Building Faith: Lessons from Noah's Ark
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound call to "Build" as exemplified in the story of Noah from Genesis 6. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of the world, God calls us to build, just as He instructed Noah to construct an ark in preparation for the flood. This call to build is not just about physical structures but encompasses building our faith, our communities, and our lives in alignment with God's will. In a world where the stock market fluctuates, political climates shift, and societal norms are ever-changing, the divine directive to build remains constant. It is a reminder that God's plans often defy human logic and understanding, yet they are always purposeful and for our good.
Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite never having seen rain, is a testament to faith in action. It challenges us to trust in God's promises and to act on His instructions, even when they seem unconventional or untimely. Noah's perseverance over 100 years of building the ark, amidst ridicule and doubt, serves as an encouragement to remain steadfast in our endeavors, knowing that God's timing and provision are perfect.
The story also highlights the importance of not being swayed by the voices of those who do not share our vision or understanding of God's purpose. Instead, we are called to focus on God's voice and His promises, trusting that He will provide all that is necessary for the journey. As we build, we are reminded that God is our foundation, and without Him, our efforts are in vain. The call to build is an invitation to partner with God in His work, to trust in His provision, and to be a part of His unfolding plan for our lives and the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in Action: Noah's story teaches us that faith requires action, even when the task seems impossible or unprecedented. Building the ark was an act of faith, trusting in God's word despite never having seen rain. This challenges us to act on God's instructions, trusting in His promises. [01:01:08]
2. Perseverance in Obedience: Noah's 100-year commitment to building the ark amidst doubt and ridicule is a powerful lesson in perseverance. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and our steadfastness in His call will lead to fulfillment and blessing. [01:09:44]
3. Divine Provision: God's instruction to Noah to take enough food for his family and the animals illustrates His provision. Even when resources seem insufficient, God ensures that we have enough when we trust and obey Him. [01:19:36]
4. Selective Listening: Noah's focus on God's voice, rather than the naysayers, teaches us the importance of discerning whose voices we allow to influence us. We must prioritize God's guidance over the opinions of those not aligned with His purpose. [01:19:36]
5. Building on a Firm Foundation: The call to build is a reminder that our efforts must be rooted in Christ. Without Him, our endeavors lack a solid foundation. Building with Jesus ensures that our work is stable and enduring. [01:47:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction and Greetings
- [00:03:00] - Scripture Reading: Genesis 6
- [00:05:00] - The Call to Build
- [00:10:00] - Faith in Action: Noah's Obedience
- [00:15:00] - Perseverance in Building
- [00:20:00] - Divine Provision and Trust
- [00:25:00] - Selective Listening: Focusing on God's Voice
- [00:30:00] - Building on a Firm Foundation
- [00:35:00] - Invitation to Faith and Commitment
- [00:40:00] - Announcements and Community Updates
- [00:45:00] - Offering and Closing Prayer
- [00:50:00] - Baptism Instructions and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Call to Build"
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 6:14-22 (NLT)
Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give Noah regarding the construction of the ark? How detailed were these instructions? [57:28]
2. How did Noah respond to God's command to build the ark, and what does this reveal about his character? [01:19:36]
3. What challenges did Noah face while building the ark, and how did he overcome them? [01:09:44]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think God chose Noah to build the ark, and what does this choice tell us about God's criteria for partnership in His plans? [01:01:08]
2. How does Noah's perseverance in building the ark for 100 years challenge our understanding of faith and obedience? [01:09:44]
3. In what ways does the story of Noah illustrate the concept of divine provision, and how can this be applied to our lives today? [01:19:36]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to "build" something in your life, whether it be a relationship, a career, or a personal goal. How did you respond to that call, and what was the outcome? [01:01:08]
2. Noah faced ridicule and doubt from those around him. How do you handle criticism or doubt from others when you are following what you believe to be God's direction? [01:09:44]
3. Consider the voices you allow to influence your decisions. How can you ensure that God's voice remains the primary guide in your life? [01:19:36]
4. Noah's story emphasizes the importance of building on a firm foundation. What steps can you take to ensure that your current endeavors are rooted in Christ? [01:47:03]
5. Identify an area in your life where you need to exercise more faith in action. What practical steps can you take this week to act on God's instructions, even if they seem unconventional? [01:01:08]
6. How can you cultivate perseverance in your spiritual journey, especially when faced with long-term challenges or goals? [01:09:44]
7. Reflect on a situation where you experienced God's provision in unexpected ways. How can this experience encourage you to trust in His provision in future endeavors? [01:19:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Requires Action
Faith is not passive; it demands action, even when the path is unclear. Noah's story exemplifies this truth as he built the ark without ever having seen rain, trusting in God's word. This act of faith challenges believers to act on God's instructions, even when they seem unconventional or untimely. Faith in action means stepping out in obedience, trusting that God's promises are true and His plans are for our good. Noah's obedience serves as a powerful reminder that faith is demonstrated through our actions, not just our beliefs. [01:01:08]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: What is one specific action God is calling you to take today that requires stepping out in faith? How can you begin to take that step?
