Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explores the story of Noah, emphasizing his faith and obedience in a corrupt world, God's covenant with him, and the promise of redemption and restoration, encouraging us to walk faithfully in our own lives.
Good morning, Church family! Today, we're diving into the deep waters of Genesis 6:9-22 where we see a story filled with faith, obedience, and the promise of redemption. It's about a man named Noah who stood alone in his faithfulness amidst a corrupt world. We're talking about God's extraordinary covenant with Noah, Noah's steadfast faith in the face of adversity, and God's promise of redemption and restoration.
To set the tone, let's consider this quote from Rick Warren: "God is looking for people to use, and if you can get usable, He will wear you out. The most dangerous prayer you can pray is this: 'Use me.'"
With that in our hearts, let's turn to the Scriptures and read Genesis 6:9-22:
The covenant that God made with Noah is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to establish a relationship with humanity. This covenant is not just a contract or an agreement; it is a divine promise, a binding oath made by God Himself. It is a commitment that God makes, knowing that He will keep it regardless of the circumstances.
During the time of Noah: We see a world that has turned away from God, a world filled with corruption and violence. Yet, amidst this chaos, there was Noah, a righteous man who walked with God. God, seeing the wickedness of the world, decided to cleanse the earth. But He made a covenant with Noah, promising him and his family salvation from the impending destruction. This covenant was not based on anything Noah had done to earn it but was purely an act of God's grace and mercy.
A covenant of instruction: God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the ark, what to put in it, and who to bring with him. These instructions were not suggestions or recommendations; they were commands from God. Noah's role in this covenant was to obey God's instructions, to trust in His promise, and to act in faith.
A covenant of preservation: God promised to preserve Noah and his family, to keep them safe in the midst of the flood. He also promised to preserve a remnant of all living creatures. This was not just about physical preservation but also about preserving the lineage of humanity and the diversity of life on earth. It was about God's commitment to His creation and His desire to restore it.
A covenant of hope: Despite the impending judgment, there was a promise of survival, a promise of a new beginning. God was not just destroying the world; He was also recreating it. He was giving humanity another chance, a chance to start over, to live in obedience to Him.
A reflection of His character: It shows us that God is a God of grace, mercy, faithfulness, and hope. He is a God who keeps His promises, who gives instructions for our good, who preserves and protects us, and who gives us hope in the midst of despair.
A story of redemption: It is a story of how God saves, how He delivers, how He redeems. It is a story that points us to the ultimate redemption that comes through Jesus Christ, the one who saves us from the flood of sin and death.
Noah's faithfulness in the midst of adversity is a testament to his unwavering trust in God and his willingness to obey, even when the task seemed insurmountable ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO