From Adam to Abraham: 1 Chronicles 1’s Lineage of Promise

Scriptures for Today: 1 Chronicles 1:1–28

1 Chronicles 1:1-28 Adam, Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, 3 Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 5 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 6 And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. 7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 8 The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 9 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. 10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth. 11 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, 12 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim. 13 And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth, 14 The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite, 15 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, 16 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. 17 The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. 18 And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber. 19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother’s name was Joktan. 20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah, 22 And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 23 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, 25 Eber, Peleg, Reu, 26 Serug, Nahor, Terah, 27 Abram; the same is Abraham. 28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.

Introduction: Remembering God’s Faithfulness

This week marks one year of this church being established and one year of God’s faithfulness. It’s fitting that we are starting the Book of 1 Chronicles — because a chronicle, by definition, is a written record of historical events. 1 Chronicles is a record of God’s works through time.

Just how God has been working since the beginning in Genesis, He’s been working in this Church since it’s beginning back in October of 2024.

We might be tempted to skim over many chapters in this book because there are so many lists of names, but each name is a reminder that God keeps His promises. The genealogies show that even when people fail, God’s plan continues. And that’s a theme that we have consistently seen in almost every story up to this point. And that theme continues all the way to Jesus Christ. Man fails on his own, God redeems man by showing grace and mercy through faith in Him.

As a church, we can look back at where we started. We made mistakes along the way. But God is faithful to keep us on the right path. Now we look forward knowing that the same faithful God is continuing to work. And He has great plans for this Church.

The Book of 1 Chronicles was written after Israel’s exile to Babylon to remind God’s people of their identity, their heritage, and God’s unbroken promises. It retells Israel’s history from Adam to King David, showing both the failures of men and the faithfulness of God. While 2 Kings ended in destruction and captivity, 1 Chronicles begins with creation and covenant — proving that God’s plan was still alive. The book highlights the rise of David’s kingdom, the establishment of worship, and the preparation for the temple, all pointing forward to the greater King, Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose reign will never end.

Outline of 2 Kings 25, 1 Chronicles 1 and 2

2 Kings 25 — The Fall of Jerusalem and the End of the Kingdom

1. (vv. 1–7) The siege of Jerusalem and the capture of King Zedekiah.
    • The Babylonians destroy the city; Zedekiah’s sons are slain before his eyes.
2. (vv. 8–21) The burning of the Temple and exile to Babylon.
    • The house of God is burned, the walls broken down, and the people carried away.
3. (vv. 22–26) Gedaliah appointed governor; remnant in the land flees to Egypt.
4. (vv. 27–30) Jehoiachin released from prison in Babylon.
    • A flicker of hope remains — the Davidic line survives, even in captivity.

Summary: 2 Kings 25 closes Israel’s national story in ruin, but leaves a door open for restoration through the preserved line of David.

1 Chronicles 1 — From Adam to Abraham: God’s Covenant Faithfulness through Generations

1. (vv. 1–4) Adam → Noah — The covenant of preservation after the fall and the flood.
2. (vv. 5–23) The sons of Noah — God’s purpose among the nations.
3. (vv. 24–28) Shem → Abraham — The covenant of promise that leads to redemption.

Summary: Though the kingdom has fallen, 1 Chronicles begins by looking back to show that God’s promises never fail. From Adam to Abraham, He has been faithful through every generation.

1 Chronicles 2 — From Abraham to David: The Line of God’s Chosen King

1. (vv. 1–2) The sons of Israel — God’s covenant people.
2. (vv. 3–20) The line of Judah — the tribe through which the Messiah will come.
    • Includes the family of Hezron, Ram, and Jesse — David’s ancestors.
3. (vv. 21–55) Other descendants of Judah — showing God’s blessing on the tribe of promise.

Summary: 1 Chronicles 2 narrows the focus from the nations to the royal tribe. God’s plan moves steadily toward David — and ultimately toward Jesus Christ, the eternal King.

Let’s focus in on 1 Chronicles 1:1-28. Remember that these names are very important and point to amazing truths we need for our daily lives. These names would not be listed if they weren’t important.

