Enoch, The Man Who Was Nowhere to be Found

Theme: Integrity in Friendship with God

Scriptures:

Genesis 5:1-24

Psalm 26:1-2

Proverbs 20:7

Luke 3:37

Hebrews 11:5-6

Jude 1:14-15

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Book)

Know: Enoch’s life models integrity as an example for us.

Think: I allow integrity to determine my lifestyle in spite of the ungodly culture around me.

Do: Live for God with integrity each day.

Notes and questions:

B1 Introduction

C1 Integrity = moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty (Webster 1828)

C2 Who do we think of when hear the word integrity?

C3 Whose values do we follow and why?

C4 Name occupations and duties that require integrity?

C5 Can atheists have integrity?

B2 Genesis 5:18-25 GW  When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch.  (19)  After he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.  (20)  Jared lived a total of 962 years; then he died.  (21)  When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah.  (22)  After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters.  (23)  Enoch lived a total of 365 years.  (24)  Enoch walked with God; then he was gone because God took him.  (25)  When Methuselah was 187 years old, he became the father of Lamech.

C1 These are the descendents of Seth.

C2 The phrase walked with God

D1 Enoch--Genesis 5:22 GW  After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Also Genesis 5:24.

D2 Noah--Genesis 6:9 GW  This is the account of Noah and his descendants. Noah had God's approval and was a man of integrity among the people of his time. He walked with God.

D3 David, but different--2 Chronicles 6:16 NKJV  Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk in My law as you have walked before Me.'

D4 What about our name?

C3 The opposite phrase

D1 John 6:66 NKJV  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

D2 John 11:54 NKJV  Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

D3 Luke 20:46 NRSV  "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets.

D4 What about our name?

C4 The basic idea of walk in these and many verses is our day-to-day life. It is our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D1 Psalms 82:5 GW  Wicked people do not know or understand anything. As they walk around in the dark, all the foundations of the earth shake.

D2 Psalms 89:15 GW  Blessed are the people who know how to praise you. They walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

C5 Walk related to integrity

D1 Proverbs 2:7 GW  He has reserved priceless wisdom for decent people. He is a shield for those who walk in integrity.

D2 Proverbs 2:20 GW  So walk in the way of good people and stay on the paths of righteous people.

B2 Enoch

C1 Characteristics

D1 His father was Jared (Genesis 5:18).

D2 Became a father at 65 (Genesis 5:21).

D3 His firstborn was Methuselah. (Genesis 5:21).

D4 After Methuselah was born, Enoch walked with God for 300 years. Genesis 5:22 GW  After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters. This doesn’t mean he did not walk with God before Methuselah was born, but we must accept what the Scriptures say.

D5 He lived a total of 365 years. He did see the birth of his grandson, Lamech , but not his great grandson, Noah (Genesis 5:23).

D6 He did not die. God took him (Genesis 5:24).

E1 The word took is לקח lâqach.

E2 It means snatch away in a wide variety of context from marriage to rapture (Enoch being taken away).

E3 Some examples:

F1 Genesis 2:21 NKJV  And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

F2 Exodus 13:19 NKJV  And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you."

F3 Numbers 12:1 NKJV  Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

F4 2 Kings 15:29 NKJV  In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maachah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.

F5 Psalms 6:9 NKJV  The LORD has heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer.

F6 Psalms 68:18 NKJV  You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there.

G1 (Ephesians 4:8 (NKJV) Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”  

G2 The Greek word is αἰχμαλωτεύω aichmaloteuo and it means to capture by war.

F7 Psalms 73:24 NKJV  You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

F8 Proverbs 11:30 NKJV  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

D7 He did not die. His departing was because of faith. Hebrews 11:5 NRSV  By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and "he was not found, because God had taken him." For it was attested before he was taken away that "he had pleased God."

D8 He was a prophet. Jude 1:14 NRSV  It was also about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "See, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones.

C2 Enoch did not die but was taken by God. Why doesn’t that happen today?

C3 It is said he had faith and pleased God. Is our faith weak, or is it not God’s will for us to be taken directly to heaven?

D1 The Greek word for pleased is εὐαρεστέω euaresteo. It means to please well, that is, made God happy by what he was doing.

D2 The word is used 2 times in the New Testament.

