SUBJ: The conditions in the days of Noah compared to today and our only hope for today as it was in the days of Noah.

AIM: That we might seize upon that which Noah found and to do so through Christ Jesus Our Lord.

INTR: This passage certainly is of historical interest in that it describes a restart of creation and the revelation of the Lord among men; and especially that our Lord used it in reference to His second coming.
1. No doubt, this comparison has been made in other ages and times, but as we look at the conditions in our land today, we could certainly make the case that this is the time.
2. The truth is that with all the exaggerations and blaming that dominates the news today, we are shut up to the fact that God knows and reacts to the sinfulness of men in all ages.
3. To the believer we are made to give thanks for such times as this when we are driven closer to the Lord (and to lead others there) and discover our reality where Noah did.

THESIS: We are no different than those who perished in the flood and the only reason we are not perished now is the same one that delivered Noah.

I. The Days of Noah (vv. 1-4)
1. What they were doing and not doing: “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39)
2. Controversial issues found here:
1) The sons of God and the daughters of men – fallen angels or the descendants of Cain?
2) The striving of the Spirit as a challenge to the efficacious work of the Spirit in salvation. (with a 120-year reprieve).
3) Giants in the earth – Physical or in terms of power and dominance over others. Men of renown?
3. Against this kind of opposition Noah preached the Gospel.

II. The remedy of God (vv. 5-7)
1. “And God saw” (v. 5) tells us that what He saw was far more than a casual observation of the misbehaviors – He looks on the heart:
1) His perceptions and judgments are not to be questioned
2) Depravity is exposed with its continual effects
2. The effect was a change of the mode of operation – The thought of God repenting is not a change for His eternal purpose – it is what men see of His outward movements toward them.
1) Despite the curse and the separation from full fellowship with men, the Lord loved mankind
2) And, the rebellious behaviors were a source of grief to Him – in their disobedience they were rejecting His provision of salvation in Christ our Lord.
3. Thus, the determination to destroy it all – essentially to cleanse the earth of all that offended and to begin anew.

III. Noah’s discovery (v. 8-9)
1. Consider that Noah was in the line of Seth and named among those who were believers.
1) Consider: And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (2 Peter 2:5)
2) And that Noah walked by faith: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
2. Lest we have any thoughts of works the statement is that he found grace.
3. Walking by faith implies an ongoing discovery of grace in the presence of the Lord.
4. He found first, the grace of salvation and favor with God.
5. The grace of life to endure, to obey, to preach, to worship, to sense the presence of God.
6. Like Moses in time to come it would appear that Noah saw Christ in every sacrifice and especially in the Ark.