I want us to look at three truths that we can learn from this passage.
1. God Is Faithful When We Fail
2. God’s Mission Includes Every Nation
3. God’s Promise Still Stands

Exposition of 1 Chronicles 1:1–28

1. Adam to Noah (vv. 1–4): God Is Faithful When We Fail

“Adam, Sheth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.”

This first list spans more than 1,600 years of history — from creation to the flood. It begins with Adam, the man who fell, and ends with Noah, the man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Between those names lie stories of sin, judgment, mercy, and preservation.

These verses summarize generations of people who eventually fell into wicked lifestyles. The whole earth was filled with violence. Everyone except for Noah and his three sons were doing evil…

Genesis 6:5 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.

God’s creation was perfect. But man rebelled against God and sin entered into the world. Death passed upon all men.

Even though Adam sinned, God still clothed him. The world became corrupt, but God preserved Noah.

God’s purposes and plans never stop.

Truth for Our Church:
We will make mistakes as individuals and as a church — but God will remain faithful.
There will be seasons of trials (that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.), missteps, and learning, but God’s plan will not fail because of our weakness. Just as He preserved a remnant through the flood, He will preserve His work.

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

We will not let failure define us; God’s faithfulness will sustain us every step of the way. These names are a reminder of that faithfulness and redemptive work that He has been doing since the beginning.

2. The Descendants of Noah (vv. 5–23): God’s Mission Includes Every Nation

1 Chronicles 1:5 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

1 Chronicles 1:8 The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

1 Chronicles 1:17 The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

Here the genealogy widens greatly — Everyone in the entire world was destroyed by the flood except Noah and his family. Every single people group and nation that we see today comes from Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

This is why racism is complete and utter nonsense. Every single person on this planet is related to each other. If it were possible, everyone’s ancestry would be traced back to one of these three brothers.

But because of man’s pride, we elevate ourselves and think we are superior. We think we are better because of the color of our skin. That is evil and complete foolishness. Every single person comes from the same family and ultimately, we all trace back to Adam.

Because we are all equally descendants of Adam, we are all equally sinners in need of a savior.

This shows that God’s purpose has always been global. Even though Israel would later become His chosen nation, His promise from the very beginning was for all people.

Truth for Our Church:
This is why we are called to reach everyone in our community with the gospel, without discrimination.
God’s promise was to all nations. The same grace that reached Adam and Noah is the grace we are called to proclaim to every person around us. No one is too different or too broken for the gospel.

Acts 17:24-27 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

“”Mark 16:15 — “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.””

At this Church, we will not withhold the gospel from anyone. Every neighborhood, every background, every generation in our city needs to hear that Jesus saves. Our mission is not selective — it’s for all.

The genealogies of Shem, Ham, and Japheth paint that picture that the entire world is in need and it’s our job to go out and reach the lost with the gospel.

3. Shem to Abraham (vv. 24–28): God’s Promise Still Stands

“Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abram; the same is Abraham.”

Here the genealogy narrows again — from many nations down to one man: Abraham.
From him, God would build a nation and eventually bring forth the Savior. This is the line of promise, the line of grace, the line that points to Jesus Christ.

Each generation in this list testifies that God’s promises do not expire. The flood couldn’t erase them. Empires couldn’t stop them. Time couldn’t weaken them.

Truth for Our Church:

We will stand firmly on the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
Our foundation is not programs or personalities. When this church started one year ago, we could have used flashy lights, smoke machines, and hip-hop music to draw a crowd. We chose to start this church on the foundation of the Gospel. Jesus said…

“upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

This church was founded on the rock of Jesus Christ and it will continue that way as long as Josh and I are here. And we pray that our children will continue steadfastly on the same foundation that has been laid for us.

Just as Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness, we believe that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Seed. This church was founded on the gospel, and it will continue to stand firm on the gospel.

We are here because of that promise — and we will keep preaching that same gospel until Jesus returns. Our confidence for the future is the same as Abraham’s: God’s Word will never fail.

Doctrinal Truths in 1 Chronicles 1:1–28

1. Doctrine of God’s Unchanging Faithfulness

From Adam to Noah, the record is filled with sin, failure, and judgment — yet God remained faithful. Even though Adam fell, God promised redemption. Even though the world turned to wickedness, God preserved a remnant through Noah. Human weakness never nullifies divine faithfulness.

