Genesis 6:1-22 continued…

“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.” Genesis 6:3 (KJV).

The LORD looking down upon the human race of that day was not pleased with what He saw. It did not surprise Him. He was not shocked by it. He has “foreknowledge”, and so this all really was fitting well with His plan.

The word “Strive” means to contend; to minister judgment; to judge; to rule, etc.. The ministry and work of God’s Spirit is to not only draw people to God, but also to restrain evil.

If the Holy Spirit ceases to work with man the end is judgment. When the Spirit withdraws from an individual or a group they are left to themselves to work havoc and ruin. There are many who think that man is basically good; that is a grave and evil error; a tragic mistake that has eternal consequences. If it were not for God’s Spirit the “Total depravity” of man would be so clearly seen, by any who are holy, our society today would look like utopia. Mankind is ‘totally depraved’. Without God we would be completely without hope. The only reason man is not as evil as he could be is because of the Holy Spirit’s restraining power –

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV).

There are many who do not even realize the Spirit of God is working today. I am sure that many of them did not realize during this day we are viewing in Scripture. The time we perceive the withdrawing of the Spirit it could be too late for renewal – not on God’s part but man’s.  At the time of Noah we see God allowing/giving 120 years for people to repent, and return to the worship and fellowship of God. One hundred twenty years to repent.

When God’s Spirit withdraws mankind becomes more and more wicked, and gets further and further away from God. Man begins to deny God, deny His existence, and begins to believe man can solve his own problems without God. Those who reach this point will say something along the line, “We don’t need God. What has he ever done for us?” They will find a day when they will be crying against Him, and crying for the rocks, the mountains to fall on them, to hide them from the Son of God. That is what happens after the Spirit has striven with man and they pay Him no mind or heart.