This series is being preached during the Sunday morning worship hour (10 a.m.).

1. Understanding Authority (April 29).
2. Ascertaining Authority (May 6).
3. The Proper Attitude toward the Bible (May 13).
4. Some Fundamental Interpretation Principles (May 20).
5. Dealing with Difficult Passages (May 27).

The objective of these lessons is to help us appreciate the need to have authority from the Bible for all that we do, and to aid the individual in properly interpreting the Bible for himself without being forced to rely on others to know what God has said.

Please accept our invitation to come study the Bible with us, and benefit from these lessons.

The purpose of this study is to determine who (or what) the “sons of God” is referring to.

If we are to have confidence that our conclusion on the matter is correct it must fit the immediate context and it must be consistent with the rest of the Bible. If our conclusion cannot fulfill those two criteria then we cannot have confidence that our conclusion is correct.

A careful study of this passage will lead us to the proper understanding.

I. THE CHARACTERS

In Genesis 6:1-5 we see several characters mentioned. We do not mean “characters” in the sense of mere story: these were historical, genuine individuals. A list of the characters follow:

1. Men. (Genesis 6:1 says men began to multiply on the earth).
2. Daughters of men.
3. Sons of God (who began marrying the daughters of men).
4. Giants (several commentators believe the word “giants” entailed not just large men, but also violent men).
5. God (identified as “the LORD” in Genesis 6:5).

With the characters in mind, let us also consider the context.

II. THE CONTEXT

Previous Chapters:

• At the end of Genesis 4, attention is given to Seth and to his son Enosh. Genesis 4:26 says “Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.” (NKJV)
• Genesis 5 focuses on the genealogy of Adam (which of course includes Seth and his descendants).
• That lineage runs through Noah and his sons, which brings us to chapter six. In Genesis 6 Noah becomes incredibly important. As a righteous man in the midst of a wicked world, Noah was used by God to preserve humanity and more importantly the lineage that would lead to the promised Christ.

The Current Passage:

• As men were multiplying on the earth, daughters were born to them (Gen. 6:1).
• The “sons of God” saw these beautiful women and married them (Gen. 6:2).
• God’s displeasure is expressed (Gen. 6:3).

Why was God displeased? Was He displeased with the men of Genesis 6:1 for having daughters? This is not a reasonable explanation.

In the context it appears God was displeased with the sons of God. If this is the case (and the context certainly supports it) then why did God say “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…” if the sons of God were angels or aliens or anything else other than humans?

With that thought in mind, we return to considering the context of this current passage (Genesis 6:1-5).

• Giants were also on the earth in those days (Genesis 6:4).
• God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth. (Genesis 6:5).
• “And the LORD was sorry that He made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:6, NKJV).

Notice from Genesis 6:6 that once again God’s displeasure is expressed, and once again the context points to it being people that God is displeased with. This is consistent with what comes in Genesis 6:7…

• God determined “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth…” (Genesis 6:7, NKJV).

The events of Genesis 6:1-5 have prompted God to determine that man needs to be destroyed from the face of the earth. If the “sons of God” and the giants were not men (human beings), then why was God angry with men?

Other Passages in Scripture:

• There are places in the Bible where it seems that “sons of God” is reference to non-humans (consider Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:7, Daniel 3:25).
• There are places in the Bible where “sons of God” is referring to humans (consider John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15,  1 John 3:1, Revelation 21:7).
• Because “sons of God” does not always refer to the same group, we are dependent on context to know who “sons of God” is referring to in a particular passage.
• Additionally, Matthew 22:30 teaches that angels do not marry. Since this is so, angels cannot be the “sons of God” of Genesis 6 because Genesis 6:2 says the sons of God married the daughters of men.

Having considered the relevant evidence, let us now draw our conclusion.

III. THE CONCLUSION

“Sons of God” in Genesis 6 is not a reference to angels.

• Jesus said that angels do not marry, but the sons of God in Genesis 6 did.
• God’s grief in Genesis 6 is directed toward human beings (see Genesis 6:3, 6:5, 6:6, 6:7), not heavenly ones.
• When the chapter is studied carefully, spiritual beings simply do not fit the context.

“Sons of God” in Genesis 6 is a reference to human beings.

• This is evident from verses already mentioned, especially Genesis 6:3 “…for he is indeed flesh” (NKJV).
• Genesis 6 is explaining how man went from being righteous like Seth to being so unrighteous that the flood was necessary.
• Thus, the beginning of Genesis 6 is dealing with man.

