Embracing Absurd Faith: Lessons from Noah
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we gathered to reflect on the greatness and holiness of our God, as highlighted in Psalm 77. We are reminded of the privilege of being part of His redeemed people through Jesus Christ. As we continue our series on the "Hall of Faith" from Hebrews 11, we delve into the story of Noah, a man who exemplified absurd faith and obedience to God.
Noah's story is a powerful testament to the kind of faith that God calls us to have. Despite the ridicule and the seemingly impossible task of building an ark on dry land, Noah obeyed God's command. His faith was not just a private matter but a public declaration that set him apart in his generation. This kind of faith is what God is asking of us today. What is the absurd thing that your faith and obedience to God is asking of you? Whether it's moving to a new city, starting a new ministry, or simply making a bold declaration of faith in your daily life, God calls us to step out in faith and trust Him.
We also touched on the importance of community and the role it plays in our spiritual growth. Just as Noah's obedience had implications for his entire household, our faith decisions impact those around us, especially our families. We are called to prioritize our relationship with God and our involvement in the church community, even when it seems inconvenient or counter-cultural.
In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, it can be challenging to live out our faith boldly. Yet, like Noah, we are called to be righteous in our generation, to stand firm in our beliefs, and to lead our families in the ways of the Lord. This may require making sacrifices and going against the grain, but the rewards are eternal.
As we close, let's reflect on what God is asking of us today. What steps of faith and obedience can we take to align our lives more closely with His will? Let's be open to His leading, willing to make the necessary sacrifices, and committed to living out our faith boldly and authentically.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in the Absurd: Noah's story teaches us that faith often requires us to do things that seem absurd or impossible. Just as Noah built an ark on dry land, we are called to trust God and take bold steps of faith, even when they don't make sense to the world around us. This kind of faith sets us apart and aligns us with God's will. [50:51]
2. Impact of Obedience: Our obedience to God has far-reaching implications, not just for us but for our families and communities. Noah's faith led to the salvation of his household, showing us that our faith decisions can have a profound impact on those around us. We are called to lead by example and prioritize our relationship with God, even when it's challenging. [01:02:56]
3. Community and Accountability: Being part of a faith community is crucial for our spiritual growth. Just as Noah's obedience was a public declaration, our involvement in the church community helps us stay accountable and grow in our faith. We are encouraged to prioritize gathering with our church family and participating in community life. [31:41]
4. Righteousness in Our Generation: Like Noah, we are called to be righteous in our generation. This means living out our faith boldly and authentically, even when it goes against the cultural norms. Our commitment to God should be evident in our daily lives, influencing our decisions and actions. [01:00:00]
5. God's Patience and Promise: God's patience with humanity is a testament to His desire for everyone to come to repentance. Just as He waited patiently while Noah built the ark, He is patient with us, giving us time to turn to Him. We are reminded that God's promises are sure, and He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. [01:16:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:40] - Reflecting on Psalm 77
[30:23] - Introduction and Announcements
[31:15] - Church Picnic and Community Engagement
[34:14] - The Concept of Family in Faith
[35:35] - Encouragement to Grow in Faith
[36:09] - Evolve Church Kids Camp Recap
[45:49] - Prayer for Citizens Church
[48:11] - Introduction to the Hall of Faith Series
[49:32] - Story of Absurd Faith: Truth or Dare
[50:51] - The Absurdity of Noah's Task
[52:36] - Noah's Obedience and Faith
[55:28] - The Challenge of Faith and Obedience
[56:47] - Study Guide for Hebrews 11
[58:20] - The State of Humanity in Noah's Time
[01:00:00] - Living Righteously in Our Generation
[01:02:56] - Impact of Faith on Future Generations
[01:04:24] - The Cost of Faith and Obedience
[01:06:20] - Noah's Example of Faith
[01:09:30] - Practical Steps of Faith
[01:12:20] - The Gospel Terms of Righteousness and Grace
[01:15:07] - God's Patience and Promise
[01:18:01] - Jesus as the Ultimate Ark
[01:21:06] - The Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:23:17] - Responding to God's Call
[01:26:39] - Worship and Reflection
[01:31:00] - The Call to Baptism and Prayer
[01:34:28] - Prayer of Commitment
[01:36:15] - Closing Worship and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Genesis 6:5-6 (ESV): "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart."
3. Psalm 77:13-14 (ESV): "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific task did God ask Noah to do, and how did Noah respond according to Hebrews 11:7?
2. In Genesis 6:5-6, what was God's observation about humanity, and how did it affect Him?
3. According to Psalm 77:13-14, how is God's greatness and holiness described?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Noah's faith and obedience in building the ark, despite the absurdity of the task, serve as an example for us today?
2. What does the passage in Genesis 6:5-6 reveal about the state of humanity and God's response to it? How does this context enhance our understanding of Noah's actions?
