Walking With God - Part 2 - Enoch Walked with God in Consistency

Temple Baptist Church - 4-30-2023

Genesis 5:21-24

 

A.  In our text, we find the First Mention Principle in the phrase “walked with God.”  Though the principle of walking with God is found all through the Bible, the phrase “walked with God” is only found 3 times: twice in our text and in Genesis 6:9. 

 

1.  This speaks of rarity.  Most of the references to “walk” or “walking” in the Bible is either encouraging, commanding, or admonishing someone to walk.  These three instances of “walked with God” defined the person walking.

 

2.  Enoch walked with God.  God did not walk with Enoch.  When you walk with someone (I sometimes walk with my son), they set the direction, the pace, the length, and the destination of the walk, otherwise they walk with you.

 

3.  If you are not pleased in your walk with another, you can quit and turn back at any time or just choose not to walk with them at all.

 

B.  Before we look at walking with God, I want to look at the times in which Enoch walked with Him as they are pertinent to both his day and our days. 

 

C.  These dates are accurate because the years were specifically given in Genesis, chapter 5.  You can do the simple calculation yourself in a matter of a few minutes. 

 

1.  Enoch was born in the year 3,378 BC.

 

2.  Enoch was 65 years old when he begat Methuselah in 3,313 BC, 687 years from the beginning of time in Genesis 1:1, and 969 years before the flood . 

 

3.  Enoch walked with God for 300 years and became the first “was not” in 3,013 BC, 669 years before the flood.  This means that Enoch walked with God in almost the exact middle years between the beginning (687 after) and the destruction of mankind (669 before) by the flood.

 

4.  Methuselah lived 969 years and was 300 years old when Enoch’s life on earth was done.  Methuselah died the year of the flood, so this put the date of the flood 669 years after Enoch or 2,644 BC or 1,356 years from the beginning.

 

5.  Bishop James Ussher (1581-1656) did the same calculations but on the entire Old Testament and gave 4004 BC as the date of the beginning in Genesis 1:1.  This is consistent with the 7 days of time (a day with the Lord is as a thousand years in our time). 

 

6.  There are 7 days of time given with the 7^th day, a day of rest, the Millennial Reign of Christ in the end time.  Of the remaining 6 days, there were 4 days or 4,000 years from the beginning of time to the First Advent and there have been 2 days or 2,000 years since Christ came.

 

D.  The name Methuselah means “man of the dart”.  It comes from a root word meaning “a shoot of a growth”, or a “missile of attack”.  “It shall be sent” or “when he is gone, it shall come.”  Methuselah was named because of the impending judgement of God that was to come when he was gone.

 

1.  Shortly after the creation, mankind began to quickly depart from the ways of God.  We do not know how long Adam and Eve remained innocent but probably not too long.  In chapter 3, we find the fall.

 

2.  In chapter 4, in the process of time, we found Cain killing Abel because of a hatred for righteousness.  These two men were born after the fall and were now grown so this would possible be within 30-40 years later.  Two men with both taught the truths about sin, its consequences, atonement, and faith with two distinctly different outcomes.

 

3.  In chapter 4, we see the establishment of the wicked line of Cain and the re-establishment of the Messianic line through Seth. 

 

4.  Chapter 5 sets forth the line of Adam or the Messianic line of Christ, but spiritual decline once again began and finds its culmination in chapter 6. 

 

Genesis 6:5-6  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  (6)  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  (It did not take long for the sinfulness of mankind to escalate to this point.  Now, the “sons of God” or the Messianic Line of Seth was affected by the wickedness of the ungodly line of Cain.  Men like Enoch were now the exception or rarity rather than the rule.)

 

E.  I said all that to say this, Enoch walked in perilous times.  Men of God who walked in days of peril.  Enoch walked “with God”,  not God walked with Enoch.  This means that Enoch walked everywhere God let him as God was the leader, not the Follower.

 

F.  Enoch was a beautiful type of a raptured church of the end times.  I want to break down these verses so as to view them in a biblical manner.

 

1.  Enoch evidently had some wasted years.  “And Enoch lived sixty and five years.”  There was no mention of the first part of Enoch’s life.  This opens the possibility that Enoch may have had some wasted years.  Before our walk with God commences, our years are spent in vanity.  Many have had so many wasted years though they may not be viewed as such by many.  These were the years of youth, the pinnacle of strength, the choice years of life. 

 

Proverbs 23:26  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

 

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1  Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.  (10)  Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.  (12:1) Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

 

2.  Enoch had a changed life.  “and begat Methuselah”  The birth of Methuselah changed the life of Enoch: "His death shall send", or “when he is gone, it shall come”  A prophecy of the impending judgement of God.  Methuselah died the year of the flood.  Not in the flood but just prior to it. 

