IF YOU HAD BEEN NOAH
Introduction:
1. Heb. 11:7--"By Faith Noah...."
2. Often we associate self with characters we admire. Look to the
story of Noah.
I. WOULD YOU HAVE FOUND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD? Gen. 6:8
Noah stood above his enviornment. So what if everyone else is
doing it!Gen 6:9.
"Righteous" "Just"(KJ) Original word has to do with being rigid.
Noah would not bend or weave, he stood firm. He had
convictions. At home, work, or play.
"Noah walked with God" (vs 9). How?? (Not a fleshly
relationship!) 2 Cor. 5:7;
Rom 10:17; Amos 3:3. "How can two walk together, except
they be...
So often man thinks there must be some mystical, mysterious,
better felt than told connection between himself and
Jehovah. Not enough for him to take God at his Word and by
faith to do what he says. Yet, that is exactly what Noah
did. Heb 11:7.
II. WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR REACTION TO THE JOB TO BE DONE?
God asked a great thing of him. "A Boat??" How large??? 300
cubits, 50,30?? Thats BIG!! Length of football field, and
another half,plus. Where did he plug in his skill saw?? Or
his Black and Decker Drill?? Who made his
nails for him??? GOPHER WOOD???
No indication that Noah offered any excuses, or began to quibble
with the Lord.
Suppose Noah already had a boat??? Couldn't we just use it??
Suppose Noah would have begun and then quit, not finishing the
task??
What we are saying, NOAH'S TASK WAS NOT AN EASY ONE!!!!
But then, the Lord has not asked man to do only what is
EASY.
Some things required of us are most difficult, very
demanding. Especially when we sometimes seem to stand
alone, None to encourage us, None to assist us, rather
only those who oppose and object.
III. WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN SATISFIED WITH THE LORD'S PLAN??
People want to build their own ark, they have their own ideas
(Mt. 16:13), and they want to make their own arrangements.
No doubt, if the present society would have been there, they
would have figured out a better way of doing it. A more
logical and reasonable solution.
But, what man has never learned is: Man cannot improve on God's
ways.
God has given a plan of salvation: Faith, Repentance, Baptism.
But, man does not like the plan. So, Faith only, Saved by
grace alone, etc.etc.
God has given the plan for organization; for worship; for work;
etc. Man comes along and seeks to improve on every aspect
of what God has said.
2 Tim 3:16, 17--If we have more than what the scriptures provide
then it is not a good work. Doing something will not
suffice, unless it is doing what the Lord says. Noah could
not just build a boat. Not just any boat would have
floated. Why GOPHER WOOD? Boy, what a drag!! Why not just
what is convenient, at hand??
Deut. 12:32 -- Do what I command you.....do not add to, nor
diminish from.....
2 John 9 -- Limited by the teachings of Christ, what He
authorizes.
How can I know what the Lord wants me to do??? Listen to
what He says. My ideas will never count.
Rev. 22:18, 19 -- Do not add to; do not take away from......
IV. WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN SATISFIED JUST TO SAVE THE ONES THE
LORD SAID SHOULD BE SAVED?
1 Pet. 3:20-- 8 souls saved. Is that all Lord??? What about the
rest??
How often do men today attempt to smoothe over what the Lord
says.
Mt. 7:13, 14 -- many to be lost; few to be saved. We need
not try to soften what the Lord has said. But, is not
that harsh language. Sure it is, but it is also truth.
Not saying that we should be pleased with the fact that the
multitudes will be lost. Surely, Noah took no
consolation when he saw the mases who refused him,
drowning in the flood. But, it was not Noah's decision.
It was their decision; Did they not have opportunity to
hear and obey Noah's warnings.
Often the prejudicial question is asked: "Do you believe that
only the members of the church of Christ are going to be
saved?" Actually it matters not what I do or do not
believe. What does God's Word say??? We shall all be
judged by the word that Jesus gave -- John 12:48.
Mark 16:16--This is what Christ commanded and I cannot remove
it, nor lessen the demands of it. And, if the whole
would refuses it, it still stands.
Conclusion:
1. What is my attitude toward what God has told me to do? What is
yours???
2. Our attitude determines what we would have done had we been
Noah.
3. Would you build??? Or would you go your merry way and ignore
what he said??
Lord, don't bother me right now.
4. What a sobering thought. To be faced with the decision of
whether or not to obey the commandments of the Lord. But then,
we have the same choice as did Noah.
5. It took FAITH on the part of Noah. And, it will take FAITH on
your part.
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