The Faith of Noah

Hebrews 11:7

(Read Genesis 6-8 for background)

Read Genesis 6:1-12 and describe the general environment and people of Noah’s day.  Verse 9b reads, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”  What does it mean that he was a “righteous” man? What does it mean to “walk” with God?  

Hebrews 11:7a reads, “By faith, when warned about things not yet seen…” What did God warn Noah about? (Genesis 6:13-21) In what respect was it difficult for Noah to believe the things God warned him about? Yet, Noah believed. How was Noah able to believe? 

What warnings can be found in the Book of Hebrews about things not yet seen? (2:1-4; 3:7-4:13; 5:11-6:20; 10:26-31; 12:15-29; 13:4) What does the Book of Hebrews tell us to do in regard to these warnings?

What other warnings are in the Bible about things not yet seen? (Luke 17:26;  2Pe 3:7; Rev 21:8; 22:15) What should we do in view of these warnings? 

Hebrews 11:7 tells us that Noah not only believed but also “in holy fear built the ark to save his family”. What does “holy fear” mean? In what respect was it a challenge for Noah to build the ark? Yet, how could Noah complete this project according to God’s command? What practical applications can we find from Noah’s example in our own walk with the Lord? 

Read Hebrews 11:7b. What do the following statements mean? (1) By his faith he condemned the world; (2) and became heir of the righteousness; and (3) [the righteousness] that comes by faith.