More specifically, the “sons of God” were righteous men on the earth who married the daughters of unrighteous men and were corrupted by them. Therefore, in Genesis 6 we have a warning about the danger of righteous people joining themselves with unrighteous mates. Israel was warned against this many times, and Christians do well to care enough about their soul to choose a marriage partner who will help them be faithful to God.

While it is true that there are some Christians who have married non-Christians and later converted them to Christ, statistics show that the far more common result is that such marriages result in the faithful Christian becoming weakened by their non-Christian spouse and pulled away from their faithfulness to the Lord. This is a danger that we ought not ignore! 

Yet, other measurements seem to show a disconnect. The state has an alarming rate of teen pregnancies. Jackson has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the nation (a virus often spread through sexual immorality). In addition to sexual sins, other forms of sin such as violence and other violations of the law are all around us.

How could such a religious state have citizens who behave so irreligiously? There must be some sort of disconnect!

A recent survey conducted by the American Bible Society to learn about the attitudes of Americans might help us understand some of the causes for the disconnect we see happening in Mississippi.

First, there are many who are guilty of paying only lip service to God. They claim to be Christian and speak highly of God, Jesus Christ and the Bible, but they do not truly concern themselves with genuinely following the Lord. Matthew 15:8 speaks of such an attitude: “‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” (NKJV)

Lamar Vest, president and CEO of the American Bible Society, said: “There are probably five Bibles on every shelf in American homes. Americans buy the Bibles, they debate the Bible, they love the Bible…they just don’t read the Bible.”

As a result, while the Bible continues to be the best-selling book of all time, 46 percent of Americans surveyed could not differentiate teachings from the Bible, the Koran, and the Book of Mormon.

Second, there is an increasing failure to recognize the divine origin of the Bible. Without recognizing the Bible as the inspired word of God we should not honestly expect people to look to it as their standard for living. The ABS study found that 82 percent of Americans consider the Bible to be sacred literature. This is a good number, in light of how divided the nation is on so many issues, but it can be better. For example, the previous year 86 percent believed the Bible was sacred literature.

The Bible is inspired.

Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The writers of the Bible were inspired (2 Peter 1:18-21, 2 Timothy 3:16). The end result is that the Bible is God’s revelation to man and should be our guide for all that we say and do in life (Colossians 3:17). The content of the Bible is breathed out by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16, Galatians 1:11-12).

A third contributing factor to the gulf between those who claim to be religious and those who truly are is a failure to accept the sufficiency of the Bible. The American Bible Society survey found that 69 percent agreed either “strongly” or “somewhat” that the Bible contains everything man needs to live a meaningful life. Since 82 percent believe the Bible is sacred literature and just 69 percent agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” we are forced to the conclusion that not everybody who believes the Bible is sacred literature believes the Bible is sufficient. Even among those who believe that the Bible is from God there are many who believe that the Bible is not enough.

The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that God’s word is sufficient. In 2 Peter 1:3 Peter said that God’s divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Jude wrote in Jude 3 that the faith has been once for all delivered to the saints. That means that God has completed His divine revelation. He has given us all that we need, and we need not look anywhere aside from His inspired word (The Bible) to learn what God wants us to know.

Conclusion: 

• We have been considering reasons that the numbers don’t seem to add up.
• It is one thing to accept that the Bible is from God and another to read it and obey.
• Without being familiar with the Bible we cannot possibly expect to be faithful to its teachings.
• If we fail to accept the sufficiency of the Bible we will never be content to accept the Bible as our authority for all we say and do in life.
• God has delivered and preserved His word. We must believe it and obey it.
• Are you a Christian?

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Please contact us if you have…

• Questions about this lesson.
• Questions about any Bible topic.
• A desire to enroll in a Bible Correspondence Course.
• A desire to study the Bible in-person with somebody (at your home, our meeting house, or a neutral location).
• A desire to learn more about God’s Plan of Salvation and how to obey the Gospel.

These lessons will be presented as sermons beginning Sunday April 29 at 9 a.m. The series is expected to take five weeks.

You are invited to attend and hear these lessons. We never charge non-members to attend any of our services and events.

Please check back in the next few days for a finalized list of lessons in the series and more information about our meeting times.

In 1 Samuel we read about David and Jonathan and a wonderful friendship that they enjoyed. Let us consider a few characteristics of their friendship that can be instructive for us, too.

