Why Study The Word?

The motivations for personal Bible study are God’s commands, spiritual strength for personal transformation, and preparation for Christian service.

An accepted axiom of Christianity states, “What a believer does is important. Equally significant are the reasons or motives behind their actions.” God desires for His people to engage in wholesome activities for reasons that are pleasing to Him. And of course anything that is pleasing to God is also good for the child of God. Then the question we must ponder at this point is, “Why study the Bible?” Why should a Christian invest the time and energy into the discipline of studying God’s Word? Isn’t reading the Bible good enough to satisfy our needs? Please consider these Bible-based prescriptions:

God Requires the Study of His Word

While it is true that Bible reading is quite beneficial, but substantial growth in grace and knowledge will certainly require study. Actually studying the Word is mandated by the Lord Himself. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Forthrightly this passage commands believers to study the Scriptures. The word “study” means “to be diligent, earnest, or eager." The idea is for us to make every effort to do our best. Christians should pull out all the stops to ensure we handle God’s truth accurately for personal development and effective ministry to others. Certainly the Lord Jesus deserves our very best efforts when we undertake for Him. This requires study on our part. J. Vernon McGee said,

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God.” You are to study, eager to do your utmost, to present yourself approved unto God. The workman here is evidently a teacher, which means he is to be a diligent student of the Word of God. –McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary

There is everything right with seeking to please God through a diligent Bible study life. Again this pleasing to the Lord. What genuine Christ-centered believer does not yearn to please the Lord who saved us from our sins? We are to work at this, and keep it as a high priority in our lives. A rich and deep personal study of the Word twice during the week would yield incredible insight into the Lord God, the Christian Faith, and spiritual development. Wiersbe insightfully added,

The emphasis in this paragraph is that the workman needs to be diligent in his labors so that he will not be ashamed when his work is inspected. “Rightly dividing” means “cutting straight” and can be applied to many different tasks: plowing a straight furrow, cutting a straight board, sewing a straight seam.— Wiersbe, Warren: The Bible Exposition Commentary

God expects each of His children to develop the discipline of studying His Word on a regular basis. The Lord Jesus challenged His Jewish contemporaries to “search the Scriptures” (Jn. 5:39). Let us take this great advice to heart as well.  Paul advised, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another ….” (Colossians 3:16). Clearly obedience to these passages requires study, meditation, and reflection on the Word as a habit. These statements contain good advice for us all. This NT imperative is applicable to every believer since we all should be capable of effectively communicating God’s truth to saints and sinners (1Pet. 3:15). Ultimately we are mindful of the reality that such diligence pleases the Lord and satisfies His requirements.  

Spiritual Strength for Transformed Living

Another reason for studying the Word is learning the Bible will make us stronger Christians (1Jn. 2:14). Just as natural food strengthens the body for daily life, God’s spiritual food fortifies the inner man in Christ for godly living. God wants us to be reinforced internally by the Word remaining constantly in us as a controlling influence. We need strength through the trials, temptations, and spiritual battles we will face as Christians.  God desires for us to wage warfare in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10-20).

Power from God is essential to spiritual development. Bible study significantly impacts our personal growth in Christ. Though this was briefly implied, many passages highlight individual enlargement as a worthy motive.

Acknowledging this encourages us tremendously in this challenging but personally rewarding endeavor. Consider these strengthening motivations for studying God’s Word. Bible Study will:

•         give assurance of Salvation (1Jn. 5:13)

•         give confidence and power in prayer (1Jn. 5:14, 15; Jn. 5:17)

•         cleanse the heart of sin (Jn. 15:3; 17:17; 1Jn. 1:9)

•         give guidance for decision making (Ps. 119:105)

•         identify and reinforce spiritual and moral values (Isa. 5:20; Matt. 6:19, 20, 33; Acts 5:29)

•         increase your knowledge of God, His ways, will, and potentially enter into greater intimacy with Him (2Pet. 1:2-4; 3:18)

•         stimulate spiritual growth and Christlike formation (2Cor. 3:17-18; 1Pet. 2:2, 3)

•         equip you to study the Bible for yourself

•         provide everything you need to know about life from God’s perspective

•         strengthen your faith against temptations in your daily walk (1Cor. 10:11-13)

Study and adherence to God's truth will sanctify and transform our values, priorities, desires, decisions, and plans.

