Noah Builds an Ark

      

Introduction:
Genesis 6:22 records, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Noah’s obedience to God in building the ark remains one of the greatest examples of faith in action. Today we examine how his trustful obedience offers lessons for our own walk with God.

God Demands Obedience
Since the beginning of time, God has always required obedience. Adam and Eve were commanded in Eden. Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because he offered it by faith according to God’s word (Hebrews 11:4). Christians today begin their walk with God upon an act of obedience through baptism (Romans 6:17–18; Hebrews 5:8–9). Jesus reminded His disciples that obedience is inseparable from friendship with Him: “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). The Great Commission requires us not only to be baptized but to continue observing all that Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:18–20).

The Example of Noah
Genesis 6:9–22 records God’s detailed instructions for the ark: its size, its material, its rooms, and its covering. Verse 22 stands as Noah’s legacy—“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” His obedience was complete and heartfelt. Like Enoch, who “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24), Noah lived faithfully even though the world around him was filled with wickedness. Obedience is not perfection, but it is faith in action from the heart (Romans 6:17).

Lessons from Noah’s Obedience

1. Most of the World Will Be Lost
   Noah’s world perished in the flood. Jesus said many walk the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13–14). Salvation is found only in Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). The Lord’s church, purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25–27), is the ark of safety today.

2. God’s Patience Has Limits
   Though God is longsuffering, His patience has an end (2 Peter 3:9). He gave up Gentile nations who refused to honor Him (Romans 1:24–28). Jesus lamented Jerusalem for its stubborn disobedience (Matthew 23:37–39). Noah’s generation proves that judgment will come when rebellion persists.

3. God’s Love Does Not Cancel His Justice
   God is perfect in love, but also perfect in justice. He comforts the faithful (2 Thessalonians 1:7) but punishes the disobedient with eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9). As Romans 12:19 says, vengeance belongs to God, and He will repay.

4. One Person Can Stand Faithful
   Noah obeyed even when alone. He built for decades, mocked by neighbors, without a single convert outside his family (2 Peter 2:5). Yet God and one faithful man were enough (Romans 8:31). Noah proves that righteousness is possible in any generation.

5. God Always Has a Plan
   God gave Noah precise instructions. Salvation has always been by God’s design, never man’s imagination. Abel worshiped according to faith (Hebrews 11:4), Gideon fought by God’s plan, and today salvation comes only by obedience to the gospel (Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Faith means following God’s plan.

Noah Builds an Ark Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Genesis 6:22 – Noah’s obedience as the key example.

• God Demands Obedience (Romans 6:17–18; Hebrews 5:8–9; John 15:14; Matthew 28:18–20).

• The Example of Noah (Genesis 6:9–22; Genesis 5:24; Romans 6:17).

• Lessons from Noah’s Obedience:

  • Most of the World Will Be Lost (Matthew 7:13–14; Acts 4:12; John 14:6; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25–27).

  • God’s Patience Has Limits (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 1:24–28; Matthew 23:37–39).

  • God’s Love Does Not Cancel His Justice (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Romans 12:19).

  • One Person Can Stand Faithful (2 Peter 2:5; Romans 8:31).

  • God Always Has a Plan (Hebrews 11:4; Judges 7; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

• Conclusion: Noah’s obedience preserved his family and fulfilled God’s purpose.

Call to Action
Just as Noah entered the ark in faith and obedience, we must enter Christ through faith, repentance, and baptism. Salvation is not found in the wisdom of men, but in doing “according to all that God commanded.” Let us be known as people who obey all the way, no matter the cost.

Key Takeaways

• Obedience is the measure of true friendship with Christ (John 15:14).

• Noah’s example proves that one person can live faithfully even in a corrupt world (2 Peter 2:5).

• God’s patience is real but not endless (2 Peter 3:9).

• God’s plan for salvation is precise and must be followed (Romans 10:17).

• Faithful obedience glorifies God and secures eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 6:9–22 – God’s instructions and Noah’s obedience.

• Genesis 5:24 – Enoch walked with God.

• Romans 6:17–18 – Obedience from the heart.

• Hebrews 5:8–9 – Salvation to the obedient.

• Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission.

• John 15:14 – Friendship with Christ requires obedience.

• Matthew 7:13–14 – Few will be saved.

• Acts 4:12; John 14:6 – Salvation only through Christ.

• Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25–27 – The church purchased by His blood.

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience.

• Romans 1:24–28 – God giving up rebellious nations.

• Matthew 23:37–39 – Christ lamenting Jerusalem.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 – Eternal destruction for the disobedient.

• Romans 12:19 – Vengeance belongs to God.

• 2 Peter 2:5 – Noah as a preacher of righteousness.

• Romans 8:31 – God and one faithful man are a majority.

• Hebrews 11:4 – Abel’s offering by faith.

• Romans 10:17 – Faith by hearing God’s word.

• 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 – The gospel plan of salvation.

Prepared by Mike Glenn