The Witness of Faith
By Faith- 5
TITLE: The Witness of Faith
TEXT: Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:13-22
THESIS: Noah's testimony is a significant illustration of the characteristics of saving faith, showing that true faith is reflected in the believer's actions. These qualities include preparation for judgment, perseverance in the face of ridicule, protection from God, proclamation of righteousness, and praise to God.
TRUTH: The first part of Hebrews 11 focused on faith and the things unseen (vv. 1-7). It now concludes with the example of Noah. Like Abel, Noah was a righteous man (Genesis 6:9; 7:1). He walked with God (Gen. 6:9), as did Enoch. What is singled out here is that when God warned Noah about things not yet seen, he responded obediently to God’s word and began to make practical preparations for the day when that word would come true. Noah, then, is the first of the attested witnesses whose faith meant taking God at His word, a faith that is clearly forward-looking.[1]
I. Faith Witnesses through Preparation (Genesis 6:13-22; Hebrews 11:7)
Explanation: The term rendered “solemnly warned” is used of a divine communication and clearly refers to God’s warning to Noah about the flood that would sweep over the entirety of the earth.
When studying the story of the flood, the expositor must remember that the account is one of swift and terrible judgment on sinful rebellion. The narrative begins by contrasting Noah with his generation, the way of righteousness with the way of open rebellion against God.[2]
The corruption of the earth is reported in two stages: verse 11 states that the earth was corrupt and full of violence, and then verse 12 records that God saw that the earth was corrupt. And, if this report were not enough, a causal clause is added to explain that all flesh had corrupted itself. Three times in these two verses, the term “corrupt” is used. This word, as well as “violence,” gives a graphic description of human nature at its worst. Psalm 14 also speaks of the race’s corruption and then elaborates on it. The evil that God saw filled the earth, except for Noah.[3]
In the second part of the chapter, the records show God’s action to address it. Because of the corruption, God is determined to destroy them. Ruin leads to devastation. Chapter 7 opens with the Lord’s command for Noah to take his family and the animals into the ark. The term ‘blot out,’ translated ‘destroy,’ occurs again in verse 4. This statement repeats the announcement of the destruction in Genesis 6:7. When the destruction is over, the wicked will be gone.[4]
After reporting the command to enter the ark, the text says that “Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him” (v.5). It is further repeated in verse 9 after the elaboration of entering the ark.
Just as Noah received specific instructions from God and obediently built the ark, we too must prepare by faith for what God has called us to do, even if the first step is into the unknown. We, too, are called to prepare ourselves for the coming judgment. Noah’s preparations were not simply about constructing an ark; they were about embodying faith and obedience. Remember, in a society that ridiculed his efforts, Noah stood resolute, a testament to the grace of God and to Noah’s devotion.
Recognize the specific areas in your life where God is urging you to act.
II. Faith Witnesses through Perseverance (Hebrews 11:7)
Explanation: Noah faced ridicule for his unwavering commitment to God’s command. In our journey, we might also face skepticism. I have already addressed the conditions when Noah lived. Despite being surrounded by a society that mocked him for his actions, Noah remained steadfast in following God’s command to build the ark.
The ridicule Noah faced is akin to the skepticism we encounter in our own lives when we stand firm in our beliefs. In Hebrews 11:7, we see how Noah was commended for his faith because he acted on things not yet seen, showing that true faith often requires stepping out into the unknown, despite what others may say. Noah was not only obeying God but also serving as a witness to the world. For decades, he toiled in the blazing sun and biting winds. His hands, calloused and worn, spoke of years of faithfulness, while true testament was in his heart, which never calloused before God. Not only did he work, but his very soul worked as well.
He stood alone as a sentinel against the tide of scorn. His heart remained steadfast with unwavering devotion to the divine mandate entrusted to him. While the world around was a canopy of laughter and derision, he remained a pillar of faith against the gales of disbelief that blew against him.
In our own journeys of faith, when we encounter skepticism or ridicule, we are called to hold fast as Noah did. 1 Peter 4:12-14 reminds us to rejoice in our suffering for Christ because it aligns us more closely with Him. Just as Noah found favor in God’s eyes, our faith in God amid skepticism can lead to blessings and ultimately to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Embrace the call, even if it feels daunting or outside your comfort zone.
