Hebrews 11:7

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

Context:Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “faith chapter” or the “hall of faith” because it lists many individuals who demonstrated great faith in God. In this verse, the author highlights the faith and actions of Noah.

Noah’s Faith:Noah is commended for his faith in God. He believed and trusted in God’s warning about the impending flood, even though at that time, there had been no rain and no flood in human history. Noah’s faith allowed him to look beyond the present circumstances and believe in the unseen.

Response to God’s Warning:Noah’s faith led to action. He moved with fear, which can be understood as a reverential fear or a healthy respect for God’s authority. In response to God’s warning, Noah began to prepare an ark. This demonstrated his obedience to God and his willingness to do what God commanded.

Salvation of His Household:Noah’s obedience resulted in the salvation of his household. The ark that he prepared became the means through which his family was saved from the flood. Noah’s faith not only impacted his own life but also the lives of those closest to him. His example teaches us the importance of our faith influencing and benefiting our families.

Condemnation of the World:Noah’s faith and obedience stood in stark contrast to the wickedness of the world around him. By following God’s instructions and building the ark, Noah condemned the world’s unbelief and disobedience. The flood served as a judgment upon the wickedness of humanity, while Noah and his family found favour with God.

Inheritance of Righteousness:The verse concludes by stating that Noah “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” This means that Noah’s faith and obedience to God positioned him as a recipient of God’s righteousness. Through his faith, Noah was declared righteous in God’s sight and found favour with Him.

• Noah’s faith in God’s warning and his obedient response serve as a powerful example for believers today. Faith requires trust and action.
• Our faith can have a positive impact on those around us, particularly our families. Noah’s obedience resulted in the salvation of his household.
• God’s righteousness is not earned through works but is received by faith. Noah became an heir of righteousness through his faith in God.