Noah Builds an Ark – Part 2

      

Introduction (Genesis 6:9–22; Hebrews 11:7)
Noah’s life teaches us that obedience is not partial but complete. When God gave Noah the plan for the ark, Noah followed it exactly. His example reminds us that salvation is granted through obedience motivated by faith, and by God’s grace that always keeps His promises.

Obedience Requires Following the Plan
When God gives instructions, He expects them to be followed precisely. Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that Moses was warned to make the tabernacle according to the pattern shown him. Jesus taught that man must live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4). The scribes and Pharisees were condemned because they failed to obey all that God commanded (Matthew 23:23).
Like Noah, we must resist the temptation to skip steps or add our own ideas. God commands unity in one body (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 1:10), yet people divide into denominations. He commands baptism (Matthew 28:19–20), yet many treat it as optional. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Partial obedience is disobedience. Noah’s complete obedience brought grace; our obedience, too, leads us to salvation through Christ (Hebrews 5:8–9).

God’s Promise of Punishment
While God is love (1 John 4:8) and rich in mercy (Titus 3:5), He punishes disobedience. 2 Peter 2:4–9 declares that He spared not the angels who sinned, nor the old world, nor Sodom and Gomorrah. God has proven He will carry out judgment. His promise of hell for the unfaithful is not idle but certain. Punishment gives weight to His call for obedience.

The Ark as a Type of the Church
Peter connected Noah’s ark with the church (1 Peter 3:20–21). Both were designed by God and both have a divinely given pattern. Both were built by men under God’s instruction. The ark saved Noah’s family from destruction; the church saves souls today. In Noah’s day, all the saved were in the ark; today, all the saved are in the church Christ purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25–27).
The ark had one door; the church has one door, Christ Himself (John 10:9). God controlled that door in both cases. Both were supplied with light. Both used water as a dividing line of salvation—the flood then, baptism now. In both, salvation comes only by the grace of God.

Salvation Through Water
God has often used water as a dividing line between life and death, salvation and judgment. Noah’s flood (Genesis 6), the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), the bitter waters of Marah (Exodus 15), the water at Meribah (Exodus 17; Numbers 20), Gideon’s army at the river (Judges 7), the Jordan crossing into Canaan (Joshua 3), ceremonial washing in the tabernacle (Exodus 30), Naaman’s cleansing (2 Kings 5)—all show God’s power and authority connected to water. Peter said plainly: “Baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).

Salvation by Faith, Obedience, and Grace
Hebrews 11:7 says Noah was moved with godly fear and prepared an ark to save his household. Noah’s obedience was motivated by faith. Ultimately, Noah was saved by God’s grace. Hebrews 9:15 and 11:13–16 remind us that salvation is the promise of God to those who remain faithful. Noah trusted God’s word, obeyed God’s commands, and received God’s deliverance.

Noah Builds an Ark – Part 2 Sermon Outline:

• Introduction – Noah’s obedience (Genesis 6:9–22; Hebrews 11:7).

• Obedience Requires Following the Plan

  • God expects precise obedience (Hebrews 8:5).

  • Jesus’ call to live by every word (Matthew 4:4; 23:23).

  • Noah obeyed completely and received grace (Hebrews 5:8–9).

• God’s Promise of Punishment

  • Love and mercy balanced by justice (1 John 4:8; Titus 3:5).

  • Punishment assured (2 Peter 2:4–9).

• The Ark as a Type of the Church

  • Both designed by God with a pattern (1 Peter 3:20–21).

  • One door for salvation (John 10:9).

  • All the saved inside, grace as the means.

• Salvation Through Water

  • Flood, Red Sea, Marah, Meribah, Gideon, Jordan, tabernacle, Naaman (Genesis 6; Exodus 14–15, 17; Numbers 20; Judges 7; Joshua 3; Exodus 30; 2 Kings 5).

  • Baptism now saves (1 Peter 3:21).

• Salvation by Faith, Obedience, and Grace

  • Noah’s faith led to obedience (Hebrews 11:7).

  • God’s grace ultimately saves (Hebrews 9:15; 11:13–16).

Call to Action
Like Noah, we must obey God’s plan fully, not partially. God’s instructions are clear, and His promises are sure. There is one church, one Savior, one way of salvation. Let us be moved by faith, yield in obedience, and receive the grace of God in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Obedience requires following God’s plan completely (Hebrews 8:5).

• God promises punishment for the disobedient (2 Peter 2:4–9).

• The ark is a type of the church; salvation is found inside (1 Peter 3:20–21).

• Water marks God’s dividing line for salvation (1 Peter 3:21).

• Salvation comes by faith, obedience, and grace together (Hebrews 11:7).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 6:9–22 – Noah builds the ark.

• Hebrews 11:7 – Noah’s faith and obedience.

• Hebrews 8:5 – Obey the pattern.

• Matthew 4:4; 23:23 – Living by every word of God.

• John 14:15 – Love requires obedience.

• 2 Peter 2:4–9 – Judgment on the disobedient.

• 1 Peter 3:20–21 – Ark and baptism as types.

• John 10:9 – Jesus is the door.

• Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Unity in one body.

• Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25–27 – Christ purchased the church.

• Titus 3:5; 1 John 4:8 – God’s mercy and love.

• Hebrews 9:15; 11:13–16 – Salvation promised by God.

 

Mike Glenn