Character Study Of Noah Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF NOAH – BUILT THE ARK, SURVIVED THE FLOOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." – Genesis 6:8

Supporting Texts:

Genesis 6:9-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29, Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:5

INTRODUCTION:

Noah was a remarkable man in biblical history, known for his righteousness, obedience, and faith in God. He lived in a time of extreme wickedness when the entire world was corrupt, yet he stood out as a man who walked with God. Because of his faithfulness, God chose him to build the ark and preserve humanity and animal life from the devastating flood.

The story of Noah is not just about survival; it is about divine grace, judgement, and new beginnings. Through Noah, we see God's plan of salvation in action. Just as Noah was saved from the flood, Jesus Christ is our ark of salvation, delivering us from eternal destruction.

This study will examine Noah’s life, his faith, his obedience, his strengths, weaknesses, and the lessons we can learn from his remarkable journey with God.

1. NOAH FOUND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD

Despite the corruption of his generation, Noah received divine favour.

a) He was righteous in a wicked generation

Noah was blameless and lived in obedience to God (Genesis 6:9).

b) He walked faithfully with God

Unlike others, Noah maintained a close relationship with God (Genesis 6:9).

c) God singled him out for salvation

While others perished, Noah and his family were chosen for preservation (Genesis 7:1).

d) His life was a testimony of God's grace

Grace, not personal effort, made Noah a chosen vessel (Genesis 6:8).

e) Biblical Example: Other Men Who Found Grace

Moses also found grace in God's sight and led Israel (Exodus 33:12-14).

2. NOAH WAS GIVEN A DIVINE ASSIGNMENT TO BUILD THE ARK

God entrusted Noah with the responsibility of constructing the ark for salvation.

a) The ark was a symbol of God's mercy and judgement

It provided salvation for those who entered, but destruction for those who rejected it (Genesis 6:14-16).

b) Noah obeyed God's detailed instructions

He followed God's exact measurements without questioning (Genesis 6:22).

c) It took faith to build the ark

Noah had never seen rain, yet he believed God's warning (Hebrews 11:7).

d) His obedience preserved his household

Because he obeyed, his entire family was saved (Genesis 7:7).

e) Biblical Example: Others Who Obeyed Divine Instructions

Joseph obeyed God’s direction and preserved Egypt during famine (Genesis 41:38-40).

3. NOAH PREACHED RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT WAS REJECTED

Despite his warnings, people ignored Noah’s message.

a) He was a preacher of righteousness

Noah warned his generation of impending judgement (2 Peter 2:5).

b) The people were unresponsive to his message

They continued in sin despite his call to repentance (Matthew 24:37-39).

c) He remained faithful despite opposition

Noah did not compromise even when mocked (Genesis 6:22).

d) The flood came suddenly upon the unbelievers

When the rains started, it was too late for them to repent (Genesis 7:11-16).

e) Biblical Example: Other Rejected Preachers

Jeremiah warned Israel, but they refused to listen (Jeremiah 7:25-26).

4. NOAH SURVIVED THE FLOOD AND STARTED A NEW WORLD

After the flood, Noah became the father of the post-flood world.

a) The flood cleansed the earth of wickedness

God’s judgement came upon all who rejected Him (Genesis 7:21-23).

b) Noah’s family was the only one preserved

His household became the foundation of humanity after the flood (Genesis 9:1).

c) He worshipped God after the flood

His first act upon leaving the ark was to build an altar to God (Genesis 8:20).

d) God made a covenant with Noah

The rainbow was given as a sign of God’s promise never to destroy the world by water again (Genesis 9:12-17).

e) Biblical Example: Other Covenant Men

Abraham received a covenant from God that birthed the nation of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).

5. NOAH RECEIVED GOD’S BLESSING AND COMMISSION

God instructed Noah to multiply and fill the earth.

a) God reaffirmed the command given to Adam

Noah was told to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:1).

b) He was given dominion over animals

The fear of man was placed upon all creatures (Genesis 9:2).

c) He was allowed to eat meat for the first time

A change in dietary law was introduced (Genesis 9:3).

d) God established the sanctity of human life

He instituted capital punishment for murder (Genesis 9:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Other Men Who Received a Divine Blessing

Jacob was blessed and became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:11-12).

6. STRENGTHS OF NOAH

Noah demonstrated key virtues that made him stand out.

a) He was righteous and blameless

His life was different from those around him (Genesis 6:9).

b) He was obedient to God’s instructions

He followed God’s commands exactly (Genesis 6:22).