I. UNIVERSAL SINFULNESS OF MAN (Gen. 6:1-8). God had separated the ungodly line of Cain from the godly line of Seth, thus giving to the Sethites a new opportunity to live righteously; yet with the increase in number came the increase in sin.

1. Unholy Marriages.— The Sethites, the sons of God, tempted by the beauty of the daughters of Cain, took them for wives and brought evil among themselves.

2. Violence and Evil Motives. — The offsprings of these mismarriages were giants in physical strength, which strength was given to deeds of violence.

3. Withdrawal of the Divine Spirit.— The earth had become ripe for punishment, and God could not give his Spirit to men who would degrade the divine life by indulging their carnal desires.

4. Divine Compassion.

(1) Time for Repentance— God granted a respite of 120 years, but instead of repenting the inhabitants of the earth became more and more corrupt and it repented God that he had made man.

(2) The Promise of Salvation.— To rid the earth of sin, God determined to destroy all his creatures; but Noah found favor in his eyes and in Noah was the hope of salvation.

II. THE CHARACTER OF NOAH (Gen. 6:9). The favor of God toward Noah was not wholly undeserved, for he was the best man in the race of Seth— just, and, in contrast with his contemporaries, perfect in his generation.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ARK (Gen. 6:14-22).

1. Material. — The ark was made of gopher wood and pitched within and without.

2. Dimensions. — The ark was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high.

3. Purpose.

(1) To Save the Faithful, and

(2) Preserve Animal Life.

QUESTIONS.

• What opportunity for righteous living was given to the Sethites?

• What unholy marriages were formed?

• How did the giants misuse their strength?

• Why did God withdraw his Spirit?

• How long did God give the world for repentance?

• What was the promise of salvation?

• What was the character of Noah?

• Of what material was the ark made?

• What were its dimensions?

• What was the purpose of the ark?

REVIEW.

I. Universal Sinfulness of Man.

1. Unholy Marriages.

2. Violence and Evil Motives.

3. Withdrawal of the Divine Spirit.

4. Divine Compassion.

(1) Time for Repentance.

(2) Promise of Salvation.

II. The Character of Noah. — Just and perfect.

III. Description of the Ark.

1. Material — Gopher Wood, Pitch.

2. Dimensions — 450 by 75 by 45.

3. Purpose:

(1) Save the Faithful;

(2) Preserve Animal Life.