By Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke.

I. Grounded on the Word of God - (Heb 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 (ex., fishermen letting down their net again, Paul in the storm on the way to Rome) 

II. It’s sphere – He laid hold on “things not seen as yet.” He labored at building an ark when no one understood. It had never rained.

III. It’s character – He was “moved by fear.”

Spurgeon said, “He who does not believe that God will punish sin, will not believe that He will pardon it through the atoning blood.”

IV. The evidence of Noah’s faith – He “prepared an ark.” Faith without works is dead, or lifeless and merely nominal. He manifested his faith by his sacrifice and labor. The expression of faith will cost you. 

V. The issue of his faith – Noah “prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” While it is true that no one can be saved by proxy, there are examples of some being blessed by the faith of others.

Consider Abraham’s faith leading to the land of Canaan being given to his seed. Or the sick of the palsy who was delivered when Jesus saw the faith of those who carried him. Also remember Rahab, whose actions saved her household.

VI. The witness of Noah’s faith – Our text informs us that “he condemned the world.” Faith is the opposite of sin.

Faith is not just an action, it is an attitude. It is submission to God. It is the entire dependency on God. We walk by faith, the world walks by sight.

We live for God’s glory, they seek self-gratification. We live for eternity, they live for time.

VII. The reward of Noah’s faith – He “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Faith brings a present blessing and wins God’s smile of approval.

However, the ultimate and glorious blessing of faith will not come until the Son Himself has entered into His final glory as the “heir of all things” (Heb. 1:2). It is then that we shall enjoy the fullness of being joint heirs with Christ.