1. Story of Noah very familiar: Flood was God's judgment against sin.
2. Heb. 11:7 - Noah's faith stands out! ("Noah" - "To comfort, rest" - Gen. 5:28-29.)
a. Rest from sin (5:29; 6:3, 8-9).
b. Comfort of God's covenant (Gen. 9:8-17).
c. Comforting example of faith (Heb. 11:6-7).
3. Noah's faith was remarkable, & serves as a pattern for our faith today - Heb. 12:1-2.
I. NOAH DEMONSTRATED GREAT FAITH IN AN UNBELIEVING WORLD.
A. Noah's World & Ours - Gen. 6:2, 5-6, 11-12.
1. 6:2 - Lust of eyes/flesh (1 Jno. 2:15-16)
2. 6:5-6 - Evil hearts caused evil lives (Rom. 1:21) - Moral depravity.
3. 6:11-12 - Violence & corruption.
4. To constantly face the pressures of a corrupt society & remain pure requires great faith! - (Phil. 2:15-16, 1:27-28)
B. How Noah's Faith Sustained Him:
1. In his character - Gen. 6:9.
a. He kept a pure heart (Matt. 5:8; Psa. 24:3-5; Jas. 4:6-10).
b. Faith must touch our character!
2. In his conduct - Gen. 6:9 (cf. 5:24).
a. Self-denial - Titus 2:11-12.
b. Holiness - 1 Pet. 1:15-16.
c. Faith translates into obedient action! (Heb. 11:6)
3. In his children - Heb. 11:7.
a. The home was influenced by his faith (7:7).
b. No one around to help Noah & wife (he could not permit his boys to do what "everybody else was doing," etc.)!
c. Reared family in wicked world - And saved them! - Eph. 6:4.
II. NOAH EXHIBITED GREAT FAITH BY PREACHING AN UNBELIEVABLE MESSAGE - 2 Pet. 2:5.
A. Preached An Incredible Message - Gen. 6:17.
1. Heb. 11:7 - Things not seen as yet.
2. Cf. the Christian's message (the gospel) today:
a. Gospel & salvation - 1 Cor. 1:18-24.
b. Moral purity vs. "New morality" - Eph. 5:3-12; Jas. 1:27.
c. Marriage vs. divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:6,9; 1 Cor. 7:10-11).
d. Creation vs. evolution (Rom. 1:20).
e. One church vs. religions of men - Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4 (Matt. 15:3).
B. Fight The Good Fight Of Faith - 1 Tim. 6:12.
1. May see little results (cf. Noah).
2. Faith in message & its power (Rom. 1:16; 1 Jno. 5:4).
III. NOAH DISPLAYED GREAT FAITH BY COMPLETING AN UNBELIEVABLE TASK - Gen. 6:14, 22; Heb. 11:7.
A. He Did All That God Commanded Him - 6:22.
1. Size of ark: 450 ft. X 75 ft. X 45 ft. (over 1 mil. cubic ft.); 500+ railroad stock cars!
2. Size of cargo: Gen. 6:19; 7:2.
3. Not a shipbuilder (farmer)! Gen. 5:29
4. We can do everything God has commanded us, too! -Phil. 4:13; Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9.
a. Moved with godly fear - Heb. 11:7 (Eccl. 12:13).
b. Sustained by God's promise -1 Pet. 1:3-5.
B. Meet Every Task With An Unwavering Faith:
1. To overcome temptations - 1 Cor. 10:13.
2. To be victorious in trials - Jas. 1:2-4.
3. To teach gospel to others - 2 Tim. 2:2.
4. To be good parents, spouses, neighbors, workers.
* Romans 8:35-39; Hebrews 10:35-39 *
Conclusion
1. Like Noah, we must hear the word of God to grow in faith (Rom. 10:17).
a. Read, study, meditate upon & obey truth!
b. Your faith will grow & will demonstrate itself in your life!
2. Heb. 11:6 - Only this will please God. (Please God above all else!)
-Adapted from article by Shane Scott (Christianity Magazine, Jan. 92:24)