Walking by Faith: Lessons from Noah's Journey

 

Summary

In our journey through Hebrews 11, we are reminded of the profound truth that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not merely a feeling or a fleeting emotion; it is a steadfast belief that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He promises. This foundational truth is exemplified in the life of Noah, a man who, by faith, constructed an ark in obedience to God's command, despite the absence of visible evidence of the impending flood. Noah's story is not just a tale of survival but a testament to the power of faith in action. His obedience and trust in God led to the salvation of his family and the preservation of life on earth.

As we reflect on Noah's faith, we are called to examine our own lives and the condition of our hearts. Are we walking by faith or by sight? Our faith journey is not about religious routines or mere attendance at church; it is about anchoring our lives in the community of believers and trusting in God's promises. Worship is a supernatural act where God is enthroned on the praises of His people, and it is in this space that we encounter His presence and power.

Giving by faith is another expression of our trust in God. Just as Noah offered a sacrifice to God after the flood, we are invited to give sacrificially, believing that God is our provider. Our giving is not just about money; it is about our hearts. God desires our hearts, and our giving reflects where our treasure truly lies. When we give by faith, we acknowledge that our resources are not our own but are entrusted to us by God for His purposes.

Moreover, our giving has a ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves. It impacts generations and furthers God's kingdom work on earth. Just as Noah's faith-filled actions affected all of humanity, our faithful giving can lead to transformed lives and communities. We are encouraged to test God in this, to trust Him with our resources, and to witness His provision and blessings in our lives.

Ultimately, our faith is strengthened through encounters with God. As we walk in obedience and trust, we experience His presence and power in profound ways. Let us be a people who walk by faith, give by faith, and live by faith, knowing that God is faithful to His promises.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith as the Foundation: Faith is not a mere feeling but a deep-seated belief that God is who He says He is and will fulfill His promises. This foundational truth is essential for pleasing God and navigating our spiritual journey. [12:46]

- The Power of Obedience: Noah's story teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when the evidence is not visible. His faith in action led to the salvation of his family and the preservation of life, reminding us that our obedience can have far-reaching impacts. [49:54]

- Giving as an Act of Faith: Our giving reflects our trust in God as our provider. It is not about the amount but the heart behind it. When we give by faith, we acknowledge that our resources are entrusted to us by God for His purposes, and we can expect His provision and blessings. [57:19]

- Impact Beyond Ourselves: Faith-filled giving affects more than just us; it impacts generations and furthers God's kingdom work. Just as Noah's actions affected all of humanity, our faithful giving can lead to transformed lives and communities. [01:06:27]

- Encountering God: Our faith is strengthened through encounters with God. As we walk in obedience and trust, we experience His presence and power in profound ways, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of His faithfulness. [01:10:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [01:45] - Introduction to Faith Series
- [03:20] - The Importance of Faith
- [05:10] - Worship as a Supernatural Act
- [07:00] - Definition of Faith
- [09:15] - Noah's Story Begins
- [12:00] - Building the Ark
- [15:30] - The Flood and God's Promise
- [20:00] - Noah's Sacrifice
- [25:00] - Giving by Faith
- [30:00] - God's Provision and Our Response
- [35:00] - Impact of Faithful Giving
- [40:00] - Encountering God Through Faith
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:6-7
- Genesis 6:9-22
- Malachi 3:10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Hebrews 11:6 say about the necessity of faith in pleasing God? How does this relate to the story of Noah? [49:54]

2. In Genesis 6:9-22, what specific instructions did God give to Noah regarding the construction of the ark, and how did Noah respond to these instructions?

3. According to Malachi 3:10, what does God promise to those who bring the whole tithe into the storehouse? How does this relate to the concept of giving by faith discussed in the sermon? [57:19]

4. How does the sermon describe the act of worship and its significance in the life of a believer? [49:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark demonstrate the power of faith in action? What can this teach us about the importance of obedience in our own faith journey? [49:54]

2. The sermon mentions that faith is believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He promises. How does this definition of faith challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith? [49:33]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our giving can have a ripple effect beyond ourselves? How does this perspective influence your view on generosity and stewardship? [01:06:27]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the connection between encountering God and being motivated to give sacrificially? What role does personal experience with God play in shaping our faith and actions? [01:10:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current faith journey. Are there areas where you are walking more by sight than by faith? How can you begin to trust God more in those areas? [49:33]

2. Noah's story emphasizes obedience to God's commands even when the evidence is not visible. Is there a specific area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith and obedience? What steps can you take this week to act on that call? [49:54]

3. The sermon highlights the importance of giving by faith. How does your current approach to giving reflect your trust in God as your provider? What changes might you consider to align your giving with your faith? [57:19]

