Genesis 9:18-9:29

What we see in this passage is a familiar pattern of sin, a familiar rivalry of seeds, and a familiar legacy of slavery, that show up over and over in the Bible and in our own lives.

Outline

  • First, we see a familiar pattern of sin (9:18-21)
  • Second, we see a familiar rivalry of seeds (9:22-27)
  • Third, we see a familiar legacy of slavery (9:25-29)

Christ Connections

  • The people of God often respond in commitment then quickly fall into corruption. After covenant, Noah, Abraham, and Israel all turn to sin. Only Christ accomplishes and applies the covenant he makes
  • The rivalry of the seeds continues even today. Our battle is no longer against flesh and blood. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we must labor to root out the sin the enemy puts in us, knowing that Christ is the living sacrifice who has already won the battle.

Applications

  • When you catch a friend in sin how will you respond, will you be like Ham or Shem in your reaction? Will you gossip or give grace? Will you relish their failures and walk away from them like Ham or will you cover their shame and walk with them toward restoration like Shem and Japheth?
  • We must fight the sin within us all the days of our lives.
  • We must reject the belief that the Curse of Ham that was used as an excuse for the enslavement and inhumane treatment of millions of people of color. The curse isn’t given to Ham but his son Canaan; Furthermore, the curse that comes on Ham’s son Canaan is not based on the color of Ham’s skin but the consequence of Ham’s sin. The legacy of damage this false doctrine has done when it comes to racial harm is difficult to fathom.
  • The curse of Ham is a clear example of the danger of twisting God’s word. This is one of Satan’s greatest weapons—he twists God’s word in the garden of Eden. He twists God’s word in the wilderness temptation of Jesus. One of the most dangerous places you can find yourself in is when you twist God’s word to justify doing the devil’s work