Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

a. amending his moral codes because societal standards are decaying is a removal of theancient landmark, an insult to the giver of graceb. altering the mission of the church just to keep up with the sects is an Abrahamic attempt tohelp God out when we lose faith that his law can achieve his objectivesIII. Wisdom Is Not In Laurel-Resting (Genesis 9:20-21)A. After All That1. after so much good is said about Noah, he plants a vineyard, stomps some grapes, ferments thejuice and drinks enough of it to lose his sobriety and make himself vulnerable to the devil2. the message is that the devil never gives up, that although our faithfulness will cause him toflee today, he will return to seek another opportunity tomorrow (cf. James 4:8)B. No Rest for The Weary1. aging Christians are vulnerable to complacency, as are those who feel they have already proventheir faithfulness to their own satisfaction2. we give place and opportunity to the devil when we get settled on our lees, resting on pastlaurelsa. when we think we know enough, we start to study less and thus learn less and forget moreb. when we think we have done enough, we start to do less and lose morec. when we think that we have overcome sin enough, we indulge our temptations a little atfirst and then a little more3. the godly fear that made us like Noah, submissive and penitent, is swallowed up bycomplacency and destroyed by the adversary4. wisdom demands that we never grow weary in doing good, for we shall reap in due season onlyif we do not lose heart (cf. Galatians 6:9)ConclusionThe wisdom of Noah is expressed in his faithful submissiveness. We follow it when we assemble theplanks of belief, cover it with the pitch of repentance, hammer the nails of confession, board the ark ofbaptism and sail the voyage of faithful living unto death.Character Studies! 59