August 20, 2006
“Noah’s Notable Sin”
Genesis 9:18-29

I. What do we learn from Noah’s sin?
1. Noah’s drunkenness shows us Noah’s imperfection and weakness. God’s word tells us that Noah was “perfect in his generations” Genesis 6:9. Yet, here we have a qualification of that perfection consistent with the rest of Scripture. –Romans 3:10-11 -Noah’s perfection was a perfection of sincerity, a perfection of maturity, a comparative perfection; a perfection imputed by grace – Genesis 6:8. . It was not sinless perfection!
2. Even those who stand long, consistently and faithfully need to be careful – 1 Corinthians 10:12
A. God’s best have fallen: David, Hezekiah, Peter
B. We need to abide in Christ – John 15:5
3. We see here our need for moderation and carefulness with God’s blessings – Philippians 4:5. God’s smiles can be spoiled by the Devil’s wiles Blessings, pleasures, ease, like wine, can be dangerous:
A. Over indulgence robs us of good sense – this is obvious with drunkenness -

“ Now the consequence of Noah's sin was shame. He was uncovered within his tent, made naked to his shame, as Adam when he had eaten forbidden fruit. Yet Adam sought concealment; Noah is so destitute of thought and reason that he seeks no covering. This was a fruit of the vine that Noah did not think of. Observe here the great evil of the sin of drunkenness. (1.) It discovers men. What infirmities they have, they betray when they are drunk, and what secrets they are entrusted with are then easily got out of them. Drunken porters keep open gates. (2.) It disgraces men, and exposes them to contempt. As it shows them, so it shames them. Men say and do that when drunk which when they are sober they would blush at the thoughts of, Hab. ii. 15, 16.”
Matthew Henry

C. But this is true also of pleasure or laughter, fun in general – Ecclesiastes 2:1-2; 7:2-4 Laughter is Mad!
This is referring to when laughter or entertainment becomes a lifestyle, which it is to many today -
4. We also see in Noah’s sin the dread consequence of sin
A. Here we see Noah’s nakedness and shame
B. The disrespect of Ham, he should have coved his father’s sin – Genesis 9:22; 1 Peter 4:8
Note: Noah’s sin was a one time event, not a lifetime problem – Hebrews 11:7
Note: we have directions from Christ for dealing with sin –Matthew 18:15-22
Note: We have here an example of how things should have been handled – Genesis 9:23
5. We see further / even multiplying consequences in the curse of Canaan – Genesis 9:24;
A. They are driven out / they worship false gods -Exodus 23:23-33;
B. They are vomited out -Leviticus 18:24-30;
C. They off limits and to be killed - Deuteronomy 7:1-3

II. What more should we learn about wine, pleasure and fun?
1. God does not tell us wine or other pleasures are off limits, God and Christians are not cosmic killjoys!
2. Celebration: Wine is for special occasions – John 2:1-12; Matthew 26:27-30. Rejoicing should always be “in the Lord” Philippians 4:4
3. Medication: A merry heart does good like a medicine - – Proverbs 17:22; 1 Timothy 5:23. What kind of medication are these?
4. Moderation: In all earthly blessing we should seek moderation – Philippians 4:5
5. Our staple is God’s word – Matthew 4:4; our enthusiasm or drunkenness, excess should be in God’s Spirit – Ephesians 5:18-20; Deuteronomy 6:4-5
6. Important for young people – Ecclesiastes 11:9

NKJ Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.

Pastor Arnold Brevick