one needs to keep his guard up. The Bible tells those victorious for a time; relaxed and failed.

Simon Peter - Matthew 26:30-33

Peter warned about failure - urged to watch and pray, but went to sleep - Matthew 26:38, 40-41, 43, 45

Temptations are repeated - So Christian needs to be on guard constantly.

III. The Resources of Temptations

Joseph had a number of resources when tested:

1. Influence of his home - Proverbs 22:6

2. A sense of direction in life - Genesis 37:5-7 When testing came he could not forget his destiny.

3. Sense of Commitment to God - Genesis 39:9b

Some resources available to us when testing time comes - To be honest - yielding seems right and best thing to do, BUT.......

There are resources -

1. There is the assurance that God makes a way out - I Corinthians 10:13

2. The help of Christ Himself (Hebrews 2:18) - He was tempted - has help (power) over you.

3. Satan himself can be defeated - James 4:7

Devil is a coward - call his bluff and he will run.

Conclusion:

Temptations are common to all - no matter who we are, how devoted to God we may be - he will be tempted.

Two suggestions -

1. When tempted, never say God tempted you.

2. You cannot win in temptation without God's help.

With the Lord and His help, you are 1/2 of a team that cannot be defeated.

The Hymn writer said it this way:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

I invite you to do that now!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus - accept Him as your Saviour, Allow Him to become Lord and Master - Will you do so now?

The Results of Sin

The Results of Sin

Genesis 3:13-21

Introduction: Man has always gone from sin to suffering. Man often goes from suffering to righteousness.

Israel: God would bless them and they would prosper. In their prosperity they would forget God and God would send an oppressor. THEY WOULD REMEMBER THE BETTER DAYS THEY HAD ENJOYED WITH THE LORD AND THEN THEY WOULD PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS AND HELP. God would answer their prayer and send a deliverer.

It is wonderful that God will come to our rescue in time of trouble.

I have been through the valley of weeping,

The valley of sorrow and pain;

But the "God of all comfort" was with me,

At hand to uphold and sustain.

As the earth needs the clouds and the sunshine,

Our souls need both sorrow and joy;

So He places us oft in the furnace,

The dross from the gold to destroy.

God allows many things to happen to us.

THE SOLID ROCK: "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand."

I. Sin alienates from God

1. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that He will not hear." Isaiah 59:2

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" - In other words there is nothing wrong with God. Man gets out of adjustment, and must adjust his life to God's will.

2. Sin is hard to bear - Read Genesis 4:9-13

Genesis 4:9-15 - Notice verse 13 - "And Cain said unto the Lord, my punishment is greater than I can bear."

The test of a man is the fight that he makes,

The grit that he daily shows;

The way that he stands on his feet and takes

Fate's numerous bumps and blows.

A coward can smile when there is naught to fear,

When nothing his progress bars,

But it takes a man to stand up and cheer

While some other fellow stars.

Don't leave God out of your plans. Psalm 40:8 - "I delight to do thy will, O my God, yea, thy law is within my heart."

God said to Cain in Genesis 4:7 - "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door."

ALL THAT IS REQUIRED IS THAT WE DO RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT!

II. Sin brings moral and spiritual blindness.

Ephesians 4:17-19 - "This I say therefore, and testify n the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."

1. Moral and spiritual blindness came as a result of the presence of Sin.

Our world today seems to be hood-winked.

Jude 1:17-18 - "But, beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lust."

2. The black picture of sin is painted in the 1st chapter of Romans.

Verse 21 - "Because that, when they knew God, hey glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

Verse 22 - "professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."

Verse 26 - "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections...."

III. Sin cause social disorder and disruption

1. Separation from God causes hatred in the heart.

What about the Great Commandment?

Matthew 22:36-40 verse 36 - "master, which is the great commandment in the law? Christ answered in verse 37 " Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." verse 38 - "This is the first and great commandment." verse 39 - "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Now notice verse 40 very closely. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

2. Augustine said long ago, "Man can find no rest until he rests with God."

Ephesians 2:14-17 - "For he is our peace, who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

"There comes to my heart one sweet strain, A glad and joyous refrain; I sing it again and again, Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.

