Salvation in the Midst of Scandal

Text:  Genesis 38 

A Disastrous Rejection of God’s Ways (Gen. 38:1-11)

• Judah disobeyed God by marrying outside His covenant family.
• Judah’s sons died by God’s hand for their wickedness.
• Judah sinned against Tamar by cutting her off from the family.

A Deceitful Plot to Seek Justice (Gen. 38:12-23)

• Tamar acted in a sinful way to address the injustice Judah has caused her
• Judah’s sinful heart is revealed in his immorality.
• Tamar secures the evidence that will protect her and expose Judah.

A Dramatic Revelation and Repentance of Sin (Gen. 38:24-26)

• Judah’s hypocrisy is revealed as he condemns Tamar’s immorality before examining his own sin. 
• Judah’s sin is exposed as Tamar reveals the identity of the father of her child.
• Judah repents of his sin and recognizes Tamar’s case for justice.

God’s Design to Preserve and Provide Salvation (Gen. 38:27-30)

• The line of Christ will extend through Judah, Tamar, and other broken sinners (Gen. 49:9-10; Matt. 1:3).
• God sovereignly protected and provided salvation according to His plan of redemption (Rev. 5:1-10).

Main Idea: God’s grace is displayed in saving and using broken sinners for His plan of redemption.