Session 1: Noahic Covenant
August 13, 2025 | Genesis 6:5-14; 8:20-9:17
Introduction: God’s Covenants Series
Today I want to introduce a thematic Bible study: GOD’S COVENANTS.
We are often told of God’s faithfulness but we will be going over the covenants God has historically made with his people to see how God showed His faithfulness.
Hebrews 6:19 says that his promises are our hope that anchors our soul — firm and secure in Him. Our twenties and teenage years are filled with learning your insecurities.
Think about it: all of our lives will look different 5 years from now. Some of us will change careers, be married, have children, move away from SoCal, etc. The future can feel so uncertain in our twenties and everyone’s on their own side quest to figure their life out.
The Flood Narrative
READ Genesis 6:5-14; 8:20-9:17
To paint the scene: what is the state of the world leading up to the flood?
- What does the flood narrative reveal about God’s view of sin and human hearts?
- The devastation that sin brings is beyond moral and personal. It is cosmic.
- What does the flood narrative reveal about how God responds to sin?
- You can live with confidence that the chaos of sin will not erase God’s purposes for creation.
The Noahic Covenant
This covenant shows God’s commitment to preserve the created order DESPITE human sin (Gen. 8:21-22). God’s commitment to sustain the world despite human sin.
Your life will have change and uncertainty, but God’s world is not spiraling into chaos — He has pledged stability until His plan is complete.
Why is this important? Because in our adult years, we will be tested like we’ve never experienced. We don’t have a BTM staff or youth group teacher to run to. We may not have an individual mentor to walk us through all of life’s hardships.
You may commit sins that you never thought of doing, or see your heart grow lukewarm or your passion for Christ fizzle out from what it looked like in your youth.
A bottomline truth across all of God’s covenants: God’s faithfulness is not dependent on human faithfulness.
Gospel Connections in the Flood Narrative
- Judgement on sin but preserves a righteous remnant
- Opportunity to repent until final judgement
- God makes covenant after sacrifice
Big Picture: Mankind’s fall from God’s perfect created order incurred God’s divine judgement on their sin. Despite their sin, God re-invites Noah to participate in his purposes until the story is complete.
Practical Application
- God’s promises are rooted in His own faithfulness, not in our performance — encouraging endurance in uncertain times (cf. Heb. 10:23).
- Life can feel unpredictable, but God holds creation together until His purposes are finished.
Discussion Questions
- What does God’s promise to Noah reveal about His view of creation and humanity? What did he call creation when he first created it?
- How can this covenant give you hope when you’re in seasons of uncertainty?
- What gives the feeling of uncertainty/anxiety in the current season for you?
- Identify one area where you’ve been afraid of the future. Pray for each other to trust in God’s purposes over your life.