Faith, Obedience, and Perseverance: Lessons from Noah
Summary
In reflecting on the life and faith of Noah, we are reminded of the profound impact of unwavering belief in God amidst a world of disbelief and corruption. Noah stands as a beacon of faith, fear, obedience, and salvation, demonstrating the power of trusting in God's word even when it defies human logic and understanding. His story, as recounted in Hebrews 11:7, is a testament to the righteousness that comes through faith.
Noah's faith was not a passive belief but an active trust that moved him to action. He believed in God's warning of the impending flood, a reality unseen and improbable to the human eye. This faith was the foundation of his fear—a reverent awe of God's holiness and justice—which propelled him to build the ark. His obedience was meticulous and complete, following God's instructions to the letter, despite the ridicule and scorn of those around him. Noah's life challenges us to consider the depth of our own faith and whether it compels us to act in obedience to God's commands.
Moreover, Noah's faith was not contingent on the support or belief of others. He stood alone, a solitary figure of righteousness in a world that had turned its back on God. His perseverance over 120 years of preaching without converts is a powerful reminder of the importance of steadfastness in our spiritual journey. Noah's story encourages us to remain faithful, even when we seem to stand alone, trusting that God's promises are sure and His timing perfect.
The result of Noah's faith was not only his salvation but also the condemnation of the world. His life and actions served as a living testimony against the unbelief and wickedness of his generation. In the end, Noah became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith, a legacy that continues to inspire believers today.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith as the Foundation: Noah's faith was the cornerstone of his life, influencing his actions and decisions. It was a faith that believed in the unseen and improbable, trusting in God's word above human reasoning. This challenges us to examine the strength and depth of our own faith. [03:48]
- Fear as a Motivator: Noah's fear was not one of terror but of reverent awe and respect for God's holiness and justice. This fear moved him to act in obedience, highlighting the importance of a healthy fear of God in our spiritual lives. [21:49]
- Obedience in Detail: Noah's obedience was precise and complete, following God's instructions without deviation. This teaches us the value of careful and exact obedience to God's commands, even when it requires sacrifice or invites ridicule. [29:43]
- Perseverance in Solitude: Noah's faithfulness over 120 years, despite the lack of visible results, underscores the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. It reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we stand alone. [17:28]
- Condemnation through Righteousness: Noah's life and actions served as a condemnation of the unbelief and wickedness of his generation. His story challenges us to live in such a way that our faith becomes a testimony to the world around us. [40:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Noah's Faith
- [00:40] - Noah's Walk with God
- [01:29] - Contrast Between Enoch and Noah
- [02:24] - Noah's Deliverance Through the Ark
- [03:48] - Faith as the First Principle
- [05:37] - Everyday Faith in God
- [08:29] - Faith in God's Warnings
- [11:10] - Believing the Improbable
- [14:28] - Noah's Solitary Faith
- [17:28] - Perseverance in Faith
- [21:49] - Fear as a Motivating Force
- [29:43] - Obedience as a Fruit of Faith
- [36:31] - Results of Noah's Faith
- [40:26] - Condemnation of the World
- [45:02] - Heir of Righteousness by Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Faith of Noah
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:7
- Genesis 6:8-9
- Genesis 7:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Noah take as a result of his faith, according to Hebrews 11:7? How did these actions demonstrate his trust in God's warning? [00:09]
2. In Genesis 6:8-9, how is Noah described in his relationship with God, and what does it mean that he "walked with God"?
3. How does the sermon describe the contrast between Enoch and Noah in their respective experiences with God? [01:29]
4. What was the significance of Noah's obedience in building the ark, and how did it serve as a testimony to his generation? [29:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Noah's faith challenge the modern believer to trust in God's promises, even when they seem improbable or illogical? [11:10]
2. What role did fear play in Noah's actions, and how can a reverent fear of God motivate believers today to live in obedience? [21:49]
3. In what ways does Noah's perseverance over 120 years of preaching without converts serve as an example for believers facing discouragement in their spiritual journey? [17:28]
4. How does Noah's life and actions serve as a condemnation of the unbelief and wickedness of his generation, and what implications does this have for believers today? [40:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite them seeming improbable. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Noah's example? [11:10]
2. Consider the role of fear in your spiritual life. How can a healthy, reverent fear of God motivate you to act in obedience to His commands? [21:49]
3. Noah persevered in faith despite standing alone. Are there areas in your life where you feel isolated in your faith? How can Noah's example encourage you to remain steadfast? [17:28]
4. Noah's obedience was meticulous and complete. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's commands? What steps can you take to align your actions with His will? [29:43]
5. How does Noah's story challenge you to live in such a way that your faith becomes a testimony to those around you? What practical steps can you take to ensure your life reflects your beliefs? [40:26]
6. Noah's faith was not contingent on the support of others. How can you cultivate a faith that remains strong even when you stand alone? What support systems can you put in place to help you in this journey? [17:28]
7. Reflect on the concept of being "shut in" with God, as Noah was in the ark. How can you create space in your life to be more deeply connected with God, away from worldly distractions? [20:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Human Reasoning
Noah's faith was the cornerstone of his life, influencing his actions and decisions. It was a faith that believed in the unseen and improbable, trusting in God's word above human reasoning. Noah's story challenges us to examine the strength and depth of our own faith. He believed in God's warning of the impending flood, a reality unseen and improbable to the human eye. This faith was the foundation of his fear—a reverent awe of God's holiness and justice—which propelled him to build the ark. His obedience was meticulous and complete, following God's instructions to the letter, despite the ridicule and scorn of those around him. [03:48]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God beyond your own understanding? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in His promises even when they seem improbable?