III. Faith Witnesses through Proclamation (Genesis 6:9; Hebrews 11:7)
Explanation: In Genesis 6:9, Noah is described as “a righteous man, blameless in his generation,” emphasizing his unique character amid a corrupt society. This righteousness was not merely about his moral stance but also about his active commitment to God’s will, seen vividly in his role as a “preacher of righteousness” (2Pter 2:5).
Both Noah’s life and actions served as a proclamation, demonstrating that living according to God’s standards is a powerful witness to the truth. His construction of the ark over many years, despite the ridicule from his contemporaries, illustrated his unwavering faith and dedication not only to God but also to the prophetic message of coming judgment.
His proclamation was twofold: it served both as a divine warning and an invitation to redemption. Picture him, with the sweat on his brow mingling with tears of anguish for the lost, urging them to seek refuge from the coming storm. What a vivid scene it must have been -the righteous man of God bearing the weight not just of wood but of the souls of his contemporaries as he beckoned them to the safety of the ark.
As a ‘preacher of righteousness,’ each day was steeped in his mission: To build an ark, to implore hearts, to awaken slumbering souls from death, to plead with them to come into the safety of the ark. For this reason, his very existence was a testament to the justice and mercy of God.
Prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for the steps ahead, trusting in God’s guidance.
IV. Faith Witnesses through Protection (Genesis 7:1; Hebrews 11:7)
Explanation: In Genesis 7:1, we read that God called Noah into the ark and gave him explicit instructions for salvation amid the impending judgment. This act of divine protection wasn’t just for Noah but extended to his family, illustrating the covenant relationship God had with him. The ark symbolizes safety and refuge, emphasizing that God is a protective shelter in times of turmoil. Noah’s obedience to God’s command is a testimony of faith and serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to God’s guidance, especially when faced with challenges.
Just as God safeguarded Noah and Noah's family, God calls us to take up the mantle of protection for those entrusted to us, nurturing their relationships with Him so they, too, can find refuge in the promise of salvation. You are the guiding voice that those around you seek refuge in the safety of the Ark -Christ. We are to invite them into the shelter who is Christ. Only in Him is there peace in the midst of storms, only He can save you from the coming flood of God’s righteous judgment upon the earth. In mercy, the same God who is coming in judgment provides the means of escape beforehand.
Christ, much like the ark, stands as a refuge amid the tempestuous seas of life.
Christ is the vessel ordained by God to provide salvation amid divine judgment. Consider, if you will, the ark’s sturdy and carefully crafted timbers, each one a testament to God’s providence and care. As the floodwaters raged and the earth was engulfed in chaos, the ark remained a steadfast bastion of hope, safeguarding Noah and his family. Likewise, Christ, in His infinite grace, serves as the ark of Grace, and He is the “Door” to all who desire atonement for sin and reconciliation with God.
Act decisively, knowing that following His promptings leads to growth and transformation.
V. Faith Witnesses through Praise (Genesis 8:20-22)
Explanation: Noah’s first action upon exiting the ark is notable -he builds an altar. This deliberate act of constructing an altar signifies the importance of worship and recognition of God’s sovereignty. By offering clean animals, Noah acknowledges God's holiness and worth.
God’s response to Noah’s offering reveals His pleasure in the act of worship. The phrase “pleasing aroma” is not just a metaphor for God’s satisfaction with the sacrifice; it signifies that true worship connects the worshipper with God’s heart.
Imagine the diverse aromas that arise from a kitchen filled with spices and herbs, each one unique yet blending perfectly to create an extraordinary bouquet. Similarly, faith embodies different dimensions -trust, hope, love, and obedience -each contributing to a pleasing aroma that reaches the heavens.
When a person acts in faith, it’s like lighting a beautiful incense. Each prayer, each act of kindness, and each moment of surrender adds to this aroma, drawing us closer to His divine presence. Just as we associate certain scents with special memories or moments, God recognizes the fragrance of genuine faith as an expression of our devotion and reliance on Him.
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