 

3.  Enoch had a beginning in his walk with God.  “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah”  It is important how we begin our walk with God.  Evidently the birth of Methuselah not only marked the beginning of Enoch’s walk with God, this event caused a change in Enoch.  The value and gift of children is one of the greatest of all.  Children are a loan from God to be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 

4.  Enoch had maintained a consistency in his walk with God.  “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years”  This was the remainder of Enoch’s life.  He remained in constant fellowship with the Lord in his perilous times.

 

5.  Enoch was a godly family man during his walk with God.  “and begat sons and daughters”  Enoch was not a hermit or isolationist.  He lived a normal but spiritual life before his family.  He led his family, they did not deter him.

 

6.  Enoch had a glorious finish in his walk with God.  “(23)  And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:  (24)  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not”  Not that he died a natural death but that he was forever missing on this earth.  I do not know what his family thought but, one of these days, the saints will not die but will be suddenly missing.

 

7.  Enoch was finally home with God!  “for God took him.”  The end of Enoch’s walk with God ended with him walking with God forever.

 

Conclusion:

 

1.  Walking with God in evil times is Possible.  It is up to everyone to make the choice.

 

2.  Walking with God in evil times is a Privilege.  You can walk with and talk with God!

 

3.  Walking with God in evil times is Pleasurable.  It is the greatest life available to the believer.

 

4.  Walking with God in evil times is Practical.  It is the only life that will satisfy the believer.

 

5.  Walking with God in evil times is Protective.  As the hen gathers her chicks under her wings, God protects those who walk in the realm of divine safety.

 

6.  It is important that God’s children “walk with God” in this life.  Walking with God is not perfection.  We are all flesh and fail God in this life, but He will not fail us!

The Contrast of Faith

Temple Baptist Church - 12-26-2019

Hebrews 11:5-6

Introduction:

A.  “But” - A primary particle (adversative [opposing or adverse] or continuative [continuation of discourse]).

1.  Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.  But ties verse 6 to verse 5.  Too many times, preachers treat verse 6 as “stand alone.”

2.  Used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated.  Without faith, God cannot and will not be pleased.

B.  Verse 5: we saw that Enoch walked with God and had this testimony, that he pleased God.

C.  We saw that Enoch walked with God and pleased God in a hard time.

D.  We find no account of anyone else walking with God as the “sons of God” were walking in a state of spiritual decline.  When we get to Genesis, chapter 6, God is displeased because of the condition of mankind in general.

E.  We cannot please God when we walk in in the flesh.

Hebrews 10:38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Romans  8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

1.  A Faith that is pleasing to God brings salvation to the child of God!

a.  Salvation is by Faith!  If man attempts to come to God with any mixture of works, self-worth and faith, they cannot be saved.  Salvation is faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ: he lived a sinless life, was crucified, died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures for our justification.

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

b.  By faith a sinner accepts the Person of God, the Propitiation of God, and the Promise of God!

c.  There are saved who are Carnal.  In both Enoch’s and Noah’s day, these “sons of God” walked according to the flesh and were brought under the judgment of death.  Thus the CONTRAST of Enoch’s faith that caused him to walk with God and the faith of those who chose to walk with the world.

2 Timothy 2:24-26  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  (25)  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  (26)  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

d.  There is Dead Faith.

James 2:17-18  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  (18)  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

e.  There is Devil’s Faith.

James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

2.  A Faith that is pleasing to God causes cleansing in the child of God.

1 John 3:2-3  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (3)  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

3.  A Faith that is pleasing to God causes continuation in the child of God.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

4.  A Faith that is pleasing to God causes expectancy in the child of God.

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

By Faith Enoch Walked With God

Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2019

Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:21-22

Introduction:

A.  Tonight, I want to look at the order of chapter 11, or the “Hall of Faith.” 

1.  We saw the definition of faith.  It has both substance and evidence.  “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.”  The world may think I am foolish, but I know something they do not know.

2.  We saw faith exercised in salvation through Abel’s sacrifice.  It’s still the blood and nothing in this world can change that!  By the way, it is Colossians 1:14, not Ephesians 1:7, that the new perverted bibles leave out “through his blood.”

3.  This morning, I want to look at the “Hall’s” next example of faith.  As Abel came to God in salvation by faith, Enoch put salvation into practice by walking with God by faith.  Enoch’s walk with God was not a casual stroll as some might presume. 

Jude 14 says, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.”  (It was a spiritually productive walk with God.  In a wicked time when the Messianic Line of Seth was in spiritual decline, Enoch walked with God and preached the Second Coming of Christ.)

B.  Nothing is said concerning Enoch’s first 65 years of life. 

1.  I rest assured that he was brought up to know the Lord and placed his personal faith in the coming of the Promised Seed.  These years were his years of development where he made his choices concerning life and what it was all about. 

2.  Life is so much more than just growing up, getting a job, getting married, raising a family, and retirement.  Life is about whom you are, not just what you do.  This life is the prelude for eternity! 

C.  Little is said about Enoch and, yet, volumes have been written about him.  We “read between the lines” of Scripture concerning Enoch based upon our personal walk with Christ.

