MAKING DIFFICULT CHOICES
NOAH
Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:5-22
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the importance of faith-filled obedience to God’s direction in our lives.
Catastrophe movies are big business. Oceans rise to swallow cities, pandemics wipe out nations, and alien spaceships blast bridges and skyscrapers. We sit in our seat surrounded by images of destruction and disaster – and then walk out to the lobby to get a refill on our popcorn! While we’re stunned by the visual effects on the screen, we also realize that, what we’re seeing isn’t really happening.
GROUP DISCUSSION
What catastrophes do you think could happen in the next ten years? What can you do to be prepared?
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Are you someone who tries to prepare for every possible situation or are you more willing just to take things as they come? What is the downside of your particular approach to the unexpected events of life?
The Bible has its own share of catastrophes – real ones. A massive flood for example, destroyed every human being on earth except for Noah and his family, floating on the surface of the turbulent water in a crude barge. All Noah had to rely on as he did the tedious, laborious work of building the ark was God’s warning of a disaster yet to come. Clearly, his choice to believe God was not an easy one to make. Read Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6:5-22.
QUESTIONS
Those who believe in Jesus as Lord and saviour are also ‘survivors’, like Noah and his family. Why has God chosen to rescue us?
What is the danger of imbalance on either side?
Pray about your own willingness to stand true to God in a world that is drifting away from Him. Ask for ‘holy fear’ to obey his word.
Now or Later
Find a quiet, solitary place and sit in silence before the Lord. Listen as you ask God one question: ‘Where is one place in my life where I need to step out in faith?’ write down what you hear in your spirit from the Lord. Share it with a trusted friend. Then in serious respect for God, do it!
