NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: Genesis 9:1-15
Discussion Questions:
- What does Genesis 9:1-4 say about our stewardship of what God has created?
- When has God provided or fulfilled a promise for you at just the right time?
- How can you reflect God’s values and priorities in His creation this week?
Food for thought:
Genesis 9 opens with the fifth communication of God to Noah. In this case, God spoke of a renewed blessing and covenant relationship that He would establish with Noah and all created life. As God addressed Noah and his family, God gave them specific instructions.
First, God directed them to multiply and fill the earth. God also explained that animals would now fear humans since animals were to be added to the human diet. God stipulated that the blood of the animal could not be consumed. He then issued a warning, calling for the life of any animal that kills a human or any human that murders another human.
God reminded the people to focus on multiplying and spreading over the earth. Finally, God established a covenant with Noah and his sons, vowing to never again destroy human and animal life through a flood.
He then placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign and reminder of this covenant. “I have placed my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all future generations” (Genesis 9:12).
How can believers today live out this passage? We can be stewards of God’s provisions. We can stand up for the unborn. We can reflect God’s values and priorities in His creation. In prayer, ask God to help you reflect His values in your actions and words this week. Thank Him for making each person in His image. Praise Him for His faithfulness to His promises.
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible.
