“So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:23-24).
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:5-6).
“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints’” (Jude 14).
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Why was Enoch taken?
a. Because he was so close to living for God on this earth. “Come live like that in Heaven.”
b. Because God wanted Enoch’s worship/fellowship.
c. Example/picture of future end times.
d. Can we imagine how much Enoch’s life/testimony meant to God that God “wanted” him in actual fellowship.
2. “Enoch pleased God.” What does this involve?
a. Actions.
b. Thinking.
c. Emotions.
d. Intimacy.
e. Time.
f. Energy/self.
3. How do you please God?
a. Doing obvious.
b. Doing more.
c. Digging deeper to find what pleases God.
4. What does it mean, “walking with God?”
a. Destination/goal.
b. Determination/commitment.
c. Rate/speed.
d. Begin/start.
e. Motivation/reason.
5. Three qualities of walking:
a. Our relationship with/to God in salvation, “Can two walk together except they agree” (Amos 3:3), saved, dedicated, led, indwelt.
b. Our relationship to God in communion, i.e., two-way talking in prayer/praise/while God talks to you.
c. Our relationship in obedience. “He that says he is in good relationship with Jesus must walk as He walked” (1 John 2:6, ELT).
6. Enoch’s reward.
a. 365 years seems very long to us, but short in eternity.
b. Did not experience death.
c. Instantly perfected and glorified.
d. Since he lived like Heaven God took him there.
7. God’s reward. Did God get the prize He worked for in Enoch’s life? “God took him” (Genesis 5:24).
8. Did Enoch die? “My two witness … shall prophesy ... standing before God … the beast … out of the bottomless pit … kill them” (Revelation 11:3, 5). “After three days … they stood … come up hither” (Revelation 11:11).
B. PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS
1. God has special rewards for those who live holy and serve Him.
2. Living close to God – intimacy – has its own reward.
3. It is possible to walk with God.
4. It is possible to enjoy close intimacy with God in a world with its sinful environment.
5. We all want to please God, some do it better than others.
6. Enoch tells us there is much more than just being saved from sin.
7. Be a person known for walking with God and pleasing Him.
8. Pleasing God is more than doing it for today, or one week, or one year; Enoch did it 365 years.
9. Walking/pleasing God is doing it together with Him (Amos 3:3).
10. None of us will live and please God as long as Enoch did but you can do it now and continually.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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