The Bible tells us that sin entered the world through human desire and temptation. This pivotal moment is captured in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as recounted in Genesis 3. The serpent's deception led Eve to believe that eating from the forbidden tree would open her eyes to knowledge, awakening her to the true reality. This was a lie. This act of disobedience brought sin into the world and changed the course of humanity forever.
God's response to Adam and Eve's sin was to pronounce judgment on the serpent, Eve, and Adam. The serpent was cursed to crawl on its belly, and enmity was placed between the serpent's offspring and Eve's. Eve would experience increased pain in childbirth, and Adam would toil and struggle against a cursed ground. This narrative sets the stage for the ongoing battle between good and evil.
As humanity multiplied, so did sin. Then in Genesis 6:1-4 we read an unusual story.
When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
This union further corrupted mankind, prompting God to grieve over His creation. The world was filled with violence and corruption, setting the stage for the great flood.
If you keep reading in Genesis 6 you find that Noah was chosen by God because he was "perfect in his generations." This phrase indicates that Noah was righteous and walked with God, but also suggests that his lineage was untainted by the corruption of the "sons of God" and their offspring, the Nephilim. Noah's physical and spiritual integrity made him the ideal candidate to repopulate the earth with a pure human lineage.
While the flood wiped out the Nephilim, the language of Genesis 6:4 indicates that the sons of God went to the daughters of men more than one time. The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
The key phrase here is "when." It's the Hebrew word אֲשֶׁ֨ר (ash-er') that indicates perpetual instances of this situation. In context it doesn't actually mean "when," it actually means "whenever." So that it is referring to an action that occurred in the past at regular or irregular intervals after that.
For example if I say "I buy milk when I go to the store" that doesn't mean that every time I go to the store, I buy milk. If I need milk then I will buy it when I go to the store. But if I said "I buy milk whenever I go to the store" than that tells you that every time I go to the store, I'm buying milk.
This explains why we see giants later in scripture like in Joshua 12:4-5 when the Israelites destroyed the Kingdom of the Giants or when David fought Goliath.
Because evil continues in our world today, the Bible teaches us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. The armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, is a spiritual defense and offense against these forces. God promised He would never flood the earth again (Genesis 8:21), so believers are called to put on this armor and engage in spiritual warfare, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit also equips believers with spiritual gifts to engage in this battle. These gifts are not for personal glory but for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Understanding and utilizing these gifts is crucial for every believer.
It is essential, if you are a born again believer, to identify and use your spiritual gifts. These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Seeking and understanding your spiritual gifts is a vital part of your Christian walk.
Something To Think About
The truth of sin's origin, its consequences, and the ongoing spiritual battle is not just historical; it's a reality that affects each of us today. As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to:
- Recognize the areas of temptation in our lives and seek God's strength to overcome them.
- Understand the gravity of sin and its impact on our relationship with God and others.
- Acknowledge the spiritual battle around us and the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives.
Questions For Self-Reflection
How can I resist temptation and align my desires with God's will?
What steps can I take to better understand and utilize the spiritual gifts given to me?
In what ways can I engage in the spiritual battle for God's kingdom this week?
~ Pastor Robert Gentry
If you want to explore this topic more, check out Kent Hall's sermon:
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