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By Faith, Noah
(Hebrews 11:7)
Introduction
(Hebrews 11:7)
Faith has always been the dividing line between salvation and
destruction. Hebrews 11:7 declares,
“By faith Noah, being divinely
warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an
ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world
and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
Today, we examine Noah’s obedient, reverent, and saving faith.
Noah’s World:
A Corrupt and Violent Age
The world in Noah’s day was filled with evil, and every thought of
man’s heart was continually wicked. Genesis 6:5–7 records that the
Lord was grieved that He had made man, and He declared His intent to
destroy all life. It was a world of corruption, violence, and
rebellion against God. Yet in the midst of that moral darkness, one
man stood apart—“But Noah found
grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8).
Noah’s generation
had reached a point of no return. They had no intention of repenting
or turning back to God. They filled their lives with sin and their
minds with wickedness. Even though judgment had been declared, God’s
patience gave them time to change, but they refused. Noah, however,
believed God’s word, and his faith set him apart from the entire
world.
Noah’s
Faith: Moved with Godly Fear
The Hebrew writer says Noah was
“moved with godly fear.”
That phrase captures the deep reverence Noah had for God’s authority
and power. When God revealed His plan to destroy the earth with a
flood, Noah did not argue or question—he believed. His fear was not
terror but awe, a recognition that God’s word is sure and that His
judgment would come exactly as He said.
Noah’s faith was
active. When God said to build an ark, Noah began at once. Genesis
6:22 says, “Thus Noah did;
according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” His
obedience was total. He followed the divine pattern exactly as God
gave it. For more than a century, he worked, preached, and waited.
Through that long period, he faced ridicule, disbelief, and mockery,
but his faith never wavered.
Noah’s
Message: A Warning of Judgment
Noah was not only a builder but also a preacher of righteousness (2
Peter 2:5). As he worked on the ark, he preached to a sinful world
that God’s judgment was coming. His message was simple: repent or
perish. Every blow of his hammer echoed the call to repentance. Yet
the people ignored him. They mocked the idea of a coming flood. Many
had never even seen rain. But Noah continued steadfastly.
His world was
much like ours—full of pride, disbelief, and a false sense of
security. Today, people trust in science and technology to deliver
them from every problem. They think mankind can save itself and have
no need for God. Yet, just as in Noah’s time, judgment is certain.
Second Peter 3:7 warns,
“The heavens
and the earth, which are now preserved by the same word, are
reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly
men.”
The Door of
Salvation and the Door of Judgment
When the ark was complete, Noah, his family, and all the animals
entered. Then God Himself shut the door (Genesis 7:16). That door
separated the saved from the lost. When the rain began to fall, and
the waters rose, it was too late for anyone outside to enter. The
same is true today. While God’s mercy remains open, the day will
come when the door of salvation will close forever. When Christ
returns, there will be no more chances.
Noah’s obedience
saved his household, but his faith also condemned the world. He did
not personally condemn them; their unbelief condemned them. His
faith made clear the difference between obedience and disobedience.
Jesus warned of this same truth in Matthew 24:37–39, saying that the
final judgment will come just as it did in Noah’s day—suddenly and
unexpectedly.
Noah’s
Faith and Our Salvation
Noah’s salvation through water is used by Peter as a type of our
salvation today. “Eight souls
were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves
us—baptism” (1 Peter 3:20–21). The water that lifted Noah’s ark
above judgment represents the water of baptism that lifts us from
sin into new life. It is not the cleansing of the body but the
answer of a good conscience toward God.
Just as Noah
obeyed God by faith, we obey Him through repentance and baptism. The
same principle stands—faith that acts leads to salvation. When we,
by faith, submit to God’s will and are baptized into Christ, we are
washed clean and begin a new life of service to Him (Romans 6:3–6).
By Faith,
Noah Sermon Outline:
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Introduction: The example of
Noah’s obedient faith (Hebrews 11:7).
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I. The
World in Noah’s Day (Genesis 6:5–13)
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Mankind’s thoughts were continually evil.
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The
earth was filled with violence and corruption.
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God
determined to bring judgment but showed mercy to one man.
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II. The
Nature of Noah’s Faith
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Moved
with godly fear—deep reverence for God’s authority.
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Obeyed
completely without question (Genesis 6:22).
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Endured
ridicule and mockery for decades.
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III.
Noah’s Mission: Builder and Preacher (2 Peter 2:5)
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Warned
the world of the coming destruction.
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Continued steadfastly even when none repented.
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His
faith condemned the unbelieving world.
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IV. The
Judgment of God and the Door of Salvation
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God’s
patience waited for repentance, but the door was closed.
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The
flood prefigures the final judgment by fire (2 Peter 3:7).
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When God
closes the door, there is no reopening it.
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V. The
Antitype of Noah’s Salvation (1 Peter 3:20–21)
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Saved
through water—baptism now saves us.
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Salvation requires obedient faith, not empty belief.
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Like
Noah, we must prepare to meet God before the flood of
judgment comes.
Call to
Action
Like Noah, we live in a world filled with sin and disbelief. But
faith still saves. God has warned us of coming judgment and has
provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ. Obedient faith still
builds the ark today—it builds the church, the body of Christ, where
salvation is found. If your faith has grown weak or your obedience
uncertain, renew your commitment to God. Believe, repent, and obey
His word while the door of grace remains open. When it closes, there
will be no more time to enter.
Key
Takeaways
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Faith must
move us to obedience (Hebrews 11:7).
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Noah’s
reverent fear led to action and salvation (Genesis 6:22).
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God’s coming
judgment is certain (2 Peter 3:7).
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Baptism is
the antitype of Noah’s salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
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Only
obedient faith receives righteousness before God (Romans 5:1).
Scripture
Reference List
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Hebrews
11:7 – Noah’s faith and obedience
defined.
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Genesis
6:5–13; 7:16 – The wickedness of
mankind and God’s judgment.
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2 Peter
2:5 – Noah, a preacher of
righteousness.
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2 Peter
3:7–11 – The coming destruction
of the world by fire.
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Matthew
24:37–39 – The days of Noah
compared to the return of Christ.
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1 Peter
3:20–21 – Baptism as the antitype
of Noah’s salvation.
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Romans
6:3–6 – Baptism unites us with
Christ in His death and resurrection.
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Romans
5:1 – Justified by faith, we have
peace with God.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