E1 (Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him,] for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

E2 (Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV) But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

C4 Some cross references:

D1 (Romans 8:8-9 (NKJV) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

D2 (1 John 3:22 (NKJV) And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

B3 Faith + Truth = God’s view of integrity. We have to believe God (faith) and know that His words are truth.

C1 Do God’s standards change with culture?

C2 Does God’s theology change with time?

C3 How do we measure success? How can we be successful Christians?

D1 Joshua 1:8 NKJV  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

D2 This passage refers to Israel and specially to Joshua. How can we apply this to the Christian life?

D3 Why does a Christian have to read and study God’s word every day?

B4 Commandments

Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall make no idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

Source: Bible

USA Commandments

1. I don’t see the point in observing the Sabbath (77 percent).
2. I will steal from those who won’t really miss it (74 percent).
3. I will lie when it suits me, so long as it doesn’t cause any real damage (64 percent).
4. I will cheat on my spouse; after all, given the chance, he or she will do the same (53 percent).
5. I will procrastinate at work and do absolutely nothing about one full day in every five (50 percent).
6. Source: The Day America Told the Truth

Which list of rules helps society and why?

B5 Psalms 26:1-2 NKJV  A Psalm of David. Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.  (2)  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. Another translation: NLT 1 Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.Test my motives and my heart.

C1 What are 3 things in this passage the David asks God to do?

C2 How can we remain living in integrity and faith?

B6 Proverbs 20:7 NKJV  The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.

C1 Why are the children blessed?

C2 Were Job’s children blessed?

B7 Next week:

C1 Noah, the blameless man who needed grace

C2 Theme: Integrity in a Corrupt World

C3 Scriptures:

• Genesis 5:32-6:22
• Genesis 8:1-9:29
• Isaiah 54:9-10
• Ezekiel 14:14-20
• 2 Peter 2:5

When God makes you wait

Theme: Dedicated to serve

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson Book)

Know: Hannah, who had been unable to have children for years, promised God that if He would give her a son, she would give him to serve the Lord all his life.

Think: Rest in the assurance that God’s timing is perfect.

Do: Take my needs and requests to the Lord, knowing He will accomplish His will in His perfect timing.

Notes and questions:

B1 The home place (Ramathaim Zophim).

C1 Various authorities have suggested the different locations.

C2 Map of Ramah and area.

B2 1 Samuel 1:1-8, The Setting,

C1 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, traces Samuel’s ancestors to Levi. Samuel was a descendant of Levi and the priestly clan of Kohath.

C2 Hannah probably was the first wife. Since she had no children, Elkanah married Peninnah, who did have children. He married Peninnah, in order to have children.

C3 Shiloh was the main center of Israel’s worship during the period of the Judges.

C4 Hophni and Phinehas

D1 Sons of the prophet-priest Eli (1 Samuel 1:3)

D2 Evil (1 Samuel 2:12-17)

D3 Dishonored the office of priest (1 Samuel 2:12-17)

D4 Were cursed by God (1 Samuel 2:27-34)

D5 Died before their time (1 Samuel 4:11)

D6 An example and warning to false pastors today

C4 Hannah and Peninnah

D1 What are some similarities?

D2 What are some differences?

D3 Why did Hannah get a double portion of the food?

D4 Did Elkanah love Peninnah?

D5 Why did Peninnah provoke Hannah to anger?

C5 Was Elkanah’s comfort to Hannah good comfort?

C6 Why would the Lord prevent Hannah from having children? This caused her a lot of distress and sorrow.

B2 1 Samuel 1:9-18, Hannah’s Prayer,

C1 After the feast, Eli sat in his chair to give counsel and make decisions for the people. Eli was High Priest. A few of the responsibilities of the High Priest are

D1 Offer sacrifices Leviticus 1:4-17

D2 Bless the people Deuteronomy 21:5

D3 Teach the people God's law Deuteronomy 31:9-13

D4 Give decisions Deuteronomy 17:8-13

D5 Be the administrer in the Temple Numbers 4:19

D6 Special duties on the Day of Atonement Leviticus 16

D7 Be judge Deuteronomy 17:8-13

C2 Bitter has the idea that life has been a disgusting taste in her mouth, so sorrow, pain, unpleasantness, etc. What are some of the reasons Hannah is so bitter? What can we learn about Hannah’s bitterness? What way did Hannah deal with her bitterness? How do we deal with bitterness?

C3 Hannah made a vow.