Preparation for Service to Christ

In addition to God’s command and an increase in spiritual strength, studying the Bible will mature us and prepare us for a life of service to others. Notice what else Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

You see, Bible study will transform our life and equip us for service to Christ! Because the Scriptures are inspired and infallible, they are entirely authoritative for our faith, lives, and ministries.  Wiersbe observed,

Earlier Paul had called Timothy a “man of God” (1 Tim. 6:11); but here Paul states that any Christian can become a person “of God.” How? By studying the Word of God, obeying it, and letting it control his life. It is worth noting that all of the “men of God” named in Scripture—including Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, David, and Timothy—were men who were devoted to God’s Word.

The purpose of Bible study is not just to understand doctrines or to be able to defend the faith, as important as these things are. The ultimate purpose is the equipping of the believers who read it. It is the Word of God that equips God’s people to do the work of God. –Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary

Two words in 2 Timothy 3:17, are especially important: “perfect” and “furnished.” The word translated “perfect” means “complete, in fit shape, in fit condition.” It does not suggest sinless perfection. Rather, it implies being fitted for use.

“Furnished” has a similar meaning: “equipped for service.” In other words, the Word of God furnishes and equips a believer so that he can live a life that pleases God and do the work God would be pleased with. The better we know the Word, the better we are able to live and work for God.

There are many other healthy motives for studying God’s Word. None of which includes a place for pride, arrogance, becoming a ‘know-it-all,’ arguing and fighting with other believers, or a desire for distinction as a scholar. God never condones such carnal ambitions.

So, why should we study the Bible? Because God has commanded us to study it, it affords us spiritual strength to live for God and win the battles over sin and temptations, and it will mature us and prepare us for ministry in Christ’s name so that we significantly impact others for Christ’s glory. Through students of the Scriptures God has disciples capable of leading others to faith in Christ, developing authentic followers of our Lord, and furnishing the work of His churches with deeply spiritual and skilled servants. Many students of the Bible could personally testify to these claims.

What about you? Are you obeying our Lord's requirement to study? Are you developing in the Lord according to the image and stature of Christ Jesus? Are you engaged and capable of executing meaningful ministry through our Lord's church? If the answer is no to any of these questions, then you have reasons to schedule and follow through on a commitment to regular personal Bible study.

Jesus Will Get You Through This

MATT. 14:22-33; 1PET. 1:13

(Also See Mk. 6:45-56)

SUBJECT: TRIALS AND ADVERSITIES

During the Storms of Life, We must Maintain Our Faith in a Caring God Who Uses Trials to Strengthen Our Character and Deepen Our Commitment to Him and His Word. 

Since storms are a common part of every one of our individual and collective experiences, we should learn how to view them from God’s perspective, and how to respond to them to receive the maximum benefit.  Either we are in a storm, coming out of a storm or on our way back into another storm; it would behoove us to know something about trusting the Lord unwaveringly through them.  We need to prepare ourselves for the storms ahead.  Nothing exposes, examines, and strengthens our character like a storm!

Never allow yourself to doubt His ability to take you through the storms. Always remember, if God brought you to it...then He will get you through it. He indeed will escort and graciously lead you through this storm as you trust Him. 

God Never Promises us an Exemption from Life's Storms.

At no time in the teachings of Jesus do we find a promise to Christians that we are exempt from the struggles, sufferings, and storms of life. Rather, what we repeatedly find is the teaching that:

     *  God will be with us in the storms;

     *  God is greater than any storm;

     *  God will bring us through the storms of life as we trust in Him (and at times, He will choose to bring us through a storm directly to His presence in heaven); and

     *  God will always use a storm for our ultimate good—to strengthen us, refine us, and cause good to come our way—if we will trust in Him for His purposes to be accomplished in our lives.(Stanley)

At No TimeAre We Promised a Storm-free Life; It Does Not Matter How Committed We Are.

    *   Our challenge is not to avert or spend our efforts avoiding the inevitable

    *   But, rather, to set our hearts and minds to respond to stormy times in faith

    *   Peter writes this to the early churches as they faced Roman persecution:

1Peter 1:13, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

Peter’s advice is not, “Here's how to escape the storm.” Rather, he tells these believers who were facing intense times of trials solely because they are Christians, “Here's how to prepare for the trouble ahead.”

