Trust and Obey (Genesis 6:9–22)
Noah lived in a world marked by wickedness, yet he walked with God and obeyed His word. This message explores God’s sovereignty, Noah’s faith, and the call for believers to live in full obedience.

Scripture: Genesis 6:9–22

Outline:

1. The character of God defines your life (v. 9a)

2. The word of God determines your behavior (vv. 9b–21)

3. The sovereignty of God rules your heart (v. 22)

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The Depravity of Man | Genesis 6:1–8

Explore Genesis 6:1–8 in this powerful sermon on the depravity of man, God’s judgment, and His undeserved grace. In the days of Noah, humanity had turned almost entirely from God, living in widespread corruption and rebellion. Yet even in the darkest moments, God saw every action and the intentions of the human heart, preserving a righteous witness and offering hope through His grace.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- The total depravity of man and the depth of human sin in the antediluvian world.

- How God calls His people to live righteously, even in a culture that celebrates sin.

- Lessons from Enoch and Noah on faithfully calling out sin, warning of judgment, and pleading for repentance.

- The significance of Genesis 6:8: God’s grace is undeserved, initiated by Him, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

- Practical guidance for Christians to live faithfully, preach boldly, and rejoice in God’s saving grace today.

This sermon also provides biblical perspective on moral decline, cultural compromise, and the church’s responsibility to proclaim truth in every generation. It reminds believers that salvation is never earned—it is entirely by God’s grace—and that faithful living and gospel proclamation are acts of obedience, love, and witness.

Perfect for personal study, small group discussion, or sermon preparation, this episode equips listeners to understand the seriousness of sin, the certainty of God’s judgment, and the hope of God’s redeeming grace.

In this episode, Pastor Ben Smith walks through Genesis 4:25–5:32 to show how God faithfully preserves His redemptive purposes in a world marked by growing rebellion. As Scripture contrasts the line of Cain with the line of Seth, we see that while the world increased in numbers, power, and cultural achievement, God preserved a smaller remnant who were defined by one central reality: they called upon the name of the Lord.

This sermon explains why the genealogies of Genesis are far more than historical records. They testify to God’s sovereign will, His careful ordering of human history, and His intimate knowledge of those who belong to Him. Though sin spread rapidly after the fall, God’s promises were never threatened. From Adam to Noah, every generation unfolded according to God’s appointment, moving steadily toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Listeners are encouraged to take heart in discouraging times. The message reminds us that popularity is not a measure of truth, that cultural influence does not equal faithfulness, and that even strong family heritage cannot preserve faith apart from God’s grace. Yet despite overwhelming wickedness, God has always preserved a faithful remnant, known by name and kept by His power.

Just as in the days of Adam, Seth, and Noah, God still knows whose are His, still keeps His promises, and is still at work through those who call upon His name.

Note: During this sermon, Pastor Ben misspoke and stated that nine people entered the ark. There were nine generations from Adam to Noah, but only eight people—Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives—were saved on the ark (Genesis 7:13).