Few sights are more stunning and stirring than a brilliant rainbow shining forth against a ragged, storm-darkened sky. Just ask this guy, who actually saw a double rainbow.
But have you ever thought about what God thinks when he sees a rainbow? In the aftermath of the Flood, God tells Noah and his family: Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life (Gen. 9:14-15, NIV).

This week in Hebrews 11:7, we will see how Noah models faith. But—perhaps more importantly—we will see how God is worthy of our faith, even in the aftermath of a cataclysm like the Flood.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: By Faith – Noah and Knowing God // Scripture: Hebrews 11:7 // Genesis 6-9

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes

God regretted that He had made humanity because every thought of the human race had turned toward evil. Noah, however, was a man of faith and found favor with God. Noah heard from God, listened to the warning God spoke, and followed the instructions he was given. In Noah’s obedience of building the ark, we see a pattern of faith we can follow to gain clarity and confidence in what God is saying. God shows His power in the rising floodwaters, but we also see his willingness to be present in the salvation of Noah’s family. We also see power and presence converge in the establishing of a covenant built on a desire for ongoing relationship. We get to know the person of God with more intimacy and gain trust in His faithfulness when we understand with reverent fear the next thing God is leading us to obey. Because of the compassionate covenant God made, we can know His heart and trust His words spoken to us. His most compelling word being the person of Jesus.

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
Faith depends on the person of God.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes

Picture (What is the story saying?): What was going on in the world when Noah enters the story? What was Noah’s pattern of faith? How do we see God acting with justice and mercy? What does the covenant with Noah tell us about God’s heart?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How does the account of the flood unsettle you?  Why do we need a reverent fear as we try to understand what God is saying? What has happened when you’ve trusted the goodness of God even though you couldn’t see the whole picture?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): When the bad you see in the world is overwhelming, what do you do? What was Noah’s message to those around him?  Where is God leading you to apply mercy?

BE IT – Practice

Change UP // Hear
o trust the truth God is speaking to us we must be honest about our need and have the courage to trust it in God’s hands. You are not alone being in need! Remember the confessional prayer exercise Aaron shared with on Sunday; it will help us ground us in our faith. Pray the prayer below, and when you are done, quietly listen to the truth about forgiveness and how God is asking you to respond to what He is saying. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Most merciful God, we confess we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us. May we delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name Jesus. Amen.

Change IN // Understand
What helps you understand God? Who are the people in your life that have helped you discern God’s voice. Ask God to lead you to a book, study, or community group that can help you hear His fresh word for you in this season. Send a thank you note, text, or email to one of those people that has significantly influenced the growth of your faith.

Change OUT // Do
Are you overwhelmed? Prayer with trained and trusted people is offered at Grace throughout the week. To schedule a time with a couple of people that can pray with you, like Jon described, send an email to Is someone you know overwhelmed? Offer to pray with and for that person this week.  

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.