1. Their friendship obeyed “The Golden Rule.” What we refer to as The Golden Rule has been stated in various ways, but is probably most commonly worded “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Jesus said it this way: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

1 Samuel 18:1-3 says that Jonathan loved David “as his own soul.” When we love somebody as much as we love ourselves we will seek their good. This was true of Jonathan and David.

When Jonathan knew that his father, king Saul, wanted to kill David, the Bible says “So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.” Jonathan also informed David of his father’s intent, allowing him the opportunity to flee.

2. Their friendship was deep.

The Bible says “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” Some have attempted to pervert the friendship these two men had, but the reality is their friendship was wholesome and good. Jonathan and David were friends in spite of the fact that Jonathan’s father came to despise David. Saul, in spite of being told that the kingdom would be taken from him and given to another, tried fiercely to hang on to his kingdom and pass it along to Jonathan.

Jonathan did not allow politics to get in the way. Instead of betraying his friend in hopes of being king one day, Jonathan maintained his loyalty to David.

The depth of their friendship is demonstrated in 1 Samuel 20:41-42. David and Jonathan shared a tearful goodbye as David was forced to flee from the presence of King Saul.

May we all be blessed to have at least one friendship in our lives that is strong like the one shared by Jonathan and David.

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” -Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)

The theme of our meeting is “It Can Be Better” and will be a study of lessons from the book of Hebrews.

Hampton currently serves as director of the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tennessee. We invite you to be our guest for this series of informative, interesting, and biblical lessons. Service times are listed below.

Saturday April 7: 7 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 6 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday: 7 p.m.

The Clinton Church of Christ meets at 155 Broadway Street.

When word of this started getting out, lots of people were looking into it, and it is easy to understand why. The possibility of getting something valuable that they did not realize could be theirs was appealing.

One Mississippian even learned he had more than $112,000 waiting for him! If you had $112,000 dollars waiting for you, would you take it? What if there was something far more valuable available to you?

There is something far more valuable than $112,000. It is salvation, and it is available.

Salvation is Available

It was made possible by Jesus Christ

• John 3:16.
•  Romans 5:6ff.

It is only found in Christ.

• John 14:6.
• Romans 6:1-6.
• Acts 4:12.
• Ephesians 1:3.

It is available to all.

• Romans 5:8.
• Romans 1:16-17.
• Romans 3:21-22.

Salvation is Attainable

It is a gift from God and cannot be earned (Romans 6:23).

We do, however, have to take possession of the gift.

• By hearing the gospel message (Romans 10:17).
• By believing (Mark 16:16).
• By repenting of sin (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38).
• By confessing Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:16, 1 Timothy 6:12).
• By being immersed (baptized) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Galatians 3:27).

When one becomes a Christian he must also live a life of faithful service to the Lord (1 John 1:8, Revelation 2:10, 1 John 1:5-10).

Not surprisingly, residents of the Jackson metro were disturbed, stunned, and even aggravated to learn of the sting, which occurred in 2010.

We recognize it is normal and reasonable for people to be outraged when they feel that their trust has been betrayed. For sake of this lesson we turn our thoughts away from police protection and on to spiritual matters. How would you feel if those who you trusted to be teaching the truth from God’s word were letting you down? What if church leaders were corrupt? How would you feel about that?

We tend to be very trusting of people who claim to be teachers of God’s word and knowledgable on the subject. Sometimes we think they could not possibly be corrupted. Let us consider the matter more carefully.

Examples from the Past

In the Bible we find examples of people who should have been trustworthy not keeping that trust. Two such instances are in Malachi 2:7-9 and Matthew 23:13.

Problems in the Present:

There are some who do what they do in religious life from selfish motives, not spiritual ones. This leaves such a person ripe for corruption.

• Some like the status that preaching or serving provides and are in that way like Diotrephes (3 John 9).
• Some are covetous (consider 1 Thess. 2:5 and 1 Timothy 6:5).
• Those who are in it for selfish motives will not intentionally engage in things that impede them from their goal. If preaching the truth and standing for it would jeopardize their goal then they will not do it. They will avoid such things and thus betray the trust of those who believe he is standing for the truth.
• Sometimes it isn’t even a deliberate selfish motive that causes the truth to be avoided. Sometimes it is a desire for large membership or perceived unity. Or perhaps for the sake of not wanting anybody to feel “unwelcome” or “unloved.”

Some who listen to preachers do not have an interest in hearing the truth (2 Timothy 4:3).