Day 2: Reverent Awe as a Catalyst for Action
Noah's fear was not one of terror but of reverent awe and respect for God's holiness and justice. This fear moved him to act in obedience, highlighting the importance of a healthy fear of God in our spiritual lives. Noah's fear was a profound respect for God's power and righteousness, which motivated him to follow God's commands precisely. This reverent awe is a crucial aspect of faith, as it compels believers to live in a way that honors God, even when it requires sacrifice or invites ridicule from others. [21:49]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? How might this reverence influence your decisions and actions today?
Day 3: Precise Obedience in the Face of Ridicule
Noah's obedience was precise and complete, following God's instructions without deviation. This teaches us the value of careful and exact obedience to God's commands, even when it requires sacrifice or invites ridicule. Noah's meticulous adherence to God's instructions in building the ark demonstrates the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. His actions were not swayed by the opinions of others but were rooted in his unwavering faith in God's word. This level of obedience challenges us to consider how we respond to God's commands in our own lives. [29:43]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there a specific command from God that you find difficult to obey? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will, despite any external pressures or doubts?
Day 4: Perseverance in Solitude
Noah's faithfulness over 120 years, despite the lack of visible results, underscores the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. It reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we stand alone. Noah's perseverance is a testament to the power of enduring faith, as he continued to preach and build the ark without any visible support or encouragement from those around him. His story encourages believers to remain faithful to God's calling, trusting that His promises are sure and His timing perfect. [17:28]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel alone in your faith journey. How can you draw strength from God to persevere, trusting in His perfect timing and promises?
Day 5: Living as a Testimony of Faith
Noah's life and actions served as a condemnation of the unbelief and wickedness of his generation. His story challenges us to live in such a way that our faith becomes a testimony to the world around us. Noah's unwavering faith and obedience stood in stark contrast to the corruption and disbelief of his time, serving as a living testimony of righteousness. His life challenges believers to consider how their own faith can serve as a witness to others, inspiring them to seek God and His truth. [40:26]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can your actions today serve as a testimony of your faith to those around you? What specific steps can you take to let your light shine in your community?
Quotes
Noah is the picture of one who is the Lord's witness during evil days, and lives through them faithfully, enduring unto the end. It was his to be delivered from death by death. The ark was so to speak a coffin to him; he entered it and became a dead man to the old world, and within its enclosure he was floated into a new world, to become the founder and father of a new race. [00:02:15]
Faith must be a constant tenant, not an occasional guest. I have heard of latter-day saints, and I do not think much of them. I far more admire everyday saints. Thou need his faith this Sabbath day, have it and come to the communion table with it, but thou need his faith on Monday when the shutters are taken down to begin another six days trading. [00:06:47]
Noah believed what seemed highly improbable, if not absolutely impossible. There was no sea where Noah laid the keel of his ark. I do not even know that there was a river there. He was to prepare a seagoing vessel and construct it on dry land. How could water be brought there to float it? [00:11:14]
Noah believed alone and preached on though none followed him. There were no other believers if you accept his wife and his sons and daughters. There were eight in all, but I am afraid that some of these rather believed in Father Noah than in the living God. Noah shone as a lone star. [00:14:06]
Noah believed through 120 solitary years. It was a long martyrdom. Our life is quite long enough for the trial of faith, even if a man lives to be 80 and has 60 years of that life spent in the exercise of faith. It is only by almighty grace that he holds out. [00:17:21]
Fear was the moving force. Faith was the living principle, but fear was the moving power, for the text puts it, by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear. Faith molded him, but fear moved him. How was this? I thought, says what, that perfect love casteth out fear. [00:21:35]
Noah had a loyal reverence of God. He feared him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and when he went about through the wicked world, Noah often said to himself, I wonder the judge of all the earth does not destroy these rebels who dare to be so vile and violent. [00:24:23]
Noah obeyed the Lord exactly. How often does the scripture say, thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. See again and again, Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him. Those who have faith in God should show it by a holy fear, which makes them zealous to have nothing undone which is commanded of the Lord. [00:29:28]
Noah obeyed the Lord very carefully. God said to him, make an ark, and we read in answer thereto that he prepared an ark. There was careful preparation and not hurried thoughtless activity. He prepared the right materials; he prepared the different parts so as to fit together. He prepared his mind and then prepared his work. [00:30:35]
Noah went on obeying under daily scorn. The men of that generation mocked him. He went out and preached to them, but many would not hear him, for they thought him mad. Those who did listen to him said to each other, he is building a vessel upon dry land. Is he sane? [00:33:19]
The next result was that he condemned the world. Read by which he condemned the world. Hahaha, they say we judge the old man to be out of his mind, but he was their judge. The merious jest that flashed forth at the banquet of wine was pointed with a sarcasm about old Noah and his dry land ship. [00:40:26]
The last thing Noah earned by his faith was this: he became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. For God said of him when he obeyed him, come into the ark, thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. God declared him righteous, not righteous by his works, although his works following upon his faith proved him to be righteous. [00:45:02]
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