B-Group Lesson Part 14 of 17
Throughout the Bible and especially in Genesis, God makes promises to his people. But unlike humans, God always keeps his promises. This lesson examines covenants that God made with Noah and Abraham. Understanding God’s faithfulness in Scripture can help teenagers trust God’s faithfulness in their lives today.
Primary Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17
Secondary Scriptures: Genesis 15:1-6; 17:1-8, 15-22; 18:10-15
Let’s take a look at three significant people in the book of Genesis and see what promises God made to each of them.
What’s the biggest, craziest, toughest building project you’ve ever attempted—or seen someone in your family attempt?
Why is Noah a well-known person in the Bible? What do you know about him? [NOTE: Most kids, particularly those raised in church, will know the basics about Noah, the ark, and the flood. But be prepared to offer a quick summary.]
The Bible says God saw “the extent of human wickedness on the earth” and decided to wipe out humanity with a flood—but God saved Noah and his family because Noah was “righteous” and “walked in close fellowship with God.” What does it look like to walk in close friendship with Jesus?
What’s so amazing about the covenant, or promise, that God made with Noah?
God’s covenant with Noah is unique because it wasn’t a covenant with just one guy, or even just one family. Noah represents all of humanity as the recipient of this covenant. God promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Read Genesis 15:1-6 and 17:1-8 together as a group. Consider dividing verses among your students so several people have a chance to read.
Abraham was 99 years old when God told him that not only would he become a father, but he’d also be the father of many nations. Elsewhere in Genesis, God said Abraham’s descendants would be “like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” And Sarah was almost 90 years old when God made this promise—far beyond the normal age for having children. But God is an amazing God and can fulfill his promises, even when it seems impossible to us.
You’ve probably been to a beach before—at the ocean, or a lake, or maybe even along a river. How long do you guess it would take to count every grain of sand on just one beach?
What do you find most incredible about God’s covenant with Abraham in these verses? Why?
How do you express thanks when Jesus answers a prayer or does something that you thought was impossible?
Read Genesis 17:15-22 and 18:10-15 together as a group. Consider dividing verses among your students so several people have a chance to read.
Because of her age, Sarah didn’t believe the promise that she would have a son—talk about an overwhelming situation you thought God couldn’t handle, but he did.
God changed the names of both Abraham and Sarah—what new name or nickname would you give yourself to remember how Jesus has kept a promise or has done something impossible in your life?
How does Jesus help you deal with your doubts?
As I just mentioned a few minutes ago, Sarah was almost 90 years old when God first told Abraham he would become a father—no one expects to become a mom at that age! Based on what we see in Genesis, Sarah appeared to have bigger doubts about God’s promise than Abraham did. But God kept his promise to Abraham and Sarah—they became the father and mother of the nation of Israel. God was faithful to them, and we can trust that God will be faithful to us, too.
TAKE ACTION: Memorize this Scripture this week! “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6).
**Leaders, leave 3-5 minutes for prayer at the end of your group time.