1. BY FAITH NOAH… Hebrews 11:7

2. Introduction Noah’s obedient faith is extoled in Hebrews Chapter Eleven and Verse Seven: “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

3. By Faith Noah Noah was a man of faith (Heb. 11:7). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord; moreover, he was a righteous man, blameless in his time. Noah walked with God (Gen. 6:8-9). In like manner, it is essential that we trust in God rather than in ourselves (Prov. 3:5-8; Hab. 2:1-5; cf. Rom. 1:16-17; Gal. 3:10-14; Heb. 10:36-39).

4. Being Warned By God God warned Noah about things that had not yet been seen (Heb. 11:7). The flood was a unique, destructive force unlike anything that occurred before or afterwards (Gen. 6:1-21; 9:8-17). Divine warnings are an expression of God’s grace and love (1 Cor. 11:32; Rev. 3:19). It is imperative that we take heed, and not foolishly ignore such warnings (2 Kings 17:7-18; 2 Pet. 3:3-9).

5. In Reverence Noah demonstrated godly fear (Heb. 11:7). The Greek verb eulabeomai, occurring only here, translated “fear” (KJV), “godly fear” (NKJV), or “reverence” (NASB), means “to be concerned about a matter, to be anxious or cautious.” Solomon emphasized the importance of divine reverence (Eccles. 5:4-7; 8:12-13; 12:13-14). So likewise, we must serve God with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:25-29, esp. vs. 28).

6. Prepared An Ark Noah was obedient, acting on God’s instructions, preparing an ark for the salvation of his household (Heb. 11:7). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord because he was a righteous man, conforming to the ways of God, and complying with the Word of God (Gen. 6:8-9, 22). As a result, he and his family were delivered from destruction (Gen. 7:1-5). In like manner, we are saved from the defilement of sin through obedience to the Lord’s will in baptism (1 Pet. 3:18-22).

7. By Which He Condemned The World Noah’s attitude and actions were a rebuke to the sinful men of his day; they also could have been saved if they had been similarly submissive (Heb. 11:7). In like manner, first century scribes and Pharisees stood condemned by the repentance of the men of Nineveh, and the diligence of the Queen of Sheba (Matt. 12:38-42; Luke 11:29-32).

8. An Heir of Righteousness Noah became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (Heb. 11:7). There is no greater blessing than being counted as an heir of God (Rom. 8:12-17; Gal. 3:28-29). Yet, let us recognize that such hope is based, not upon personal merit, but rather upon Jesus’ perfect life and death, and His provision, pattern, and plan (Rom. 3:21-26; Phil. 3:8-11).

9. Conclusion Following the example of Noah and recognizing the certainty of divine judgment, let us walk by faith, striving to be prepared for that day when Christ will return in judgment (2 Cor. 5:6-11; 2 Pet. 3:10-18).