Peace, peace, sweet peace! Wonderful gift from above! Oh wonderful, wonderful peace! Sweet peace, the gift of God's love!

IV. Sin produces suffering.

1. Much of human suffering is caused by sin. Genesis 3:17-19 - "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

FROM THIS SAD OCCASION CAME THE SEPARATION OF GOD AND MAN.

2. Notice 3 reasons for suffering.

Punishment for sin.

Character building.

It serves a redemptive end.

Conclusion:

V. Sin produced death.

1. Genesis 2:17 - "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." This was a positive warning from God to man.

2. Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Thank God for Eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Many we point others to the way of life?

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,

I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way;

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear;

The best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done,

I can watch your hands in action, your tong too fast may run;

The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get lessons by observing what you do;

I many not understand the high advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

Am I my brother's keeper?

Am I my brother's keeper?

Genesis 4:9

(Old sermon - not sure who the author was, but has good points)

Adam 1st man - God asked a question.
"Adam where art thou?"
"Who told thee that thou wast naked?"
"Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou should not eat?"
"What is this that thou hast done?"

Cain 2nd man - God asked questions -
"Where is Abel thy brother?"
He answered, "I know not. Am I my brother's keeper?"

Cain felt closely tracked by avenging justice -
He was....
Liar - I know not
Wicked and profane - in thinking he could hide sin from God.
Unjust - in denying that he was brother's keeper.
Obstinate and desperate - in not confessing his sin.

1st question ever asked of one member of society toward another:
I met a little maid
a rosy burden bearing:
"Is he not heavy? I said
as past me she was hurrying.
She looked at me with grave, sweet eyes,
This fragile little mother,
and answered in swift surprise,
"Oh, no Sir, He's my brother." Anonymous

This question directs attention to 1st earthly home. Story...

God said, "Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?" Envy seized him and from that hour Cain plotted against Abel to slay him.

What can be said of envy? Bible says "Who shall stand before envy?" It is the weapon of the little man, the petty man. Envy is a consuming evil. Envy wants something that belongs to someone else. Envy is a bad infection in one's bones.

What is there for men to be envious concerning in his relation with other men: 5 talents, 1 talent. Use wisely and worthily.

In the story of Cain and Abel we see how one sin leads to another. Envy led to murder. Perhaps he thought "This man cannot outstrip me now. He is out of the way, He is dead."

BUT, God is not dead. where is Abel thy brother? "The voice of his blood crieth unto me from the ground." Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Never, in a single case "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall be also reap." How terrible is sin. My brother, my sister, be sure your sin will find you out.

Now in this story there are vivid and awful lesson.

A. The significance of Cain's answer - An attempt to evade, all responsibility for his brother's whereabouts. Human responsibility everywhere assumed in the Bible. To God and Man. We are bound together in life and must not ignore our relations to our fellow man.

No person can dare say to another person, nor one race say to another, or one country say to another, "I have no relation to you and I go on my way ignoring you." Everywhere in the Bible assumed the inescapable fact of human responsibility.

I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER! We are learning that more and more.

1. If you go to a foreign port, you will be asked for a passport - visa to stay in that country. If you cannot present these you will be turned back.
2. Houses in Palestine have flat roofs. Law required that battlements be built around these roofs for protection of unthinking.
3. Law in Old Testament times - reapers in harvest should leave stray heads of wheat in the field for the poor to gather for their own use.
4. Good Samaritan

B. Why we are the practice this neighborliness? Common humanity demands it. Example - precept, word, and deed of Jesus.
Principle of Paul - I am debtor both to the Greeks and Barbarians. Service to mankind.

C. Against whom does his blood cry?

1. Against unfaithful homes
Cain unfaithful to Abel
Parents unfaithful to children
Husbands to wives
Wives unfaithful to husbands
Sanctity of home cannot be tampered with without a judgement day down the road. Some have already arrived. Trifle not with the home. God's fountain head. It must not be mocked and scorned. It cannot be tampered with without results appalling.

