Noah: A Man Of Faith Series

Moving on Faith:

Noah

Hebrews 11: 7

Genesis 6

What is faith? We established in last week’s study that, “...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Also, we learned what faith is not. We learned that faith is not based on attitudes or feelings. Faith is not simply wishing for something to happen, and it happens.

We also must realize that faith is the very necessary channel of salvation. The author of Hebrews 11:6 informs us that, “But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

In our test today the author of Hebrews informs us that, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). It is very clear from this Scripture that Noah, like Abraham had faith. We can see from his life, a demonstration of this fact. Noah was obedient to God, and although I believe he did not see even a hint of rain, obediently moved on faith.

Let’s go to the Old Testament, to Genesis 6:1-7:

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face

of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were

fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and

twenty years.

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that,

when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and

they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which

were of old, men of renown.

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth

and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart

was only evil continually.

And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the

earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created

from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping

thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have

made them.

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

God saw the wickedness of man, the evil doings, and the sin running rampant among His children. The Bible says, “it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (Genesis 6:6). KJV

Perhaps, you are thinking: “How could these people sin and do such evil things?” Before we judge them too harshly, let’s take a look at the things that are going on today. The media is literally packed with news of: murders, burglaries, home invasions, and car jacking. We spend money trying to burglar proof our homes, our automobiles, and our workplace. Violence is everywhere!

Yet, in all this evilness and corruption , God had someone, a man He could use. He had a man by the name of Noah. What about you? Are you living a life that is pleasing to God? Are you moving on faith? Genesis 6:9 tells us that, “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”

Although, it appears that the conditions surrounding Noah were evil, he did not compromise his integrity, his beliefs. Apparently, he was not popular, and even liked very much. Yet, “...Noah walked with God.

What about you? Today, there is violence and evil everywhere. Are you moving in faith? Are you willing to take a stand; preaching and teaching God’s Word? Or, will you compromise your beliefs in order to be with the crowd?

A young man came to me after Bible class, and said: "I used to run around, hang out, so to speak, and I was very popular. But, when I was born again, and began preaching and teaching God’s Word, folks don’t seem to like me very much. Yet, I would rather please God than to please man."

Let’s look at James 4:4: “Ye adulteries and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

I can imagine Noah preaching that the rain was coming, and the people laughing and calling him names. Yet, he did not falter. He did not waver or doubt. He continued to move in faith.