Life Lessons from Hebrews: Noah

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

Genesis 6:13-22

So God said to Noah: ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.’ Read further in your own Bible.

Who was Noah?

1. Genesis 6:9–10 describes him as a righteous man and someone who walked with God in a time when most people were unholy and violent.
2. He was the son of Lamech and had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
3. His life stood out because he was faithful to God, even when society mocked his faith.

Noah’s life of faith

1. The Bible says this of Noah: he walked with God. This means he trusted and obeyed God’s will — not merely through rituals but in daily life and deeds.
2. In Hebrews 11:7 he is specifically mentioned as a hero of faith:
   “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family…” — which shows that his faith was practical and active.
3. His faith drove him to do what God said, even though he had not yet seen what was going to happen — a key aspect of biblical faith.

The command to build an ark

1. God told Noah to build an ark because He wanted to judge the corrupt world through a worldwide flood.
2. The ark had to be made of gopher wood and built according to precise dimensions and instructions.
3. God explained to Noah that He was going to send the flood, but that Noah and his family would be protected in it.
4. Noah obeyed and did everything that God commanded, and it took decades of hard work.

The meaning of the ark

1. The ark was not just a “ship” but an instrument of salvation — it also symbolises how faith in God’s deliverance works.
2. Noah was likely a preacher of righteousness, who tried to bring the message of God’s judgement and salvation to people while they mocked him.
3. His preparation of the ark was a practical expression of his faith and made his faith stand against the unbelief of his time.

Noah’s life of faith

1. He was righteous, trusting and obedient to God.
2. His faith was active — he responded to God’s word by building, warning and persevering.
3. Noah’s faith speaks of ‘faith in action’ – without asking questions or doubting, he carried out the command.
4. Noah believed unconditionally:
   1. He prepared – space and food for all the animals, and family
   2. He followed the building instructions, as specified by God
   3. He and his household believed together and worked together on the task assigned to Noah
   4. The concept of rain was new – up to that point it had never rained on the earth
   5. He did not let himself be put off by the people who mocked him

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