Lessons from Noah

Noah’s Character (Gen 6:7-9)

Noah lived in a very wicked world. The Bible communicates that fact in Genesis 6:5, where “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” In contrast with the culture that Noah lived within, the Bible says that Noah “found favor in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). Noah was “a righteous man (cf. Ezekiel 14:20), blameless in his generation” (Genesis 6:9). Noah is one of three men mentioned in Scripture who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9; cf. Genesis 5:22, 24; Malachi 2:4-6). To put it simply, Noah’s life was directed by faith in and a reverent fear of God (Hebrews 11:7).

Does our character look like Noah’s? Do we live contrary to the secular culture that we find ourselves in? Finding favor in God’s eyes; righteous; blameless; walking with God; faith; reverent fear. Could those words be used to describe our character?

Noah’s Compliance (Gen 6:11-22)

In Genesis 6:13-21, God not only tells Noah what He is planning to do in flooding the earth but also gives to Noah very specific commands concerning his responsibility. What God commanded Noah to do was no small feat. Noah could have been intimidated into hesitation. Noah could have been overwhelmed into disobedience. Noah could have cherry-picked the commands that he liked and rejected that commands that he did not like. Instead, Genesis 6:22; 7:5 both state the exact same thing: “Noah did all that God commanded him.” Noah was compliant to God’s commands and expectations.

What about us? How do we respond to the commands of God? Are we hesitant? Are we disobedient? Do we accept the commands that are comfortable to us and reject those that are not? In following Noah’s example, we must be compliant. We must do all that God has commanded (cf. Matthew 28:18-20).

Noah’s Conviction (2 Peter 2:1-5)

In 2 Peter 2:5, the apostle Peter tells us that Noah was “a herald of righteousness.” During the many years when Noah was constructing the ark, he was preaching to people about the coming destruction. He was encouraging them to turn from their sinful ways to the righteous, holy ways of God. Noah was convicted. He wanted as many people as possible to be saved from the coming destruction.

In Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus teaches us that His second coming is going to be like the flood in the days of Noah. As people go about living their normal lives, Jesus Christ is going to return, and those who are unaware will be swept away. For most people, there is a destruction coming. Does that convict us? What are we doing to make them aware? Does this convict us to share Jesus and become heralds of righteousness?

Noah’s Concern (Hebrews 11:7)

According to Hebrews 11:7, why did Noah build the ark? The text says that it was “for the saving of his household.” Was Noah concerned for everybody who was going to experience the coming destruction? Absolutely. However, his number one concern was his household and their salvation.

What is our concern? We should certainly be concerned with the salvation of all people. But like Noah, we should have a special concern for the salvation of those who live within our house. Let’s not get so caught up in trying to save the world that we lose those in our own house.

Conclusion

What is our commitment to living out the same type of character, compliance, conviction, and concern as Noah?