How Did Noah Build The Ark? The same way we should build our faith.

Introduction "By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7). How did Noah build the ark?  From a carpenter's perspective, one might consider the materials and skill necessary to put them together.  But from a spiritual perspective, much more was involved.  Considering the above verse, let's observe how Noah built the ark.

With Listening Ears: -- Noah was "warned of God" and the necessary implication is that he listened to that warning.  People being warned of impending disaster get prepared, yet when it comes to spiritual disaster, they ignore the warnings. True hearing, however, doesn't make reference to how well we hear audibly, but how well we understand spiritually.  After teaching the parable of the sower, Jesus said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8), and later warned, "Take heed therefore how ye hear" (vs. 18). 

The seven churches of Asia were told to hear the message in Revelation 2,3. Hearing God requires an "honest and good heart" (vs. 15) – a heart that is not hardened by sin, endeared to this world, nor tainted by improper motives.  Noah was able to build the ark because he listened the same way Samuel did. "Speak Jehovah, for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9).

With Active Feet: -- While we may be prone to quickly read past the scriptural point that says Noah "moved," let us remember that God called him to perform a task which he could not have accomplished if he had spent all of his time looking at the blueprint. God calls us to action as well.  To His faithful, He says "Go...and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19).  Our best intentions in hearing the Lord will be of no avail if we don't put it into action (see Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 8:21; James 2:21-24).

With A Reverent Spirit: -- Noah's attitude behind his action was "godly fear" or reverence -- something woefully lacking with many in this day and time.  It is indispensable in pleasing God (2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:28,29).  Many hear only what they want to hear, and do only what their carnal appetites dictate (John 3:19,20). Noah's godly fear elicited awe at God's greatness to bring to pass that whereof He warned -- "things not seen as yet" -- as well as the humility to acknowledge his own littleness and dependence on God: "Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psalm 100:3).

With Working Hands: -- While noting Noah's activity above, it was not without the direction of God -- Noah "prepared an ark.“ In Genesis 6:14-16, God revealed in minute detail the divine pattern he was to obey, specifying the materials used, the dimensions for its length, width and height, and instruction regarding a window, door, and how many stories that would be in the ark.  A summation of Noah's work is given: "Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him, so did he" (Genesis 6:22).  Many in the realm of religion today busy themselves diligently at great sacrifice of time, energy and money in activities that God does not authorize in His word; that which does not fit God's pattern in His word. 

All such labors are vain and will be condemned in judgment as "iniquity" (Psalm 127:1; Matthew 7:21-23).  However, God does command His people to be faithful to do "good works" which He has purposed and revealed for our good (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10).

With A Brave Heart: -- By Noah's life of faith he "condemned the world."  He was not afraid to be different from the world around him; "Noah was a righteous man, and perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).  Nor was he ashamed to speak the will of God to an ungodly world, being described as "a preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5).  Likewise, God's people now, with the same faith as Noah's, must stand strong and courageous against the wickedness in our time instead of compromising with it (2 Corinthians 6:14ff; Philippians 1:27,28; Ephesians 5:7-11; Romans 12:1,2).

With Concern For Others: -- Noah "saved his house.“ While some might judge Noah's influence on others as small, let it be observed that he was able to accomplish, by the saving of his family, what many Christians today fail to do.  "No man is an island."  This is especially true for God's people, who must endeavor to have a positive influence on others by letting our lights shine in a world darkened by sin (Matthew 5:16), and helping those burdened by the guilt of their sins to obey Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30; James 5:19,20).  May we show such wisdom, especially toward our families (Daniel 12:3).

Conclusion So again, how did Noah build the ark? Yes, it was by faith – it was: a faith that comes by hearing God (Romans 10:17), a faith which moves, A faith shown in a reverent spirit, a faith which obeys God by doing good works, a faith which inspires courage, as well as concern for lost souls.  Do you have such faith?