First, though we need to understand something about the nature or essential character of storms.

FIRST NOTE THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STORMS....  

Matthew 14:24, But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Genuine disciples of our Lord Jesus were facing a great storm that threaten their lives. It was the Lord Jesus' idea for them to get into the boat to proceed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This storm suddenly came upon them as they were executing the very will and plan of God for them. That is correct, being obedient is not an effective way of averting storms. Sometimes we face storms because we have been obedient. Obviously, the Master and Captain of our seas has a holy purpose for the storms of life. You may also recall that He meet with His disciples in the middle of this storm.  I would like to also call your attention to the fact that Jesus got them through this storm! The wonderful news is He will do the same for His children today as we trust Him.

A.  UNDERSTAND THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF STORMS

Generally speaking, there are two types of storms:

     1.  Storms That Strike Us Suddenly and Without Warning. These are not anticipated and there are little or no warnings. They include a sudden accident, a natural disaster, and perhaps a heart attack. Before we know it we are in the middle of such storms struggling to survive. Then after the initial storm there are long months of recovery, therapy, and reconstruction.  

     2.  Storms That We See Coming, Often Long in Advance of Their Arrival. This would include the young man who started out great in church, reading the Word, and walking with the Lord, but at about thirteen he starts missing church, hanging out in the wrong places, experimenting with drugs, and now at the ripe old age of 23 is serving time in the federal prison for homicide. We could just about anticipate where life was heading for him when he started neglecting basic spiritual disciplines. Long before the storm came we could see the clouds gathering on the horizon....

     3.  Both Types of Storms Come Our Way. There Is No Escaping Them. It is important to recognize that unanticipated and anticipated storms will be woven into the fabric of our lives. This much we can bank on in a broken world. While we want to keep them to a minimum by avoiding foolish mistakes, we cannot avoid them altogether. The best thing to do is adopt a perspective that helps us cope because the storms certainly will come (1Pet. 1:3). 

B.  REALIZE ALL STORMS HAVE A CAUSE 

What causes storms? Generally speaking they have four origins.

    1. There Are Storms That We Create.

We often hate to admit this fact, but we cause many of the problems we face in life:

         A.  Sometimes Willfully and out of a Rebellious Spirit

         B.  But Often Innocently and out of Ignorance

         C.  Sometimes Our Personality Gets Us into Troubles and Complications

       

    2. There Are Storms That Are Created by Others.

        A.  This Is Not an Endorsement for Blame-Shifting.

Really far fewer storms are created by others than most people claim. We all are prone to self-justification and attempts at blaming others for our problems.

        B. There are Genuine Instances Where the Failures and Actions of Others Hurt Us Directly.

Yes, there are some storms that are legitimately caused by other people.  Terrorism on 9/11 created a national storm for the United States of America and we are still feeling the winds and aftershocks today.

    3. There Are Storms That Are Created by General Circumstances.

 In these cases no one human being or group of people are at fault.

          * Natural disasters, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados etc.

          * General mechanical equipment failures,

          * And the wearing out or depletion of resources are examples

          * A flood would be a “storm” that might be considered circumstantial  

          * Some of the wide fires in California and the Midwest may be more circumstantial than divine judgments

    4.  There are Storms Which are Divine Testings.

2 Chron. 32:29-31, Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much. [30] This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.  [31] Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. (See also 2Kings 20:12-20)

Obviously the Lord was behind the testings in the king's life because of a specific moral failure.

              A.  Testing Can Bring out Our True Character.

                   1.  God tested Hezekiah to show him what he was really like and to show him his own shortcomings and the attitude of his heart.

                   2.  God did not totally abandon Hezekiah, nor did he tempt him to sin, or trick him.

                   3.  The test was meant to strengthen Hezekiah, develop his character, and prepare him for the tasks ahead.

                   4. The Bible teaches and explains God’s wholesome motives in permitting testing.

a. God does Evaluate us through testing, Deut. 8:2.

b. God permits testing to prove our loyalty and love for Him, Deut. 13:1–4.

c. God builds Confidence in His people in the dark episodes of life, Isaiah 50:10.

