Sermon Note Guide

Theme

Even after judgment and salvation, sin remains present in the heart of man. Yet in the midst of sin’s shame and curse, God’s covenant purposes continue to advance toward blessing and redemption through the line of Shem.

 

1. The Context of New Beginnings (vv. 18–20)

• Humanity starts afresh after the flood through Noah and his three sons (vv. 18–19).

• All nations descend from this family → unity of the human race.

• Noah, once a preacher of righteousness, becomes “a man of the soil” (v. 20).

• Farming is a God-given task (Gen. 1:28).

• Yet sin remains even in new beginnings → Noah is not the promised seed.

• Key Point: Don’t look to man for salvation. Noah too is a sinner in need of grace.

 

2. The Folly and Shame of Sin (vv. 21–22)

• First mention of wine: Noah becomes drunk and exposed (v. 21).

• Wine is a good gift (Ps. 104:14–15), but easily abused.

• Noah’s shame shows that sin still clings to man.

• Ham’s greater sin: irreverence and mockery (v. 22).

• Instead of covering shame, he exposes it further.

• Calvin: even the most excellent men are never beyond falling.

• Key Point: Sin often begins subtly, but leads to shame and dishonor.

3. The Righteous Response of Honor (vv. 23–24)

• Shem and Japheth cover their father with care and reverence (v. 23).

• They refuse to gaze upon shame → act in love and honor.

• Scripture connection: Prov. 10:12 – “Love covers all offenses.”; 1 Pet. 4:8 – “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

• God’s people are called to cover in love, not to expose in pride.

• Key Point: Love restores and protects; gossip and exposure destroy.

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4. The Curse and the Blessing: Covenant Purposes Revealed (vv. 25–29)

• Curse on Canaan (v. 25): servant of servants. Covenant lines drawn.

• Blessing on Shem (v. 26): “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem.” Covenant promise continues through Shem → Abraham → Christ.

• Blessing on Japheth (v. 27): enlarged and dwelling in the tents of Shem → foreshadowing Gentile inclusion.

• Even in shame, God advances His redemptive plan.

• Key Point: God’s covenant promises cannot be thwarted, even by human sin.

 

Four Takeaways

1. Do not trust in man but in Christ – Only Christ is sinless.

2. Beware the subtlety of sin – Small compromises lead to shame.

3. Honor and cover others in love – Resist gossip, restore gently (Gal. 6:1–2).

4. Trust God’s covenant purposes – God works even through human failure.

 

Closing Truths

• Sin brings shame, but Christ brings covering.

• Shem points to Christ, who covers our nakedness with His righteousness.

• Through Him, Jew and Gentile (Shem and Japheth) are one family of God.

 

Soli Deo Gloria!