1.  Five Things About Enoch’s Walk

a.  It had a Commencement.  I do not believe that it began at age 65 with the birth of Methuselah.  The Bible simply states that, after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years.  This does not mean that he did not walk with God the first 65!  I thank the Lord that I was saved when my two sons were small.  I began my walk with God in front of my family and friends.  I have tried to be consistent over these years.  I was not and am not perfect, but I want my life to reflect the change that only the Lord can make.  When and where Enoch made the personal choice to walk with God is not stated but, somewhere, he made a choice to be all that God would have him to be.

b.  It had a Consistency.  Three hundred years in days of evil that led up to the destruction of the flood.  Days when men who were called the “sons of God” allowed their fleshly imagination fulfill the desires of their sinful flesh.  Days like ours where the Bible says, “as in the days of Noe.”  Enoch never looked back!

c.  It had an End.  After 365 years of walking with God, God took Enoch home: a beautiful type of the Rapture where those who are “alive (quickened) and remain (not dead)” will be “caught up” and eternally with the Lord.  This should be the desire of every child of God and is our blessed hope.

d.  It had a Purpose.  GOD TOOK HIM EARLY!  The question is often asked, “Why do the righteous that live godly often die young?”  365 years old was a relatively young man in those days when most lived into the 900’s.  Enoch was an example to those who chose to walk with this present evil world (Genesis, chapter 6).  Why did God take him?  Because God wanted to take him home to be with Him!

e.  It had a Prophecy.  Enoch was a type of the rapture of God’s people prior to the Tribulation Period.

2.  What Characterizes A Walk With God?

a.  It is by faith that a convicted, repentant sinner comes to Christ in salvation.  Acts 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

b.  It is by faith that we live for God.  Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

c.  It is by faith that we stand for God.  Ephesians 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

d.  It is by faith that we walk before God.  2 Corinthians 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

e.  It is by faith that we resist the devil.  1 Peter 5:8-9  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (9)  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

f.  It is by faith that we commune with God.  Ephesians 3:12  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

g.  It is by faith that we overcome the world.  1 John 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

h.  It is by faith that we please God.  Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 18:8b  Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Enoch

Temple Baptist Church - 2-17-2013

 

Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:21-22

 

Introduction:

A. As we begin this morning, I want to look at the order of chapter 11, or the “Hall of Faith.”

1. We saw the definition of faith. It has both substance and evidence. “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” The world may think I am foolish, but I know something they do not know.

2. We saw faith exercised in salvation through Abel’s sacrifice. It’s still the blood and nothing in this world can change that! By the way, it is Colossians 1:14, not Ephesians 1:7, that the new perverted bibles leave out “through his blood.”

3. This morning, I want to look at the “Hall’s” next example of faith. As Abel came to God in salvation by faith, Enoch put salvation into practice by walking with God by faith. Enoch’s walk with God was not a casual stroll as some might presume.

Jude 14 says, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.” It was a spiritually productive walk with God.

B. Nothing is said concerning Enoch’s first 65 years of life.

1. I rest assured that he was brought up to know the Lord and placed his personal faith in the coming of the Promised Seed. These years were his years of development where he made his choices concerning life and what it was all about.

2. Life is so much more than just growing up, getting a job, getting married, raising a family, and retirement. Life is about whom you are, not just what you do. This life is the prelude for eternity!

C. Little is said about Enoch and, yet, volumes have been written about him. We “read between the lines” of Scripture concerning Enoch based upon our personal walk with Christ.

1. Three Things About Enoch’s Walk

a. It had a Commencement. I do not believe that it began at age 65 with the birth of Methuselah. The Bible simply states that, after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years. This does not mean that he did not walk with God the first 65! I thank the Lord that I was saved when my two sons were small. I began my walk with God in front of my family and friends. I have tried to be consistent over these years. I was not and am not perfect, but I want my life to reflect the change that only the Lord can make. When and where Enoch made the personal choice to walk with God is not stated but, somewhere, he made a choice to be all that God would have him to be.

b. It had a Consistency. Three hundred years in days of evil that led up to the destruction of the flood. Days when men who were called the “sons of God” allowed their fleshly imagination fulfill the desires of their sinful flesh. Days like ours where the Bible says, “as in the days of Noe.” Enoch never looked back!

c. It had an End. After 365 years of life with the majority walking with God, God took Enoch home: a beautiful type of the Rapture where those who are “alive (quickened) and remain (not dead)” will be “caught up” and eternally with the Lord. This should be the desire of every child of God and is our blessed hope.

2. What Characterizes A Walk With God?

a. It is by faith that a convicted, repentant sinner comes to Christ in salvation. Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

b. It is by faith that we live for God. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

c. It is by faith that we stand for God. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

d. It is by faith that we walk before God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

e. It is by faith that we resist the devil. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

f. It is by faith that we commune with God. Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

g. It is by faith that we overcome the world. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

h. It is by faith that we please God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 18:8b Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?