For our study tonight we will be learning about Noah. 

Noah was a God fearing man who lived during a time of a lot of sin.  People were worshipping other gods and idols.  Do we see that today?  Can you think of some idols or gods that people have?  We can see that the prayers of only one faithful man kept God from wiping out all humans. 

Read Genesis 6:  9 - 22

Why do you think that God saved Noah and his family?
(in verse 9 we read that Noah walked with God)

Noah had faith in God.  Even though Noah had never seen rain God told him to build an ark and he did it.  How many times do we feel like God is telling us to do something and we may doubt that he really wants us to do that.  Do you ever feel like God is telling you to do something?


God also told him starting with verse 14 how God wanted him to build the ark.  Isn't it great that God will be there for us even in the smallest details.  Nothing is too small for God. 

The ark was huge.  300 cubits would be equal to 450 feet long.   I think a football field is around 360 feet so you can see that the ark was bigger than a football field. 

It only mentions the ark having one door. (Verse 16)  I think this is interesting because God is the only way.  It says in John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

In verse 19 it mentions that Noah was to bring two of all living animals.  Do you think it was hard for Noah to get the animals? 

I have mentioned already that Noah was a man of faith.    Being faithful leads to obedience and obedience will bring blessings from God.  
Read Proverbs 28:20

But you know, being faithful is not always easy.  Temptations come along and sometimes it is hard to be faithful when we are tempted.  Can you think of some things that tempt you?  It's easy to be tempted by many things and unfortunately that will not change the older you get, it will just be different temptations.

Being faithful means making conscious choices to follow God.  It means standing up for our faith when people make fun of us for our faith.  It's easy to become distracted by other things and not following God as closely as we could.    What are some things that distract us?  Everybody is different in what tempts them. It is important for us to learn what tempts us so we can become proactive about our temptation. 
How can we become proactive about our temptations:
1) Recognize what tempts us
2)  Pray about the temptation
3) avoid the temptation
4) Read our Bible (the Bible is there for us to use for our guidance)  One verse I can think of that will help us is 1 Corinthians 10:13.  While you're reading your Bible daily look for verses that will help you in the areas you are tempted in. 
5)  Use the buddy system.  If you have a good friend or teacher that you can talk to, let them know your temptation so you can be accountable to them.  Tell them to ask you how you're doing in that area of your life.
6)  You need to really  believe that God is there for you and will help you in your temptation.  If you normally say "That's too hard"  or "I'll never be able to do that."  Remember that God can do ANYTHING.  Start saying things like, " God can help me overcome this" or "It's not too hard for God."
7)  Know your alternatives.  In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we learned that God can show us how to escape from our temptations.  If you have identified your temptations then learn your alternatives so you don't fall to your temptation. 
8)  Know it's not the end of the world if you do allow yourself to be tempted.  We all make mistakes and God has offered us His forgiveness if we only ask for it.  Read 1 John 1: 8-9.

You know, I bet Noah had lots of problems with people making fun of him for his faith.  He was out there building this boat bigger than a football field and warning people of a flood.  They had never seen it rain before so they could not comprehend how it could flood.  I'm sure they were laughing at him but Noah remained faithful to God.   How hard do you think that was for Noah?


Game Card Questions:

1)  What book of the Bible can we find the story of Noah?   (Genesis)

2)  Why do you think God saved Noah and his family?  (Because he walked with God)

3)  Who was suppose to go on the ark with Noah?

4)   How big was the ark?

5)  Name one way we can try to avoid temptations.