By Faith Noah
Based on a sermon by Bobby Stafford, Church of Christ at Granby, MO

Faith in a Corrupt World
As we gather to worship, we do more than sing or pray—we proclaim faith in a world that often rejects God. Just as we glorify God today through worship, giving, and remembering Christ, so too did Noah live faithfully in a dark, godless world. In fact, the Bible says he stood alone among millions. Noah’s faith shines as a powerful example of obedience, reverence, and endurance.

The World of Noah’s Day
Genesis 6 describes a world so wicked that God regretted making mankind. “Every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The world had reached a point of no return. Violence and corruption were everywhere. But amid this darkness, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Out of a populated and flourishing world, one man listened and obeyed.

Noah's Saving Faith
Hebrews 11:7 tells us, “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” Noah believed God's warning about a future flood, even though such a thing had never been seen. His faith was not a passive belief—it was faith in action. He feared God with reverence, trusted His word, and obeyed completely. His belief led him to build the ark and preach righteousness for decades, even while the world mocked him.

Godly Fear Leads to Obedience
The term “godly fear” in Hebrews 11:7 includes awe, reverence, and recognition of God’s power and wisdom. Noah didn’t merely fear destruction—he respected God's authority. That deep reverence drove him to obey, even when it cost him popularity, comfort, and likely the respect of his neighbors. His actions condemned the world, not because he passed judgment himself, but because his life and message stood as testimony to the truth.

A Coming Judgment for Our World
Just as Noah preached judgment to his generation, we must do the same. 2 Peter 3 warns that this world is reserved for fire, and the judgment will be total. It won’t be partial or symbolic. Every element will be destroyed. Just like in Noah’s day, scoffers abound. Many dismiss the idea of judgment, imagining that life will always continue as it is. But Scripture affirms otherwise—judgment is coming, and it will be final.

Faithfulness Despite Rejection
Noah was ridiculed, mocked, and ignored. After decades of preaching, only seven others joined him on the ark—his family. Imagine the heartbreak of leaving behind neighbors, extended family, and friends. Still, Noah did not change his message. He didn’t soften the truth to win a following. He remained faithful, even knowing that few would respond. That’s our charge today: to preach truth, knowing that most will reject it.

The Door Will Close
Just as God closed the door to the ark, one day Christ will return, and time will be up. There will be no more opportunities to repent. The invitation will end. That reality should stir us to urgency. Our message to the world must not waver: repent, believe, obey—before it’s too late.

Baptism: The Antitype of the Flood
In 1 Peter 3:20–21, Peter explains that Noah’s salvation through water foreshadowed baptism. The water didn’t save Noah by magic—it saved him because he obeyed God’s instructions. Today, the same is true. Baptism isn’t a ritual bath—it’s the response of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has always used water as a dividing line between the old life and the new. By faith, we enter that water trusting in God's promise to cleanse and forgive.

Never Change the Message
Noah didn’t dilute God’s warning to make people feel better. We must not either. The world will be condemned not by us personally, but by the message we preach. As Christians, we are called to declare the same message Noah preached: repent or perish. And like Noah, we do it by faith—trusting that God is just, God is holy, and God keeps His word.

Sermon Outline: By Faith Noah

• Introduction
  • Worship strengthens faith in a corrupt world
  • Noah as our example in dark times
• I. The Wickedness of Noah’s Generation (Genesis 6)
  • Evil thoughts continually
  • God grieved—resolved to destroy mankind
• II. Noah Found Grace
  • One man among millions
  • Noah was told to build and preach
• III. Saving Faith Is Obedient (Hebrews 11:7)
  • Godly fear led to action
  • Belief plus obedience equals righteousness
• IV. The Coming Judgment (2 Peter 3)
  • Past flood, future fire
  • Scoffers will deny it, but it is certain
• V. Mocked, Yet Faithful
  • Noah preached for decades with few results
  • We must do the same without changing the message
• VI. Baptism and the Ark (1 Peter 3)
  • Water saved Noah, water saves today
  • Baptism is the response of faith
• Conclusion
  • The door will close—judgment is final
  • Keep preaching the truth no matter the response

Scripture References

• Genesis 6:5–13
• Hebrews 11:7
• 2 Peter 3:3–13
• Acts 17:30–31
• 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10
• Romans 5:1
• 1 Peter 3:20–21