Truth: God’s faithfulness does not depend on man’s perfection but on His own unchanging nature.
He is faithful to sustain, restore, and fulfill His purposes through imperfect people.

Church Connection:
As a local church, we acknowledge that we will stumble, learn, and grow — but our confidence is not in our performance; it’s in the God who remains faithful through every season.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

2. Doctrine of God’s Redemptive Plan

The genealogy of Noah’s sons reminds us that every nation, tribe, and tongue descends from one Creator. God’s plan was never limited to one people group. From the beginning, He intended to bless “all families of the earth.” (Genesis 12:3)

Truth: God’s redemptive plan has always included all nations, and His church is the vessel to carry that message forward.

Church Connection:
We are called to reach everyone in our community with the same gospel — no barriers, no prejudice, no exceptions. The gospel that saved us is powerful enough to save anyone who believes.

“Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

People will often ask the question, “what kind of church is your church?” What they are usually asking is “Are you a black church or a white church?”

We have all people at our church. The gospel is for every creature. People need to stop seeing color, and start seeing hearts, and souls that need saving.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

3. Doctrine of God’s Enduring Promise in Christ

From Shem to Abraham, we see the narrowing of God’s plan — His promise passing through specific generations to point toward Christ. Every covenant, every name, every act of preservation leads to the fulfillment of that promise in Jesus, the true Seed of Abraham.

Truth: God’s promises are sure because they are fulfilled in Christ, not in man.

It would be impossible for God to use an ordinary man to redeem mankind. Because ordinary men fail and sin constantly.  All of Scripture — including the genealogies — points to the unbroken line of redemption that finds its completion in Jesus.

Church Connection:
We stand on that same unchanging promise: salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Our mission, message, and hope are built on the gospel — and that will never change.

Practical Applications for 1 Chronicles 1:1–28

1. Treasure Every Word of God — Even the Genealogies

It’s easy to read through passages like 1 Chronicles 1 and wonder why all these names are listed. But God didn’t waste a single word. Every name tells us something about His faithfulness, His order, and His plan of redemption.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

As a church, we will value every part of God’s Word. We won’t skip over the hard passages or the ones that seem tedious, because they all reveal who God is. The genealogies remind us that His Word is living, layered, and trustworthy from beginning to end.

2. Remember God’s Faithfulness, Even When We Fail

As we celebrate our first year, we can look back and see moments where we didn’t have all the answers — yet God was faithful. In your own life, you’re going to stumble and fall. Acknowledge your sin, ask God to forgive you, get back up and keep going. Try to do better. God’s grace will always exceed our failure.

Philippians 1:6   Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

We look back on the past year of this church with gratitude. God’s grace has carried us this far — and His faithfulness will carry us into the future.

3. Reach Every Person with the Gospel

We are not called to isolate, but to evangelize. The same gospel that saved us is powerful enough to save anyone. In your life, look outward. Refuse to let fear, preference, or comfort keep you from sharing the gospel. The Great Commission is not a suggestion — it’s our mission.

The Gospel Connection in 1 Chronicles 1:1–28

The genealogies of 1 Chronicles remind us that God is writing one continuous story — a story that begins with Adam and ends with Jesus Christ. From Adam came sin and death, but from Abraham’s line came the Savior who would conquer both.

The genealogies that are listed in 1 Chronicles, they all come to completion in the book of Matthew. Matthew 1 opens with the words: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” The promise preserved through generations becomes the Person who saves all who believe.

Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Conclusion: Looking Back, Moving Forward

These names — though ancient and distant — speak directly to us today. They remind us that God has always been working, even when His people couldn’t see it. You can’t always see how God is working in the moment. That’s why you need faith.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Understand that you have a big part to play in this story. We as a church have a big part to play. We have been given the task to preach the gospel to every creature before He returns.

Like Adam, we’ve seen weakness; like Noah, we’ve seen grace; like Abraham, we’ve seen promise. And through it all, the same God who guided them has and will continue to guide us.

Let’s Pray