Step By Step [Obey God, Even If It Doesn't Make Sense] Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon, Jonathan explores the story of Noah from Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6, focusing on obedience to God even when His instructions don't make sense. Noah demonstrated extraordinary faith by building an ark before rain had ever fallen, following God's detailed instructions without question or complaint. Unlike Moses who initially resisted God's call with excuses, Noah simply did everything exactly as God commanded him, despite likely facing ridicule for decades while building a massive boat in a dry land.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Noah's faithful obedience, we ask that You open our hearts to hear Your voice clearly. Help us recognize the areas in our lives where You are calling us to step out in faith, even when we don't fully understand Your plan. Give us the courage to respond like Noah rather than hesitating like Moses. May this discussion draw us closer to You and strengthen our trust in Your perfect wisdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
What's something you were asked to do as a child that seemed completely unreasonable at the time, but makes sense to you now as an adult?

Key Verses

• Hebrews 11:7
• Genesis 6
• James 4:17
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Hebrews 10:35-36
• Acts 4:19

Questions

• Noah built the ark without ever having seen rain before. What is God asking you to do right now that requires faith without complete understanding?
• The sermon points out that Noah wasn't perfect, but he was righteous and walked in close fellowship with God. How does this challenge your view of what it means to be ready to follow God's call?
• Noah's ark had no steering wheel or rudder. In what areas of your life are you struggling to surrender control to God?
• Jonathan contrasts Noah's immediate obedience with Moses' initial resistance. Which response more closely resembles your typical reaction when God calls you to something difficult?
• What cultural pressures make it difficult for you to obey God fully in your current season of life?
• The sermon mentions that Noah likely faced ridicule for decades while building the ark. How do you handle criticism when you're following what you believe God has called you to do?
• What's the difference between knowing what God wants you to do and actually doing it? What typically causes that gap in your life?
• Jonathan said, "You are not being broken, you are being built." How does this perspective change how you view current challenges in your faith journey?

Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been hesitating to follow God's direction. It might be a conversation you need to have, a habit you need to change, or a step of faith you've been postponing. Commit to immediate obedience without excuses or delay. Write down what God is asking you to do and take concrete action within the next 48 hours. Then, document how God worked through your obedience, noting any challenges you faced and how your faith was strengthened through the process.

Key Takeaways

• Our need to trust God should be greater than our need to understand His plan.
• Patience in the process is essential - faithfulness requires persistence and perseverance, not immediate results.
• We should always choose obedience to God over popularity with others.
• Obedience doesn't require perfection first - Noah wasn't sinless, but he was in right relationship with God.
• God doesn't ask us to control the outcome (like the ark without a steering wheel), just to be faithful in what He's asked us to do.

Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for the powerful example of Noah's unwavering obedience. We confess that too often we're more like Moses, full of questions and excuses, rather than simply doing what You've asked. Forgive us for hesitating when You call. Help us to trust You more than we trust our own understanding. Give us the courage to obey immediately, even when Your instructions don't make sense to us or when following You might make us unpopular. Thank You that You don't require perfection before You can use us - just a heart that's turned toward You. This week, as we step out in obedience in the areas You've revealed to us today, may our faith grow stronger and may others see Your faithfulness through our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.