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).
c) He had great faith in God
He built the ark before seeing any evidence of rain (Hebrews 11:7).
d) He endured opposition and mockery
He remained steadfast in the face of ridicule (2 Peter 2:5).
e) Biblical Example: Other Men of Faith
Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland (Hebrews 11:8).
7. WEAKNESSES OF NOAH
Despite his righteousness, Noah had human flaws.
a) He became drunk after the flood
Noah planted a vineyard and drank excessively (Genesis 9:20-21).
b) His drunkenness led to family shame
His son Ham dishonoured him as a result (Genesis 9:22).
c) He failed to correct his son’s behaviour
Instead of rebuking Ham directly, he cursed Ham’s son Canaan (Genesis 9:25).
d) He was not mentioned in later biblical events
After Genesis 9, Noah’s role diminishes in scripture.
e) Biblical Example: Other Righteous Men Who Stumbled
Moses disobeyed God and was denied entry into Canaan (Numbers 20:12).
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM NOAH
His life teaches timeless spiritual principles.
a) Righteousness brings divine favour
God preserves those who walk in His ways (Genesis 6:8).
b) Faith requires obedience even when it doesn’t make sense
Noah obeyed God before seeing any sign of the flood (Hebrews 11:7).
c) God always provides a way of salvation
The ark foreshadowed Jesus Christ as our Saviour (1 Peter 3:20-21).
d) Even godly people must guard against personal weaknesses
Noah’s failure in drunkenness serves as a warning (1 Corinthians 10:12).
e) Biblical Example: Other Lessons from the Righteous
Job remained faithful despite trials (Job 1:21-22).
CONCLUSION:
Noah's life is a testament to faith, obedience, and divine grace. His example shows that righteousness sets us apart, but also warns us to remain vigilant against personal weaknesses.
As believers, we must build our lives on obedience to God, preparing ourselves for Christ’s return, just as Noah prepared for the flood.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to walk righteously in a sinful world.
2. Father, grant me the faith to obey Your instructions.
3. Lord, preserve me and my household from destruction.
4. Father, let my life be a testimony of Your grace.
5. Lord, help me to finish well in my journey of faith.
