5-17-2026: The Second Rebellion & the Giants

Sermon Title: The Second Rebellion & the Giants 

Scripture Reading: Genesis 6; Matthew 8:28-29; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Jude 5-7 

Sermon Focus: Genesis 6:1-4 is one of the strangest and most debated passages in the Bible, describing a supernatural rebellion in which the “sons of God” transgress God’s created order and produce the Nephilim, or giants. In the third message of our series, Pastor David explores how this cosmic rebellion intensified human wickedness, contributed to God’s judgment in the flood, and shaped the Jewish worldview behind the New Testament’s understanding of fallen angels, demons, and spiritual warfare. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by having someone read aloud Genesis 6:1-8. Now think back to the sermon. What was your initial reaction to hearing Genesis 6:1-4 explained through a supernatural or cosmic worldview lens? Did it challenge your assumptions? Why do you think modern Christians often avoid passages like this? 

2. The flood story is in Gen. 6-9. Pastor David said, “The flood is not God overreacting and mercilessly killing people. Rather, we should view it as divine intervention against cosmic disorder, supernatural rebellion, anti-Eden corruption, and the complete takeover of human evil on the earth. Therefore, God is stopping a total loss of humanity and seeking to get all of creation back on redemptive course, which will eventually lead to Israel, the prophets, and the coming of Jesus.” Does this challenge or change the way you have understood the flood in the past?  

3. Recall what Pastor David shared about the Book of Enoch and the cosmic details it gives about Genesis 6:1-4. Michael Hieser believed that Jews in Jesus’ day were well familiar with Enoch and much of this knowledge about “the Watchers” (sons of God) and what they did was just assumed (e.g., 1 Peter 3:19-20; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Jude 5-7). And so, when they read Gen. 6:1-4, they would have brought this background information into their reading. While it’s not included in the biblical canon, how do you feel about gleaning background information from Enoch? 

4. Do you think that a cosmic reading of Genesis 6:1-4 (that fallen “sons of God” interbred with human women) could explain the myths found in other cultures about demi-gods or the increasingly popular idea that extra-terrestrials gave humans advanced knowledge/technology to build things beyond their capabilities? 

5. The Bible presents evil as both human and spiritual, revealing a deeper cosmic rebellion influencing the world. Where do you see rebellious forces of corruption, sexual perversion, violence, or dehumanization shaping us and our world today? 

6. WEEKLY PRACTICE: Renouncing Fear – “You Don’t Have to Be Afraid”  • Challenge: Identify one fear controlling you and declare: “In Jesus’ name, I reject fear. Fear is a liar. I belong to Christ.”  • Invitation: When fear arises, declare: “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Tim. 1:7  • Goal: Move from fear of the spiritual forces of darkness and the unknown to confidence in Christ’s power and authority. 

What would it look like in your life to trust in Christ’s power and authority?