4. Consider the impact of your giving on others. Can you identify a recent instance where your generosity has positively affected someone else? How does this motivate you to continue giving by faith? [01:06:27]

5. The sermon encourages believers to encounter God in profound ways. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to create space for encountering God's presence and power? [01:10:31]

6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you use it to encourage others who may be struggling to trust God as their provider? [57:19]

7. The sermon suggests testing God in the area of tithing as a way to witness His provision. Are you willing to take this step of faith? If so, what practical steps will you take to begin tithing or increase your current level of giving? [01:16:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Foundation
Faith is the cornerstone of a believer's relationship with God. It is not a transient emotion but a deep-seated conviction that God is true to His word and will fulfill His promises. This foundational truth is crucial for pleasing God and navigating our spiritual journey. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, as faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is through faith that we understand the world was created by the word of God, and it is through faith that we trust in His promises, even when they are not immediately visible. [12:46]

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust in fully? How can you take a step today to deepen your faith in that promise?


Day 2: The Power of Obedience
Noah's story is a powerful example of obedience to God's commands, even when the evidence is not visible. By faith, Noah constructed an ark in obedience to God's command, despite the absence of visible evidence of the impending flood. His faith in action led to the salvation of his family and the preservation of life on earth. This story reminds us that our obedience to God can have far-reaching impacts, not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us. Obedience is an expression of our faith and trust in God's wisdom and timing. [49:54]

Genesis 6:22 (ESV): "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey, but you are hesitant because you cannot see the outcome? What step of obedience can you take today, trusting in God's plan?


Day 3: Giving as an Act of Faith
Giving by faith is an expression of our trust in God as our provider. It is not about the amount but the heart behind it. When we give by faith, we acknowledge that our resources are entrusted to us by God for His purposes, and we can expect His provision and blessings. Just as Noah offered a sacrifice to God after the flood, we are invited to give sacrificially, believing that God is our provider. Our giving reflects where our treasure truly lies, and it is a testament to our faith in God's provision. [57:19]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you make your giving a more intentional act of faith, trusting in God's provision?


Day 4: Impact Beyond Ourselves
Faith-filled giving affects more than just us; it impacts generations and furthers God's kingdom work. Just as Noah's actions affected all of humanity, our faithful giving can lead to transformed lives and communities. Our giving has a ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves, impacting future generations and furthering God's kingdom work on earth. We are encouraged to test God in this, to trust Him with our resources, and to witness His provision and blessings in our lives. [01:06:27]

Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV): "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

Reflection: Think of a way your giving could impact someone beyond your immediate circle. How can you take a step today to give in a way that has a lasting impact?


Day 5: Encountering God
Our faith is strengthened through encounters with God. As we walk in obedience and trust, we experience His presence and power in profound ways, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of His faithfulness. Worship is a supernatural act where God is enthroned on the praises of His people, and it is in this space that we encounter His presence and power. Let us be a people who walk by faith, give by faith, and live by faith, knowing that God is faithful to His promises. [01:10:31]

Psalm 22:3-4 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you felt God's presence in your life. How can you create more opportunities to encounter God in your daily routine?

Quotes



So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. And when everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth I can see that you alone are righteous. Seven days from now I will make the rains pour down on the earth and it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights until I have wiped from the earth all the living things that I created. [00:48:35] (22 seconds)


Why would he do this? Because he had an encounter with God. Because God had saved him. It was an act of faith. And Noah believed that God was who he said he was and that he would do what he said he would do. And so I want to speak to us the rest of our time on this topic, give by faith. [00:55:01] (22 seconds)


We give by faith because God is provider. See, God provided salvation for Noah and his family through the flood. This is why it was so easy for him to give because he said, man, God, you have provided for me and I know that if you did it, then you'll probably do it again. And not probably, he was a man of faith, ended up in the hall of faith chapter in Hebrews 11. [00:56:47] (20 seconds)


We can give by faith because our giving affects more than just us. Genesis 8, 21, right after Noah gave the sacrifice, it says, then the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent towards evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. [01:03:16] (24 seconds)


Faith -filled giving impacts far more than we could ever imagine. And one of the reasons that every Sunday we get up and we have these giving moments, and some of those we call them impact moments, because we want to tell you as the church the impact that you're giving is having. And an example of that would be just what we watched earlier, the testimonies of what happened at our youth winter camp. [01:04:39] (21 seconds)


We give by faith, number three, because we've encountered God. We can give by faith because we've encountered God. You look at Noah's life. You see that for Noah, see, he didn't just drop to his knees and give a sacrifice because he didn't know anything else to do. By seeing what God had done in his life and how he had saved him and his family and the provision of God and all these supernatural instances of what happened in this story, as soon as he realized, like, we're safe, this happened. [01:07:36] (31 seconds)


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Transcript
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