Day 2: Perseverance Amidst Doubt
Perseverance is essential in fulfilling God's call, as demonstrated by Noah's 100-year commitment to building the ark amidst doubt and ridicule. This story teaches that God's timing is perfect, and steadfastness in His call leads to fulfillment and blessing. Despite the challenges and skepticism from others, Noah remained obedient, trusting in God's plan. This perseverance is a testament to the importance of staying true to God's instructions, even when the journey is long and difficult. [01:09:44]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you facing doubt or ridicule? How can you remain steadfast in God's call despite these challenges?
Day 3: Trust in Divine Provision
God's instruction to Noah to take enough food for his family and the animals illustrates His provision. Even when resources seem insufficient, God ensures that we have enough when we trust and obey Him. This aspect of Noah's story reminds believers that God is aware of our needs and provides for them in His perfect timing. Trusting in divine provision means relying on God's faithfulness and believing that He will supply all that is necessary for the journey He has called us to undertake. [01:19:36]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel you lack resources? How can you trust God to provide for this need today?
Day 4: Discernment in Listening
Noah's focus on God's voice, rather than the naysayers, teaches the importance of discerning whose voices we allow to influence us. In a world filled with conflicting opinions and distractions, prioritizing God's guidance is crucial. This selective listening requires tuning out the noise and focusing on God's promises and instructions. By doing so, believers can align themselves with God's purpose and remain steadfast in their faith journey. [01:19:36]
Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV): "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Whose voice are you allowing to influence your decisions today? How can you better prioritize listening to God's voice?
Day 5: Building on a Firm Foundation
The call to build is a reminder that our efforts must be rooted in Christ. Without Him, our endeavors lack a solid foundation. Building with Jesus ensures that our work is stable and enduring. This principle is crucial for believers as they navigate life's challenges and opportunities. By anchoring their lives in Christ, they can be confident that their efforts will have lasting significance and impact. [01:47:03]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs a stronger foundation in Christ? How can you begin to build on that foundation today?
Quotes
"Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, 45 feet high. Leave an 18-inch opening around the boat. Put the door on the side and build three decks inside the boat, lower, middle, and upper. Look, I'm about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes." [00:57:28] (37 seconds)
"This is the absolute right time to build. This is the right time to begin to make up in your mind that I am going to build because the Lord said build. I understand what everybody else is doing. I understand what everybody else is up to. I understand what everybody else is not doing. But I came to tell somebody today that I hear the Lord say to us, we need to build. We need to build some things. We need to build our ministry. We need to build our finances. We need to build some schools for our children. We need to build some things. It's time for us to build." [01:01:11] (44 seconds)
"Noah started building the ark when he was 500 years old. Noah's 500 years old, and he's building an ark, primarily building it by himself. It takes Noah 100 years to build the ark. Pastor, why are you telling me that? Because some of y 'all give up after a day. If it don't work out the way you want it to work out today, you finish with God. You finish with the church. If that pastor don't say what I want him to say today, I ain't never coming back to church ever again. He got one time. He better hit me right because I ain't never coming back. And so you give up after one day, after one hour, after one minute, after one mistake, after one mess up, after one hiccup, after one trip, after one fall, after one thing happens, you're ready to throw in the towel and walk away. But Noah kept working for 100 years because he knew that God had a promise on his life. I came to talk to somebody that knows that God has a promise on your life. I've come to holler at somebody that knows that God is up to something big in your life. And you made up in" [01:09:58] (79 seconds)
"You ever, God ever tell you to do something you ain't understand what he's telling you to do? You didn't understand why he was telling you to do it. And you're trying to figure out, God, why and where are you telling me to do it? I don't know no scripture. I don't know no Bible. God, why are you talking to me? I don't even understand why you are moving me in this direction. You know I don't even like her. Why you got to go have me go pray for her? God, I don't even understand what you're up to. But God, I know you're up to something for my good. Because the Bible says that all things work together for the good. For them that love God and are called according to his purpose. So you keep building because you know it's for your good and for God's glory." [01:12:31] (39 seconds)