• They have itching ears.
• They find people to tell them what they want to hear.
• They are tossed about with every wind of doctrine (consider Ephesians 4:14).
• They pressure somebody who would teach the truth to avoid certain topics that might cause discomfort. Some preachers become discouraged and quit. Others avoid potentially controversial topics altogether, thus betraying God by not preaching the truth.

What About the Future?

If truth is not expected from listeners then it probably will not be delivered by preachers.

• The temptation is great to “give the people what they want” instead of giving them what they need.
• If people demand watered-down, entertaining, unchallenging sermons then there will be plenty of men willing to step up and supply them.
• Speaking on difficult (but needed) topics can be stressful and agonizing. It is easier to “take the easy route” although it results in the compromise of truth.
• If you do not expect and insist upon the truth then you should not expect to get it.

Demand the truth!

• If you do not want to be spiritually betrayed then insist that preachers be faithful to the word of God!
• Seek the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
• Desire to know the truth (John 8:32, John 17:17, John 12:48).
• Be humble enough to submit to the truth instead of attacking the preacher willing to preach the truth no matter how unpopular it is (Galatians 4:16).

Conclusion:

We need to accept our responsibility in making sure that we are not led away from the truth.

Be diligent in your own study of the Bible, and insist that those who teach are also diligent and faithful to the word of God.

If we are unwilling to do these things, we should not be surprised if we are led astray.

Two passages of Scripture were at the forefront of our discussion:

1) Romans 13:1-7.

2) Acts 5:22-32 (particularly Acts 5:29).

Romans 13 demonstrates that generally speaking, Christians are to obey the laws of the land. This might be troubling to some, since it means that even those laws that most people ignore such as speed limits and Stop signs are to be obeyed!

Acts 5:22-32 gives a principle that must be kept in mind, however. If the governing authorities pass laws that violate God’s laws then Christians are to obey God! The government has not been authorized by God to pass laws that are opposed to Him. Likewise Christians are not authorized to disobey God in order to obey civil law.

Perhaps this summary statement will help: Christians are obligated to obey the laws of the land unless those laws violate God’s laws. If a conflict exists, God (not government) is to be obeyed.

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P.S.: We are grateful to live in a state and nation where Christians still have freedom of religion. We hope that this will continue to be the case. Nonetheless, if government ever forces Christians to choose between government or God the Biblical expectation is to obey God rather than men.

Is it a good thing to be ignorant of the Gospel? Will ignorance excuse sin? The purpose of this study is to understand that when it comes to spiritual matters, ignorance is NOT bliss.

Ignorance Does Not Excuse Sin.

• In Leviticus 4:13-21 we learn that ignorance did not excuse sin committed by the whole congregation of Israel.
• In Leviticus 4:22-26 we learn that ignorance did not excuse sin committed by a ruler in Israel.
• In Leviticus 4:27-35 we learn that ignorance did not excuse sin committed by an ordinary individual Israelite.
• Why would we possibly think that ignorance excuses sin today?

Ignorance Does Not Save

• John 3:16 says that belief in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. We cannot believe in Jesus Christ if we are ignorant of Him.
• Mark 16:16, The Great Commission, teaches the necessity of believing the Gospel and being baptized. This cannot be done if one is ignorant of the Gospel.
• Matthew 28:19, another account of The Great Commission, demonstrates that people were to be taught so they could become disciples. One cannot become a disciple if he is ignorant of the message.

Ignorance Will Not Produce Faith (Romans 10:14-21)

• You cannot call on somebody you do not believe.
• You cannot believe in somebody you’ve never heard of.
• You can’t hear without a preacher (somebody communicating the message).
• Faith comes by hearing, not by ignorance. Ignorance cannot produce faith.

Sin is the Problem

• If ignorance saved, then the worst thing we could do is preach and teach the Gospel.
• The Gospel is not the problem. Sin is the problem. It separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-4), its wages are death (Romans 6:23) and those who die outside of Christ will be separated from Him eternally (Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23).
• The Gospel needs to be taught so that ignorance can be overcome and sin can be escaped (John 14:1-6; Hebrews 5:9, John 15:14).

If ignorance could save then God, in His love, would not require that the Gospel be proclaimed. Since God commanded that the Gospel be taught we are forced to the conclusion that the Gospel must be heard and obeyed for man to escape from sin through Jesus Christ.

Have you obeyed the Gospel? It is done by hearing the word (Romans 10:17), believing it (Mark 16:16), repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3), confessing the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:37, Matthew 16:16), being immersed in water (baptized) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21) and being faithful to God unto death (1 John 1, Revelation 2:10).