In what ways can we prepare for God's judgment in our lives today? Genesis 6:17 — A Sobering Reminder “And behold, I will bring floodwaters upon the earth to destroy every creature under the heavens that has the breath of life. Everything on the earth will perish.” Recognize the Certainty of Judgment - God’s declaration to Noah affirms that judgment is not theoretical; it is certain and universal (Genesis 6:17). - Jesus ties this reality to His future return: “For as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37). - 2 Peter 3:7 reminds us that the present heavens and earth are “reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” Respond with Saving Faith - Noah “became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). - Today, salvation remains by grace through faith: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). - “Now is the time of God’s favor; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Walk in Obedient Reverence - Noah did “exactly as God commanded” (Genesis 6:22). The ark was faith expressed in action. - Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - James 1:22 urges, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Cultivate Daily Repentance and Holiness - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). - “Make every effort to be found at peace with Him, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). - Practical steps: • Invite the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Turn from known sin immediately (Proverbs 28:13). • Replace sinful patterns with righteous habits (Ephesians 4:22-24). Live Watchful and Ready - “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). - 1 Thessalonians 5:6: “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” - Regular disciplines that nurture readiness: • Consistent Scripture intake (Psalm 119:9). • Fervent prayer (Colossians 4:2). • Gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Practicing generous stewardship (Matthew 6:19-21). Proclaim the Warning and the Hope - Noah is called a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). - We are ambassadors for Christ, pleading, “Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). - Share both the coming judgment and the gracious provision of salvation through Christ (Acts 4:12). Anchor Your Confidence in Christ’s Finished Work - Judgment reveals the quality of every life (1 Corinthians 3:13-15), yet those in Christ stand secure: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). - While we labor and watch, our ultimate rest is in the One who bore judgment for us (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24). By embracing Noah’s pattern—believing God, obeying God, and proclaiming God—we stand prepared for the certain, righteous judgment that lies ahead and look forward to the promised new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). |
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