Notes of Faith October 17, 2026
Vivid and Vile
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5
Sometimes you can’t turn the screen off fast enough. You thought it was a safe show; you were scanning social media; you were listening to a book on audio. Suddenly you were subjected to unwanted sexuality, profanity, or violence.
Because of the sinful nature within us, our imaginations run toward evil as in the days of Noah. We must guard against external temptations, but the bigger problem is our own heart and mind. In the battle for our souls, the war with the flesh is prominent. It takes a deliberate effort to be filled with the Spirit of God and with the Word of God.
Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Through Christ, you can be victorious if you never give up. Fill your mind with Scripture and ask Him to fill your soul with His Spirit of victory.
Only the Spirit…can give us the desire, determination, and discipline to reject evil.
John Stott
Gen 6:1-8
Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The Lord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
We all have habits, addictions, things of an unredeemed heart, our sinful nature, that lead us toward sin. Coming to believing faith in Jesus, repenting of our sin, and following Him, we must allow His free gift of His Spirit living within us to be our guide, to yield to His righteous leading for our good. These decisions will become new healthy and godly habits/addictions that strengthen our relationship with God and keep us from the Evil one and his deception and temptations that lead to sin and separation from God.
Rom 8:12-14
So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh — 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
May we let the One who loves us most draw us near to Himself and hold us with His love. May we be obedient to His commands, love Him with all that we are, worship our Creator and Sustainer, and serve Him because of His love for us!
Pastor Dale