Note that beginning January 1, 2024, Praythruthebible.com will follow the plan used by The Bible Recap (TBR). For further information, see thebiblerecap.com.
God Speaks
Read Genesis 4-7, source BibleGateway.com
TBR Day 002: Genesis 4-7
Audio Bibles: BibleGateway.com YouVersion (This year, Praythruthebible.com is using the New International Version, NIV, of the Bible.)
Sin Has Consequences; Faith is Exemplified by Obedience
Verse of the Day: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” (Genesis 6:22 NIV)
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Genesis 4-7:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Genesis 4
1. God looks with favor on people like Abel who put Him first.
2. People like Lamech, the descendant of Cain, are arrogant and boast of their importance, but God upholds the family line of the righteous ones.
Genesis 5
1. God created and watches over the generations of His people.
2. People like Lamech, a descendant of Seth, look to their children or grandchildren to bring them comfort for their labors.
Genesis 6
1. God always provides a way of escape from temptation to sin or from His judgment as He did Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark.
2. People should strive to be like Noah, a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, walking faithfully with God and doing everything just as God commanded him.
Genesis 7
1. God will bring His judgment on people who blatantly disobey or scorn Him; their only escape is the ark of safety and rescue–Jesus Christ.
2. People often ignore, refuse to listen to, or even mock those who would warn them of danger.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Genesis 4-7?
O LORD God, thank You for looking with favor on people like Abel who put You first. Whenever I am angry and sullen, may I remember Your instructions to Cain. May I take heed to my ways and seek Your help in overcoming sin in my life. When You confront me with my sin, may I not be like him, denying responsibility. I never want to be a total failure and a homeless wanderer, away from Your presence, Lord. Nor may I be like his descendant Lamech, violent, arrogant, and boastful of his own importance. But, God, uphold the family line of Your righteous ones. After all, You created and watch over the generations of Your people. You know all the names and ages of the people written in the Book of life. I want to be like Enoch, the father of Methuselah, and walk in such close fellowship with You that You can take me home to be with You forever anytime You choose. May people like Lamech, a descendant of Seth, look to their children (Noah) or grandchildren to bring them comfort for their labors. God, You always provide a way of escape from temptation to sin or from judgment as You did Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark. People should strive to be like Noah. He was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, walking faithfully with You and doing everything just as You, LORD God commanded him. Holy Spirit, please help me to be like him. I know that You will bring judgment on people who blatantly disobey You or scorn Your ways. Our only escape is the ark of safety and rescue–Jesus Christ. Please have mercy and don’t let people ignore, refuse to listen to, or even mock those You send to warn them of danger. Do it for Your glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Genesis 4-7? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will thank the LORD God for all the ways He has looked with favor on me throughout the years.
- I will look for specific ways to treat the children in my life so that they will more likely be a comfort to me in my old age.
- I will strive to be like Noah, a righteous person, blameless among the people of my time, walking faithfully with God, and doing everything just as God commands me.
- I will try to warn my friends and family members of the eternal dangers of disobeying God.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.