We’re currently exploring a series titled “Kingdom Rebellion.” In our previous session, we delved into Genesis Chapter 5, discussing Seth and his lineage as the offspring of the woman. We also looked at Enoch, who notably walked with God. This session will introduce us to Noah, another exemplary figure who walked with God, and we’ll also explore the topics of giants and the flood.
Genesis 6:1-4 (NIV)
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days–and also afterward–when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
At the beginning of Genesis Chapter 6, we encounter the Nephilim, often translated as ‘giants’ in various versions of the text. The passage describes the sons of God observing the beauty of human women and choosing to sire their offspring, aiming to create beings in their own image. This act signifies a deviation from embracing God’s creation, attempting instead to forge a separate lineage, one not of family but of servitude.
Genesis 6:5-6 (NIV)
5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Genesis 6:5-6 reveals how bad things have gotten, stating that human thoughts were persistently evil. This observation invites deep reflection on the state of humanity, diverging from God’s vision and deeply affecting Him. God’s response was not anger but one of profound sorrow, witnessing His creation’s fall into continuous wickedness. This sorrow stemmed from the misuse of free will, leading to a decision for a cosmic reset through the flood, aimed at eradicating the sin escalated by the corrupt beings.
This weekend at church we will look deeper into these ideas as well as looking at confronting our personal ‘giants.’ Over the last few weeks, we have addressed temptation, highlighting the various forms it takes and the empowerment through the Holy Spirit to make righteous choices and keep in step with God. Today, we will look at how fear, often manifesting as ‘giants’ in our lives, serves the enemy’s purpose of disrupting our peace and joy.
These ‘giants’ may differ in form but share a common goal: to diminish our serenity and happiness, acting on the enemy’s behalf to wreak havoc. Despite the enemy’s persistence, we’re reminded that Jesus surpasses any challenge we may face. The enemy’s tactics include making us forget the magnitude of our God, thereby amplifying the threat of these ‘giants.’
Often, we think we have to deal with the giants in our lives in our strength. You must never forget to keep God in the equation of your life.
Philippians 4:12–13 (NIV)
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Moreover, the importance of preparing for spiritual battles through prayer and the armor of God, as discussed in Ephesians 6:10–18, cannot be overstated. This is a timely reminder to revisit and reinforce our understanding of these spiritual defenses.
Ephesians 6:10–18 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