What are you profited if you get land, bank accounts, oil wells, bonds, and your children go to spiritual doom? I had rather be in rags with my children following Christ than be in the King's palace with children going pell mell into hell, without Christ. What can I say to quicken your concern about your home? What are you doing about the boys and girls going out from your homes to build homes of their own? What is the wife doing to help lost husband come to Christ? Great price necessary sometimes to win husband, but she can afford to die for him to be saved. I Peter 3:1-7

2. Against unfaithful citizens - Judges 9:7
Example - Parable of trees and bramble in Judges

3. Against unfaithful preacher
Live at ease - world in plight it's in, church members straying, I have made thee a watchman, O My prophet and if thou art not faithful in thy word and testimony among the people, I will require their safety at hand. Ezekiel 3:17-20

4. Unfaithful deacons - Imagining Sunday School not for him at all. Prayer meeting not for him at all. Sunday night worship not for him at all. Witnessing not for him. Visitation not for him.

5. Unsupportive church members.

6. Sunday School teachers
"I have accomplished my whole mission when I get together a little group of 30 minutes on Sunday" = without regard that example will do more to stabilize than all your teaching.

7. "O Christian, What did Jesus say, "Ye are the light of the world" but if the light in you be darkness, how great is that darkness."
"Ye are the salt of the earth"
"Ye are living epistles known and read of all men."

And you're seen of all men. Your example and the fidelity of it, the unselfishness of it, the high principal of it, counts more than mere talk.

The voice of the brother's, sister's blood criest because of bad example. Fellow Christians going down the toboggan slide because of inactivity. Inactive Christians lose fellowship with God They lose contact with the church, lose joy of service. Inactive Christians are our responsibility.

Consider Lot's Wife

Consider Lot's Wife

Genesis 19:26

Introduction: Instructive history - shows

1. How the righteous scarcely are saved
2. His Son in Law's show the way in which the gospel is received by easy careless world.
3. His wife a type of those convicted, but not converted - who flee but perish
4. Angels laying hold of lingering family is type of gracious violent and sovereign mercy which God uses in delivering souls.

First - Direct attention to Lot's wife ans show that many who are quickened to flee from wrath, look behind, and are lost -

I. Many flee under terrors of natural conscience, but when these subside they look back and are lost.

Lot's wife - Not like men of Sodom - dreadful scene, darkness, anxiety of husband, pressing urgency of angels awaken her conscience and make her flee, but her friends, her sons-in-law, her house, her goods, her treasure still in Sodom - anxieties vanished with darkness looked back - pillar of salt.

So with us -
1. Some like men of Sodom - busy - no ears to hear sound of coming wrath.
2. Some like sons-in-law of Lot - shrewd, intelligent men of business think minister speak for themselves - do but just "mock"
3. Some sleep all their days under a worldly ministry
4. Some have season of anxiety about souls - dangerous illness, threatening clouds of providence - stir to flee from wrath to come - lay by sins, pick up Bible, try to pray - soon passes away = "Look back upon such action"

Remember Lot's wife - Learn two things
1. That an awakening by conscience is very different from awakening by Spirit.
2. Learn how far you are from Kingdom of God - quite lost - unmoved, do not weep, do not flee

II. Many flee when friends are fleeing, but look back - lost
anxiety of her husband
Case of Ruth
John the Baptist - scribes and Pharisees

III. Some are laid hold on by God and made to flee, who look back and are lost -
So with Lot's wife - Angels - verse 16
Grace did something for her but not everything - She looked back - so with some of us -
1. Some live in utter ignorance of their lost condition - plead innocence - good lives - never been awakened - The power of God only can awaken
2. Some live in daily practice of sin - who walk in council of ungodly
3. Some live in neglect of means of grace - Some have had hands laid on by Lord and give evidence of such -
a. Have deep sense of lost condition
b. Dare not go back to open sins, dishonesty, swearing, evil speaking, separate from evil companions, filthy conversation. They feel that death is in cup and do not drink it any longer - Is this your case? Then reason to believe you have been awakened by God.
c. Anxious users of means of grace - Bible, pray, nothing keeps them from house of God. Tell others - Is this your case?

Learn from Lot's wife -
1. That you are not saved yet - awakened but lost
2. That God is in no way obligated to bring you to Christ.

