In this chapter, we see how Noah's prophetic words spoken over his 3 sons played out over the subsequent centuries. We're also given a few insights into a strange character named Nimrod, who will play a key role in events at the Tower of Babel in Chapter 11.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- Can you think of any present-day examples of how charismatic leaders can, like Nimrod, draw people away from God?

- Do you feel the natural draw of the flesh to forget and neglect because of the busyness of life? What practices and disciplines have you found helpful in fighting against this natural tendency?

- Even Christians can fall prey to false teachers. In fact, we see repeated warnings about this in the New Testament. How can Christians avoid being deceived by "Christian" false teachers?

- Read and discuss Romans 16:17-18, Galatians 1:6-9, Colossians 2:8, and Revelation 2:2.

- Read 1 John 4:1. What does it mean to "test the spirits"?

Strange behavior by Noah leads to dishonorable behavior by his son, Ham, and honorable behavior by his sons, Shem and Japheth. This bizarre incident reveals principles about the relationship between children and parents, the dangers of abusing alcohol, and the nature of generational curses.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- As an adult, what does it mean to honor your parents? What does it look like practically?

- Why do you think that in the Mosaic Law God places such severe consequences on dishonoring parents?

- Romans 14 addresses Christian freedom, honoring weaker brothers and sisters, and the heart attitude we should have toward one another in these things. Read the chapter together and share what sticks out to you.

- Have you ever had to make a conscious choice to walk in a different direction from how you were raised, in order to break a cycle of sin or brokenness in your family?

- What “seeds” have you sown in life that have borne the best fruit?

God gives Noah and his family promises, reassurances, and commands to guide them as they establish the human race on a new, post-Flood world. These include the establishment of the timeless command of capital punishment and the sign of a rainbow in the heavens.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- How should Christians reconcile God's command for capital punishment in Genesis 9 with Jesus' teachings on mercy, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek?

- What do you think a biblical perspective is on war, self-defense, and law enforcement? (Address one or all subjects individually.)

- If our society were to implement all the justice-related aspects of the Mosaic Law (e.g., the death penalty for murder, adultery, cursing one’s parents, witchcraft), do you think it would be a good or bad thing? Why?

- What does it look like for members of a church who don’t currently have young children to support marriages and families in a local church?

- When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by the grace of God?