              B.  In Times of Calm, Many of Us Can Live a Good and Obedient Life.

1.      Have you ever heard the expression, “He sure talks a good walk”? Often what we say does not line up with our life. We might even begin to believe that we are more mature than we actually are when things are going well. 

2.      But, God does not want us to live with an inflated perception of our spiritual and moral strength. He uses storms to remove such illusions. 

3.      Are there any areas in your Christian life where your talk is better than your walk?  God may use a test or trial to help you discover these areas. 

4.      What steps can we take to bring our claims in line with our action?  God may use a trial to give us the commitment to find such answers.

              C. But Pressure, Trouble, Or Pain Will Quickly Reveal Our True Level Of Maturity. 

                        1. The Storms will remove our thin veneer of goodness unless our strength truly comes from a strengthening devotion and love for God.

                        2. APPLICATION:  What are you like under pressure or when everything is going wrong? Do you give in or turn to God? Those who are constantly in touch with God do not have to worry about what pressure may reveal about them. 

                        3. ILLUSTRATION:  We are sometimes like a tube of toothpaste, when life puts the squeeze on us, whatever is in us will come out!  If we are indeed filled with godly patience, peace, joy, and faith then the ‘squeeze’ will make this evident. 

                        4. But, if we are filled with anger, weak resolve, frustration, resentment, jealousy, and rage then the pressure will cause this to spill out also.

                        5. QUOTE: “What is true will remain true, even in suffering. We can't really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?” — Handbook on Bible Application

                        6. God wants to make us mature and complete, but not to keep us from all pain.

                                    a. Do not complain about your struggles; see them as opportunities for growth.

                                    b. Thank God for promising to be with you in tough times.

                                    c. Ask the Lord to help you solve your problems and give you strength to endure the challenges you must face.

                                    d. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow. Beloved, He will get you through the darkness of your storm. He will manifest Himself in ways you did not realize, and you will love and appreciate Him more because you shared a difficult and painful season together. Nothing knits our hearts to others like enduring common problems or enduring them together. The Lord provides this for us all the way through each storm if we trust Him for it.                                                     
Remember Paul's words to Timothy; the Lord God has already given us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. He actually seeks to strengthen these qualities in our lives to enhance their multiplied benefits to us. Second Timothy 1:7, actually says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Your response to every storm or situation that you face is to be in God's power, God's love, and with God's mind. Again He will get you through this storm also. 

When you are gripped by your fears in the middle of your storm, turn your gaze upon Christ--look to Him, redirect your heart to love, and constantly speak truth (God's Promises) to yourself and your storms or fears from the Word of God! Then with a soul full of confidence in God providence and care respond boldly to the storm that caused your fear. Let your actions be marked with trust and dependence on His love, grace, power, and wisdom. Do not feed your fears, instead feed your faith with the Word of the Lord. Never, never, never allow yourself to doubt or question His ability to get you through your storms. The Lord's plan for you is power, love, and a sound mind! Beloved, “be strong and of good courage.” (Josh. 1:5–9) The Lord Jesus will meet with you and get you through this also. 

Getting It Done By Faith

Heb. 11:6-7; 1Pet. 3:19-20; 2Pet. 2:5

Serving by faith pleases God; in Noah we find the faithful servant of God who satisfied God’s plan for his life in spite of the challenges he faced (Heb. 11:7). Faith will evidence itself through our commitment to serve our Lord’s plans and purpose for our lives; faith enables us to finish what we start. This does not suggest that we will not have periods of discouragement and perplexity, and it also does not imply we must become flawless in some way either. It does mean that faith in the heart and mind of genuine believers is productive—fruitful. It moves us to actions commensurate with confidence in God’s guidance, and we preserver until we are finish.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ⁷ By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, ^wmoved 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. (Hebrews 11:6-7)
 
By which also he [Jesus Christ] went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20, Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (1 Peter 3:19-20)

 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly (2 Peter 2:5)

Noah was obedient to God’s plan all the way through to completion! Obedience to God’s requirements can lead us down fairly lonely roads though…. Noah must have experience intense loneliness as he tried to execute God’s plan for him. Faith enables us to continue in His will though the path is challenging. We are not to fear being alone, standing alone, or having to serve God alone. Beware though…loneliness can become a means of frustrating God’s prescribed will for you and me if we fail to respect its power. We are not to value the perspectives and opinions of people—to fit in—more than we appreciate the statements of God's Word either. Sometimes we must stand alone on the principles of God’s Word. Being alone while serving God is not the worst thing! Failing to believe His clear statements, the Scriptures, is far worst and can be catastrophic. Believing God and continuing to execute His plans honors Him and enables us to get the serious stuff done.