3. Psalm 77:13-14 speaks of God's holiness and wonders. How does this passage help us understand the significance of being part of God's redeemed people?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to do something that seemed absurd or impossible. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
2. Noah's obedience had a profound impact on his family. How can your faith decisions positively influence your family and community?
3. In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God and your involvement in the church community, even when it seems inconvenient or counter-cultural?
4. What are some distractions or competing priorities in your life that make it challenging to live out your faith boldly? How can you address these distractions?
5. Consider the concept of being righteous in your generation. What specific actions can you take to stand firm in your beliefs and lead your family in the ways of the Lord?
6. God's patience is highlighted in the sermon. How can you demonstrate patience and grace in your interactions with others, reflecting God's character?
7. Identify one step of faith and obedience you feel God is asking of you today. What practical steps can you take to align your life more closely with His will?
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in the Absurd
Noah's story teaches us that faith often requires us to do things that seem absurd or impossible. Just as Noah built an ark on dry land, we are called to trust God and take bold steps of faith, even when they don't make sense to the world around us. This kind of faith sets us apart and aligns us with God's will. [50:51]
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 "absurd" step of faith that God might be calling you to take today? How can you trust Him more in this area?
Day 2: Impact of Obedience
Our obedience to God has far-reaching implications, not just for us but for our families and communities. Noah's faith led to the salvation of his household, showing us that our faith decisions can have a profound impact on those around us. We are called to lead by example and prioritize our relationship with God, even when it's challenging. [01:02:56]
Genesis 7:1 (ESV): "Then the Lord said to Noah, 'Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.'"
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made in faith. How did it impact those around you, especially your family? What can you do to lead by example in your household?
Day 3: Community and Accountability
Being part of a faith community is crucial for our spiritual growth. Just as Noah's obedience was a public declaration, our involvement in the church community helps us stay accountable and grow in our faith. We are encouraged to prioritize gathering with our church family and participating in community life. [31:41]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you be more involved in your church community this week? What steps can you take to encourage and be accountable to others in your faith journey?
Day 4: Righteousness in Our Generation
Like Noah, we are called to be righteous in our generation. This means living out our faith boldly and authentically, even when it goes against the cultural norms. Our commitment to God should be evident in our daily lives, influencing our decisions and actions. [01:00:00]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your faith more boldly and authentically in your daily life? What cultural norms might you need to go against to stay true to your faith?
Day 5: God's Patience and Promise
God's patience with humanity is a testament to His desire for everyone to come to repentance. Just as He waited patiently while Noah built the ark, He is patient with us, giving us time to turn to Him. We are reminded that God's promises are sure, and He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. [01:16:21]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have experienced God's patience. How can you respond to His patience by turning more fully to Him today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There is no one like our God. There is no one as strong and mighty as our God. And what a gift, what a privilege to be a part of his people that have been redeemed because of Jesus. Get excited." [29:40] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What's the absurd thing that your faith and your obedience to God is asking of you? In a culture of decadence and ideology and individual truth, it would be absurd for some of us today to boldly declare an unwavering allegiance to Christ's authority." [01:00:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It would be absurd, crazy, for some of you to surrender your life to Christ when no one else in your family believes. For today to be the first day that your life is completely transformed. For it to happen. For it to happen. For it to happen. For it to happen. For it to happen today." [01:03:30] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus, through his death and through his sacrifice and through his blood poured out, took the weight of humanity's sin and brokenness and created a safe way forward for all of humankind to find righteousness and grace and wholeness because of him." [01:18:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Lord's being patient for our sake. The Lord's withholding the end because there are still nations and tribes right here in our city that have yet to hear the beautiful name of Jesus. God doesn't want anyone to be destroyed. He wants everyone to choose Christ." [01:21:06] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Often we approach faith from a posture of like, Oh I don't have all the answers, I don't have it all together, or I don't know enough, I did this this week, or I have questions, or I have doubts. And so we remove ourselves from community like this because we think we have to have our lives together." [34:31] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Without faith, it's impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists, not just that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him. And it's impossible to please him in our seeking we have a decision to make." [55:03] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Noah's example of faith illustrates this willingness to believe that what God has promised he will certainly perform. Oh, as sons and daughters in our generation that we might live our lives in a way that illustrates that we believe that everything God has promised he's willing to perform." [01:06:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Will we illustrate our willingness to believe that what God has promised, he will certainly perform on the other side of our faith and our obedient response? Will we take him at his word and will we behave accordingly?" [01:10:57] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus, without sin, put on human form, modeled a life, yielded and surrendered to the power of the Holy Spirit, and then willingly picked up a cross and chose to be crucified for your sake and for mine. And in his death, the penalty of sin was forever paid for in full." [01:32:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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