‘Walking with God’.........” Enoch walked with God and was not” Gen 5 v 24

[Dr Howard Barnes]

Introductory statement

Enoch, the God pleaser extraordinary! Enoch was a man who walked so closely with the Lord that one day they just walked off together to Heaven.

Bible Reading

Enoch is first mentioned in Gen. 5:21-24 which tells us that when Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah.  He was the father of Methuselah, the great grandfather of Noah and the great grandson of Adam. Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years and scripture tells us that he pleased God so much that he never died but was translated straight to heaven/ “ And Enoch walked with God and was not”. God took him home to heaven.

Hebrews 11:5 - 6
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Jude 1:14-16
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Who was Enoch?

These Scriptures tell us a lot about Enoch’s family and ancestry, his righteousness and his walk with God. He is one of only two or three others in scripture who never died but were taken to heaven, Enoch, Elijah and possible Moses. But there is more to him than just what the bible tells us. Here is an extract from an internet website about Enoch

‘....Enoch has a long pedigree. The Arabic writers call him Edris, and say he was skilled in astronomy and other sciences. The ancient Grecians say that he was the same as Hermes and he was the first inventor of astrology....and not the Egyptians. In Greek mythology he is called Atlas to whom they ascribe the invention of astrology. The Jews call him Metatron, the great scribe. They say that Adam delivered to him the secret of the intercalation of the year and he delivered it to Noah and that he was the first that composed books of astronomy. The apostle Jude speaks of him as a prophet Jude 1:14 and the Jews say that he was in a higher degree of prophecy than Moses and Elijah......’

However he was best known for his love of God and his walk with God. Enoch’s name means ‘dedicated one’. He definitely lived up to his name.

Enoch obviously dedicated his life to serving and loving God. He walked with God for over 300 years on a daily basis and then one day he and God walked off to Heaven together. He was one of only four others who never died but were taken....Enoch, possibly Moses, Elijah and of course Jesus Himself. What company he kept

He was a man who was at peace with God and who enjoyed a deep intimate relationship with the Lord that many of us desire and crave. Enoch’s heart was toward God and not the world. Nothing separated Enoch from the Lord not money, not business, not the world, not self-pleasure.

What lessons can we learn from Enoch today?

I. Enoch’s life teaches us how to walk with God in a fallen world.

Enoch walked with God in a very fallen world. The world in his day was full of wickedness and by the time of Enoch’s great grandson, Noah, the world was so bad the God had to destroy it with the flood. Tradition says that during Enoch’s time giants walked the earth who were conceived by sexual relationships between fallen angels and earth women. Goliath of Gath whom David slew was believed to be a descendant of the sons of Anakim, one of the names for the giant race.

In the Genesis 6 we are given a very brief description of this being one of the causes of the great Biblical Flood.

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God (the fallen angels)saw the daughters of men that they were fair  and they took them wives of all which they chose.
And the LORD said, "My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."
As a result there were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men (giants) which were of old, men of renown.
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Who were these sons of God that were referred to in some translations as supernatural beings?

They are also mentioned in the Jewish Scripture. The Haggada mentions that the sons of Gods were angels of heaven, who were known as the Watchers, and the giants were their children.

It is in the Book of Enoch (Enoch 1 or 1 Enoch) that we are given more details about these events and in the Book of Watchers (chapters 1-36) there is reference to the fallen angels and giants.

“During the time of Enoch's father, Jared, a group of angels, known as the Watchers, looked from heaven and saw that the daughters of mortal men to be beautiful and they desired to sleep with them. They consulted with Semjaza, but he refuse to lead them unless they all make a pact that each one was responsible for this act. They agreed and swore oaths that they will mate with mortal women. Two hundred angels followed Semjaza's descent to earth, under the leadership of twenty captains and divided accordingly. Among the Watchers was Azazel, one of the leaders. Each angel took wives for himself - mating with them and siring children that grew and became giants. The children grew as tall as three thousands ells. These giants were also called Nephilim. They were given other names - the Rephaim, the Anakim, Zuzim, and Emim.

The angels had also taught the mortals forbidden arts and lores of enchantment and divination. The Watchers also taught their children all manner of things. They learn not only sorcery and astrology, but also how to make weapons for war.

The giants' appetites were in proportion to their size, so they quickly devoured cattle and food of men and other wild animals until they were all short of food. Then the giants began slaughtering men and devouring their flesh. Some even drank their blood. The cries of dying men reached the heaven”

So God heard what was happening on earth, hence the destruction of the earth by the flood and the story of Noah and the Ark.

It was in this terribly wicked time that Enoch walked blameless before God.

Enoch’s life teaches us about the importance of determination and focus.

Walking with God implies consistency daily. Enoch did not just walk with God for a while and then quit. Enoch knew the secret of Jn 15 v 5....how to abide or remain in Christ. He had leant how to ‘stand firm’. In Ephesian 6 Paul uses the word ‘stand’ four times in this short chapter to describe of how our life is to be characterised by faithfulness and persistence.