D1 What was her vow?

D2 Some things about vows?

E1 It is a solemn promise with God as the witness.

E2 It is limited by time.

E3 It is agreed to give or do something if prayer is answered. (Psalm 76:11)

E4 It is a very serious error to NOT do your part of the vow. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)

D3 Another example of a vow: (Genesis 28:20-22 (NKJV) Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, “so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God. “And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

D4 Consider:

E1 (Proverbs 20:25 (NKJV) [It is] a snare for a man to devote rashly [something as] holy, And afterward to reconsider [his] vows.

E2 (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 (NKJV) When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For [He has] no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed– Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger [of God] that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?

E3 (Psalms 116:16-19 (NKJV) O LORD, truly I [am] Your servant; I [am] Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people, In the courts of the LORD’s house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

D5 Did Eli handle the following situation wisely? 1 Samuel 1:13-14 NRSV  Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.  (14)  So Eli said to her, "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine." How could he have handled it better?

D6 1 Samuel 1:16 shows that Hannah’s bitterness was not anger; it was sadness.

D7 1 Samuel 1:20, Hannah had waited a long time, but after Eli’s blessing, she was no longer sad and waited for answered prayer.

D8 Some things about waiting patiently.

E1 It is character building: Romans 5:3-4 (WEL) And not only [that] but we rejoice in distress knowing also that distress brings about patience. (4) And patience [brings about] proven character, and proven character, hope.

E2 God gives grace to endure. From this grace, we get patience and strength to endure. As a result, we give joyful thanks to God. Colossians 1:11-12 NRSV  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully  (12)  giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

E3 It is something we must pursue. 1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

D9 How are we to act towards those who want children but cannot?

D10 Nazarite

E1 Laws are found in Numbers 6

E2 Was voluntary

E3 Could be a man or a woman (Numbers 6:2)

E4 Was a vow of special holiness and separation to God

E5 The vow dedicates themselves to serving the Lord. (Numbers 6:2)

E6 Cannot eat or drink wine, strong drink, vinegar, no anything from grapes as grape juice, raisins, grape skins, grape seeds, etc.

E7 Cannot cut the hair growing on their head

E8 Cannot come near to anyone who is dead, not even for father or mother. If they do, even if accidentally, they must offer a special offering and start over.

E9 Had to shave his/her head and offer a special offering to God after the time promised is fulfilled

B3 1 Samuel 1:19-20, Prayer Answered,

C1 How many blessings can you name from God’s answering Hannah’s prayer?

C2 What does the name Samuel mean? (Essentially, it means God heard me, that is, answered my prayer).

C3 Psalms 116:1-2 NKJV  I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.  (2)  Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

B4 1 Samuel 1:21-28, Vow Kept,

C1 In 1 Samuel 1:21, who also had a vow?

C2 It’s been mentioned in a number of commentaries that weaning meant until the child could potty, dress, feed himself, etc., so Samuel might have been approximately 5 years old.

C3 Why 3 bulls for an offering? John Wesley writes: Three bullocks - One for a burnt - offering, the second for a sin - offering, and the third for a peace offering; all these sorts being expedient for this work and time. Flour - For the meal - offerings belonging to the principal sacrifices, which to each bullock were three tenth - deals, or three tenth parts of an ephah, and so nine parts of the ephah were spent, and the tenth part was given to the priest. Wine - For drink - offerings.

C4 Would Hannah been tempted to not give Samuel to the Lord? What about Elkanah?

C5 1 Samuel 1:27-28 NKJV  For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.  (28)  Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there.

D1 The words asked of and lent are the same words in Hebrew.

D2 This has been variously translated as given, lent, lend, asked of, dedicated, and let.

D3 The idea is that Samuel was asked for and that the asked for is given to the Lord.

D4 How can we apply this to ourselves and our children?

C6 The he in 1 Samuel 1:28 is Elkanah. While Elkanah worshipped, Hanna sang her song that is in 1 Samuel 2.

B5 Read Psalm 13 for comfort in troubles and seemingly unanswered prayer.

B6 Next week:

C1 Enoch, The Man Who Was Nowhere To Be Found

C2 Theme: Integrity in Friendship with God.

C3 Scriptures:

• Genesis 5:1-24
• Psalm 26:1-2
• Proverbs 20:7
• Luke 3:37
• Hebrews 11:5-6
• Jude 1:14-15