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Call to worship: John 12:20-32

Text: Genesis 10:1-32

Summary:

Sons are born to Noah's sons. In this table of nations, we're reminded of God's global purpose to redeem a people for Himself, His glory and our good, from the power and curse of sin. In this, we're to observe the love of God that will be poured out from the line of Shem and finally through His Son, Jesus. It's the love that reconciles us to God even while we were His enemies, the love that, piercing His Son, is strong to pierce the soul of any, the love that lifts up Christ with power to draw all peoples to Himself, the love of God for the world that will culminate in the gift of Christ for all Who believe in Him.

Main idea(s):

For God so loved the world that He prepared and endured it until His Son should come to save His people from our sins.

Sermon Outline:

1. The sons of Man and God's everlasting purpose for the world. (10:1)
2. A host of enemies and God's long-suffering patience with the world. (10:2-20)
3. The line of Christ and God's saving power afforded the world. (10:21-32)

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Genesis 10:1-32.
2. What is the end for which God created the world, and how might that relate to God's continued generation of the world of sinful Man?
3. What do you notice among the sons of Japheth and (especially) Ham in terms of the nations that come from them? In what ways are we to see the power of sin and persistence of grace? Consider that they each have their own language (post-Babel?). Consider the evil of the nations named. Consider the object of their rebellion and warfare. Consider Nimrod. What would you make of him?
4. What's distinct about Shem's line? See 9:27, 11:10-26. How is God's purpose of election present here? What does this line bring forward for the world (compare with 12:1-3, Galatians 3:1-14)? What does this tell us about the power of the Gospel and the work of Jesus Christ?
5. Do you detect a missional emphasis in these verses, and how might God's love in Christ for the world address the lengths to which we'll go to see a sinner confronted with the Savior? Meditate on John 3:16.