The Depravity of Man, Genesis 6:1-8
The Depravity of Man (Genesis 6:1-8)
In this sermon from Genesis 6:1–8, The Depravity of Man confronts the sobering reality of human sin and the astonishing grace of God. As the world of Noah’s day spiraled into near-universal rebellion, Scripture reveals that God clearly saw both the outward wickedness of humanity and the inward corruption of the human heart. Though sin became normalized and unchecked, God was neither absent nor indifferent.
This passage places the depth of man’s depravity in stark contrast with the faithfulness of a small remnant who called upon the name of the Lord. Through the examples of Enoch and Noah, the sermon highlights God’s expectation that His people live righteously and bear faithful witness in a wicked world—calling out sin, warning of coming judgment, and pleading for repentance, regardless of how the message is received.
Yet the heart of the text is found in Genesis 6:8: “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Salvation did not originate with Noah’s efforts, but with God’s undeserved, initiating grace. This first explicit mention of grace in Scripture points forward to the ultimate rescue God would accomplish through Jesus Christ.
The sermon concludes by reminding believers that cultural collapse does not excuse silence or compromise. Like Noah, Enoch, and faithful witnesses throughout history, Christians are called to live righteously, preach faithfully, and rejoice deeply in the grace of God—urgently proclaiming repentance and salvation while there is still time.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "The Depravity of Man" on Genesis 6:1-8.
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Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.
Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.
You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.
This sermon was originally preached on 2/1/2026.
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