In Romans 11 Enoch is listed as one found righteous in God’s sight and did not experience death but was “taken away because he pleased God”. Why because of his faith or faithfulness.

Here is a list of all references to the word ‘Stand’ in scripture. I’ve listed them for your interest but let’s look at a few. They show how important to God faithfulness, determination, consistency or persistence is.

Exodus 14:13 
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

2 Chronicles 20:17 
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "

Psalm 20:7-8 
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Psalm 30:7 
O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

Psalm 33:11 
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 40:2 
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Psalm 89:2 
I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Psalm 93:5 
Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

Psalm 119:89 
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Proverbs 10:25 
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

Proverbs 12:7 
Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

Matthew 10:22 
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13 
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:13 
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Luke 21:19 
By standing firm you will gain life.

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

1 Corinthians 15:58 
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 16:13 
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 1:24 
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

Galatians 5:1 
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 6:14 
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Philippians 1:27 
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Philippians 4:1 
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

2 Thessalonians 2:15 
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Timothy 2:19 
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

James 5:8 
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

1 Peter 5:8-9 
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Enoch’s life teaches us about the importance of walking with God, of fellowship and intimacy with the Lord

Walking with God implies movement. Enoch did not stand still with God, but he kept pace with God. He walked beside God and he never left His side. He knew the secret of Matt 11 v 29 where Jesus calls us to be yoked to Him....“Take His yoke upon us and learn of Him”. He walked in unbroken fellowship with the Creator of the universe just a Jesus did.

Enoch’s life teaches us about obedience

Walking with God means obedience and submission. It never says that Enoch argued with God where they should walk. He may have questioned and in that sense argued but he always submitted. Enoch walked with God not in rebellion to God! He went where God went. He knew the secret of Jn 8 v 29 where Jesus says He only did “what always pleased the Father”. Just like Enoch and just like Jesus we too must learn to only do the will of the Father. Jesus like Enoch was able to say... ‘Behold, I have come; in the volume of the book it is written of Me, I come to do Your will, O God.’ Ps 40 v 6-8.  Amos 3:3 tells us “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Enoch’s life teaches us about being separate from the world

Walking with God did not just draw him closer to Heaven but it put distance between him and the world. His desires changed with each step he took with God. He turned away from the world and all its wickedness, its traps and snares and chose God’s righteousness. He had learned the secret of Jn 17 v14 that we...”are not of the world”. We are to be in it but not of it.

Enoch’s life teaches us about our dependency on Him

Walking with God is not accomplished on ones own. Enoch chose to walk with God following Him every step of the way, relying totally on His grace and His strength. Enoch’ fixed his eyes totally upon the Lord.  Remember the old chorus ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’?

And this needs to be a daily practise. We need to have a daily time with the Lord Jesus each day , on our own with the Lord, to read our bibles and talk to Him and wait for Him.....to learn to listen to His voice. It has traditionally been known as:

The ‘Quiet time’.
Someone wrote, “A daily meeting with God is one of the greatest necessities of life. It is also one of the most difficult to maintain.”

How can you do it? Here are some suggestions.

Remember this is where deep intimate relationship with the Lord is developed AND experienced! What a privilege!

Make a commitment to do it every day.
It’s been said that....“If you want something to dominant your life, you must do it daily.  ”Pick a time that is best for you to do it! Guard it!

When you start this daily walk with God be realistic
1. Don’t set too high a demand.
2. Chose a helpful time to do it.
3. Don’t pray for Africa all in one day. Start small and build up. Start with 15 minutes then after a month perhaps add 15 more!.

Keep a personal journal.
1. Follow a simple plan by first noting the date.
2. Enter the Scripture you have read that day.
3. Write down any key part of the Scripture you have read and what the main thought of the scripture was. One sentence will do. This makes it easier to remember.
5. Write down the names of the people you want to pray for.
    (Family, friends. Church, people in need)
6. Write down your personal prayer needs.
    (Devotional life, Spiritual Life, Personal goals, Today’s affairs)
7. Then write down your reflections on the experiences/lessons of the previous day.              
    (Answered prayers, spiritual milestones)

It is said that it takes six weeks to form a habit. Stick with it. Enoch did it for over 300 years.

Conclusion

Let us accept this challenge today to refocus our lives upon Jesus again. To determine to walk with Him so closely that we may also be described as one who pleased God, who was known as one who ‘walked with God’

After all .....what is true religion according to the bible?

The answer is found in Micah 6 v 8

...”And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”

Prayer

Oh Lord,

We confess our need to draw so much close to you, to love you more and to know you more.

We do not love you as we ought. We are not as consistent and determined as we ought to be. We give up and give in so often to selfishness, fear, laziness and apathy. Please forgive us and fill us again with your Holy Spirit

We ask that we might like Enoch learn to....

See you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly

day by day.

We ask in Jesus Name

Amen