Small Group Guide: Walking with God- Building His Kingdom in a Corrupt World

July 13th, 2026
by Logan Lambert

Walking with God- Building His Kingdom in a Corrupt World

Small Group Guide: Walking with God in a Corrupt World
Based on Genesis 6:8-22
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together asking God to speak clearly through His Word and help each person apply what they learn to their daily lives.
Ice Breaker
Share one time when you felt like you were "swimming upstream" against culture or popular opinion because of your faith. What was that experience like?
Sermon Summary
This message challenges us to live faithfully like Noah in a world that pulls us in different directions. Just as Noah found favor with God in a corrupt generation, we are called to walk with God through two essential practices: resting in God (Sabbath) and building what God calls us to build (His church). The ark saved Noah's family from judgment; the church is our ark today.
Key Scripture Passages
- Genesis 6:8-11
- 1 Thessalonians (reference to coming judgment)
- Matthew 7:21-23 (those who say "Lord, Lord")
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message
1. What stood out to you most from this sermon? Why?
2. The sermon describes Noah as someone who "walked with God" in a corrupt world. What do you think it practically means to "walk with God" today?
3. How was Noah's world similar to ours? How was it different?
Rest and Sabbath
1. The pastor said, "Sabbath is not resting and taking a nap... Sabbath is supposed to take a break from the life that you have been in." How does this definition challenge or expand your understanding of Sabbath?
2. What prevents you from taking regular Sabbath rest? What would need to change in your life to make this a priority?
3. The sermon states: "If you're not enjoying your walk with the Lord, you are doing it wrong." Do you agree or disagree? Why? What does "enjoying" God look like in daily life?
Building God's Kingdom
1. Noah had all his regular responsibilities (providing for family, etc.) yet still built what God called him to build. What does this teach us about priorities and time management?
2. The pastor said many people in Noah's day probably thought he was crazy for building the ark. When have you felt foolish for obeying God? How did you respond?
3. What does it mean practically to "build the church" today? What are some specific ways we build the church that go beyond just attending services?
Personal Application
1. The sermon warns against building our own kingdoms instead of God's kingdom. What "kingdoms" are you tempted to build in your own life? (Career success, financial security, children's achievements, etc.)
2. If God looked down at your life right now, would He say "that one walks with me"? What would need to change for you to confidently answer "yes"?
3. The message mentions that knowing about Jesus or even believing in Jesus isn't enough—the demons believe and shudder. What's the difference between believing in Jesus and actually walking with Him?
Key Takeaways
✓ Noah lived faithfully in a corrupt world—and so can we
✓ We need regular Sabbath rest to break from the world's pace and delight in God
✓ We are called to build God's church, not just our own kingdoms
✓ The church is our "ark"—the place of safety when judgment comes
✓ Walking with God means both resting in Him and actively building what He calls us to build
✓ Knowing about Jesus isn't enough; we must obey and walk with Him
Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Choose ONE of the following to implement this week:
Option 1: Practice Sabbath
- Set aside a specific time (at least 4 hours) to rest from your normal routine
- Turn off your phone, avoid work, and intentionally enjoy God and His creation
- Journal about the experience: What was hard? What was refreshing?
Option 2: Build the Church
- Identify one specific way you can "build" the church this week (not just attend)
- Examples: Invite someone to church, serve in a ministry, encourage a believer, disciple someone, give financially, pray for church leadership
- Commit to doing it, then share with the group next week
Option 3: Evaluate Your Kingdom
- Make a list of where your time, money, and energy actually go each week
- Honestly assess: Am I building my kingdom or God's kingdom?
- Identify one thing you need to change and take action on it
Personal Reflection Questions
(For individual journaling or prayer time)
- What am I building with my life right now?
- Do I truly delight in the Lord, or is my faith feeling like drudgery?
- What would my schedule look like if I really prioritized rest and building God's church?
- Am I walking WITH God or just walking in the same general direction?
Closing Prayer Prompts
Pray together about:
- Confession: Areas where we've been building our own kingdoms
- Commitment: Dedicating ourselves to walk closely with God
- Courage: Strength to live differently in a corrupt world
- Rest: Ability to truly Sabbath and delight in the Lord
- Purpose: Clear direction on how to build God's church
For Next Week
- Share how your practical application went
- Discuss any insights from personal reflection time
- Hold each other accountable to continue walking with God
Additional Resources
- Read Genesis 6-9 (the complete Noah story)
- Study the concept of Sabbath in Exodus 20:8-11 and Mark 2:27
- Reflect on Jesus' words about building on the right foundation (Matthew 7:24-27)