1. The Story of God # 3
Genesis 9-25

2. We know by now that the “story of God” runs along two lines
Man’s sin has brought God’s judgment: death, sorrow, pain, violence, and wickedness.
All of this is included in the word “curse”
God’s grace has brought God’s salvation: the promise of redemption, recovery, and restoration.
All of this is included in the word “bless”
And, just as the curse came through judgment, so will the blessing

3. The new world that Noah experienced was not a restoration of Eden
Sin still reigns: Genesis 6.5/ 8.21
Noah sinned, as did Adam. Genesis 3.6/9.21
The shame of nakedness is still a visible marker of sin. Genesis 3.6/
A son’s dishonorable conduct proves that the seed of Satan continues to exist. Genesis 4.8/

4. But mercy and grace are shown
Human government is established, to provide a Biblical basis for action, and to prevent human anarchy 9.6
The command to fill the earth is repeated 9.7
The Noahic covenant: the bow in the sky. God sets aside His “weapon” and promises to preserve the human race
And so humanity survives—and thrives. Genesis 10

5. But the increase of humanity only increases the presence of sin
Genesis 11.1—the entirety of the earth was united: one language, one goal.
But the goal was to advance themselves and not God. 11.4
And so it appears that the promise of God (triumph of the seed of the woman) is in jeopardy because of the work of the seed of the serpent
And so God “confused” them
11.4 Men don’t go up to God—He comes down to us.

6. Babel poses a dilemma
God had promised triumph over the curse, through the seed of the woman
Each time God warned of judgment, He promises grace
Genesis
Genesis 6.7-8
But there is no such promise after Babel: Is God’s promise void?

7. The call of Abraham answers that concern
What the people had sought at Babel, God promised to Abraham: a people and a name
As with Adam and Noah, Abraham’s call is one of God’s grace—not his merit.
Jos_24:2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

8. As with Noah—God’s grace prompts obedience. It doesn’t respond to it.
Genesis 6.7-9
In his obedience, he functions as a contrast to Adam: Genesis 12.1
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Not that he is sinless—he isn’t
And his faith prompts his obedience. Hebrews 11.8
And it is his faith that is credited for his righteousness. Genesis 15.6

9. So… Faith is critical, because faith is what pleases God. Genesis 15.6
Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Obedience is critical, because it proves the existence of true faith.
Genesis