A word to those beginning to look back:
A. Some beginning to lose a sense of your wretched and lost condition
B. Some have gone back to old sins
C. Some become careless of Bible, prayer, church attendance

Abraham

Outline of Abraham's Life in Genesis

I. Promises to Abraham - Genesis 12:1-3

II. Rescue from Egypt - Genesis 12:10-20

III. Separation from Lot - Genesis 13

IV. Rescue of Lot - Genesis 14:1-16
1. Righteous disposal of spoil - 14:17-24
a. Dedication of past to God - 14:17-20
b. Rejection of any spoil for himself - 14:21-24
2. Assurance of protection and a child of his own as an heir - 15:1-21

V. Birth of Ishmael
1. Sarah and Abraham plan for heir by Hagar - 16:1-16
2. Jehovah plan for heir by Sarah and changes their names - 17:1-27

VI. Intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah - 18:1-33
1. Plan of God to destroy, leads Abraham to pray for sparing of the righteous - 18:1-33
2. Sodom and Gomorrah now destroyed, but Lot and his descendants blessed for Abraham's sake - 19:1-38

VII. Providential Protection in Gerar
1. Abraham rescued from result of falsehood concerning Sarah - 20:1-7

VIII. Birth of Isaac
1. Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away because of pressure from Sarah - 21:1-11
2. God approved the separation, yet blesses Ishmael and his descendants for Abraham's sake - 21:12-21

IX. Covenant with Abimelech - 21:22-34

X. Offering of Isaac - 22:1-14

Abraham to be a blessing to all Nations - 22:15-19

Jacob, the Deceiver, Becomes a Prince

Jacob, the Deceiver, becomes a Prince

Genesis 24-32

(Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1971)

Introduction

I. Jacob Wandered from God
(a) Deceived his father - Genesis 27:18-29
It was easy for him to do wrong - came natural. He's the kind who would throw dirt in a man's eyes in a pile-up on a football field or elbow in basketball, or try to spike a man in baseball. To deceive his father was the wrong step for a young man for the Bible says "Do not be deceived" Galatians 6:7. "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity And those who sow trouble harvest it." Job 4:8

Can't sin and get by with it!
Exodus 1:22 - Pharaoh charged all the people that all boy babies should be drowned and in Exodus 14:28 - Pharaoh drowned in the Red Sea.

Korah in Numbers 16:2-3 causes a cleft in congregation and in Numbers 16:32 - Korah was swallowed in a cleft of the earth.

Adonibezek cut off seventy kings thumbs and big toes - Judges 1:6-7 - Later, his thumbs were cut off also.

Ahab caused Naboth to be slain and dogs licked his blood, later, Ahab was slain and dogs licked his blood.

II Chronicles 16:10 - Asa caused Hanani the prophet to be placed in stocks and in old age Asa died of foot disease.

Haman died on gallows he prepared for Mordecai - Esther

Paul watch and held garments while Stephen was stoned - Later, Paul was stoned.

Jacob deceived his father - received the blessing - Laban deceived Jacob - changed his wages ten times - His sons deceived him - sold his son Joseph into slavery in Egypt.

(b) He departs from home - Genesis 28:10. He made a big mistake - Don't get heart peace by running away from difficulties - the part of a coward...One must make things right before heart peace comes. Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

(c) He develops difficulties - Genesis 28:11 - Jacob used a pillow at home but not now - a stone. Prodical desired to eat the husk that the swine did eat.

II. Jacob wrestled with God - Genesis 32:24-25

(a) Jacob was at ease in Zion - Self satisfied. "Feel that we have need of nothing" Revelation 3:15-17
Example - A preacher of mission dreaming that he was pulling a covered wagon, a symbol of the church, by the end of the tongue. It seemed that the wagon was going down grade - marshy at the bottom - people working together, but the load became heavier and heavier slower and slower then it stopped. Deacons, members, stopped pushing crawled on and were riding criticizing the way hie was pulling.
(b) Jacob awakened - Genesis 22; 26
(c) Jacob humbled in heart - Genesis 32:27-8 Must lean on God - Paul learned this on Damascus road, Peter prostrated himself after denial and wept.

III. Jacob walked with God - Genesis 33:19-20
(a) In separation - Genesis 35:4
(b) In sacrifice and satisfaction - Genesis 35:7