NOAH: Who Was He? Part 1
Noah’s father prophesied that his son would bring rest or comfort to God’s people.
“And he named him Noah, saying, ‘This one will bring us relief from the agonizing labor of our hands, caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.’” (Genesis 5:29, Christian Standard Bible [CSB])
In a world full of corruption and violence. One man stood out.
“Noah, however, found favor with the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8, CSB)
Why did Yahweh find Noah favorable? Noah was righteous.
“These are the family of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9; Christian Standard Bible)
“This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” (Genesis 6:9; New Living Translation)
What does it mean to be righteous?
In the Bible, "righteous" generally refers to a state of being right with God, characterized by living according to God's standards (which requires obedience) and upholding justice and righteousness in one's relationships with others. It's not just about outward actions but also about the purity (alignment with God’s will) of one's heart and motives.
Noah was blameless. What does it mean to be blameless?
He was blameless in his generation, standing out among the people of his day, living an honest, upright and morally good exemplary life. This doesn’t mean he was SINLESS.
Essentially, being blameless before God is a journey of continual growth as we strive to live a life that reflects the God we worship.
Noah walked with God.
Finally, Noah walked with God, which puts him in the same class as his great grandfather, Enoch (Genesis 5:24); Noah had an intimate relationship with God.
"Walking with God" is a daily practice of seeking His guidance and living in His presence.
Noah was also known as a preacher of righteousness.
“… and if he [God] didn’t spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, …” (2 Peter 2:5, CSB)
In 120 years, only 8 souls were saved.
Rev. Alexander Whyte from the 1800’s speculates that Noah probably did not build the ark by himself. More than likely he hired skilled men who helped cut down trees, lay the planks and caulk the seams of the finished ship. “Those very men failed to take a passage in that ship for themselves, for their wives and for their children …” I can only imagine the anger and regret for not getting inside the ark they built!
Couldn’t we say that Noah significantly failed as a preacher?
PART 2: NOAH: Soft Preaching and the Feel Good Gospel
Here’s a teaser: God Will Bring You Friends That Celebrate You | Fake Friends | Joel Osteen
(Drops next Sunday
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