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Call to worship: Psalm 145:8-13

Text: Genesis 9:1-17

Summary:

God blesses Noah and his family, recommissioning them for his service. It takes the form of a covenant, God committing to their care, even in knowledge of their sinful hearts. The bow set in the sky will be a reminder to all of God's mercy, and their sin, and his forbearance against a coming day of judgment.

Main idea(s): The sanctity of life, the foundation for government, the obligation to deal with murder, God's merciful covenant with creation, encouragement for walking in God's mission

Sermon Outline:

1. God's blessing (9:1-7)
2. God's promise to remember (9:8-17)

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Genesis 9:1-17.
2. Compare the blessing of 9:1,7 with the blessing on mankind in 1:28. What is similar? What is different? How has the fall and the flood affected man's ability to have relationship with God? How has our ability to have dominion been affected?
3. What are the ramifications of God's statement that he "will require a reckoning for the life of man?" What do we learn about justice from this passage? How does this passage challenge our culture's view of mercy and justice?
4. The bow, the sign of God's covenant - who is it for? In the passage, who sees it? Who responds to it and how?
5. What descriptors are used of the covenant? Who is party to the covenant? Are their limitations on it? How long is it "good" for? How is the nature of this covenant reflected in God's promises to future Israel (compare Isaiah 54:9).