"When you build, you also understand that God will provide for you in the thing that he's telling you to build. I'm in the text. I'm in the next to the last verse. So that means I'm almost done. It says, and be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for the animals. Come on, help me with my theological imagination. How much food can Noah possibly put on the boat for his family and to everything on the earth? Ain't no way in the world that Noah could have put all of that food in that boat. But he trusted God that God would provide and he would always have enough. I wish I had somebody in here today that can say, I don't have a lot, but I got enough. That God keeps providing for me every time I turn around. He making a way out of nowhere. Every time I turn around, I don't have a money for this bill, but the lights stay on. I don't have money to put gas in my car, but I'm still driving. I don't have lunch money, but I ain't hungry. Is there anybody in here today that can say, I thank God for provision. I may not have an overflow, but I always have enough." [01:13:45] (85 seconds)
"So Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him. All right. I thought somebody would shout. I'm going to say one more again. So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. I get it. I get it. I get it. I understand. Let me explain. Remember what I told you? That God told Noah, Noah, I'm going to destroy everything that has breath. Everything is going to die. The text says, and Noah did everything exactly as God told him. Here it is. Stop listening to people who are about to die. Stop listening to people that's not going where you're going. Stop listening to people that don't know how to pray. They ain't never been to church, but always got something to say. You got to stop listening to people who don't know your God. Noah did not pay attention to anybody else. Noah didn't listen to the naysayers. He didn't listen to his haters. Noah just" [01:18:37] (93 seconds)
"stop trying to quit and start trying to build you're going to get some calluses you're going to hit your finger with the hammer you're going to have some cuts some bruises but don't stop building build your ministry build your business build your finances build your spiritual life don't stop building" [01:22:01] (38 seconds)
"and God has more for us to build but you can't build without Jesus Christ in your life no Jesus your building won't have a sure foundation it'll be wobbly and you won't make it so this morning I want to offer Jesus to somebody the good news is free doesn't cost you anything costs a confession of your mouth and a belief in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead that's all it takes to be saved well pastor you don't know what I've done you don't know what I've been through well I have good news the text says anybody that calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved your past does not hinder a great future in God so this morning maybe there's one that would come and give their life to Christ wasn't looking to say yes to him then secondly this morning there may be one who says pastor I've given my life to Christ a long time ago but I kind of backslid I stopped coming to church whatever but I want to rededicate I want to recommit my life to Christ that's you you can come this morning at our 7 o 'clock service a young man came and joined the church he said this was his first time in church in 27 years" [01:25:06] (95 seconds)
"my father and my God we thank you we thank you for this word that you shared with us today now God I pray that it would encourage somebody that this is not the time to sit down this is not the time to give up this is not the time to give in but this is the time to stand and build and so God in the name of Jesus I pray you move across this sanctuary even right now and God I pray in the name of Jesus that you touch each person under the sound of my voice send your anointing upon every situation and every circumstance God I thank you that we can come to you today and know that you're a prayer answering God and you continue to answer prayers and we continue to give you glory in Jesus name amen amen amen and amen you may be seated in Jesus name" [01:31:08] (50 seconds)
"These seeds are really just nails that we're using to build. God, you're going to cause a harvest to happen because we're sowing seeds into your kingdom. But God, don't just let the harvest happen in your kingdom. Let it happen for your people who give. Father, I pray now in the name of Jesus that no household would go lacking because they gave today. Matter of fact, can you make sure every need is met because they gave today. And that God, that you would be glorified in everything that we do. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen and amen." [01:36:04] (38 seconds)
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