There will be occasions when we must stand alone, believe God by ourselves, and serve the Lord consistently without much support from our extended family or society. Some of us may have to face such challenges for prolong periods of time. No doubt as we live godly, we will feel isolated while associates largely misunderstand us. Others may even ridicule us and our commitment to Christ. It helps to know we are not really alone; the Lord is with us and we can continue to live for His honor by resting in His Word. By taking His warnings seriously we can avoid the worst and experience God's best. Noah and His family did and so can we. What can we learn from his example?

Noah Was Admonished by God's Word

God does reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6), and this truth is illustrated in the ministry and life of Noah. God was pleased with this OT saint because he believed the Lord. The faith of Noah was based on God’s warning that He was going to destroy the world with a flood (Gen. 6:17). Faith is always based on something God actually stated, promised, instructed, prescribed, or predicted. You may recall there had never been a flood in human experience; in fact, there is good reason to believe that there had never been rainfall up to that time (Gen. 2:5, 6).

I believe the “things not seen as yet” refers (at least in part) to the flood which was still a distant future event. Sometimes God’s message or warning contains elements beyond our experience or a clear point of reference. His message may involve unique or first time in human history components. In these instances we will not have the luxury of other people we can talk with on the matter. There is no one else to tell you about how they handled this situation because none of them have ever had the opportunity. We may be the only one thus far to face these challenges, cross this terrain, or walk this mile. This is the life of the pioneer, entrepreneur, and missionary! This is also the experience of serious Bible students; they may see the implications of simple truths far more deeply and precisely. Through it all we still have God’s Word, promises, predictions, or instructions to cling to. This really is all you need to remain steadfast and true to Him.

In addition, there were no visible signs of Noah’s anticipated flood; there was nothing to provide a basis of calculation that the flood would actually occur. He could not explain what God had said in purely rational or logical terms. All he could cling to was “thus saith the LORD.” Faith sometimes requires that we believe stuff we are unable to explain fully. We may have to choose between pleasing God and satisfying the inquiries of purely rational thinking friends. Believe God even when you are unable to explain His will in logical terms. Remember, faith transcends rational explanations and scientific parameters to comprehend the divine. God works supernaturally and we cannot confine a relationship with Him to terms unregenerate minds can appreciate. God initially gave great granddaddy Noah this admonition 120 years before the deluge, and long before there could have been any natural indications that it would indeed happen. 

Still all those years he preached righteousness and believed the warning from God. Faith certainly has this enduring characteristic; a person moved by faith can go on and on trusting and looking to God for years without realizing what God promised. Without any other basis (except God’s Word) Noah respected the divine weather forecast and made preparation by faith. He took the warning from God seriously. We did not simply dismiss it as having no real consequence. He made the sober adjustments in his priorities to build the Ark because he fully respected/believed God’s warning. He did not brush it off or dismiss it as fanciful or ridiculous. No, Noah is honored in Hebrews chapter eleven because he fully believed God and acted on what he knew God had said. What about us? Are we taking God seriously when He warns us about judgment, Hell and the consequences of sin? Beloved, events proved that Noah was right to heed God’s warning!     

Noah Was Animated by God’s Warning

God warned Noah He was planning to destroy the entire world's population with a flood judgment. Instead of debating the impossibilities or discrediting the message Noah believed it entirely. Instead of questioning whether or not God had the right to judge all humanity Noah took Him completely seriously. Noah did not waste time calling God unmerciful, unfair, tyrannical, murderous, or genocidal. No, he counted God's statements as credible and immediately took action. The letter of Hebrews is filled with warnings and these believers needed to take heed as Noah did! Wiersbe observed, “Noah’s faith involved the whole person: his mind was warned of God; his heart was “moved with fear”; and his will acted on what God told him.” He sprang into action in an incredible way. It is also evident that fear and faith work together in harmony in this passage!

Noah believed God and “prepared an ark,” even though he was probably very far from navigable waters. Yet, Noah having never built an ark before undertook to do so obediently. Evidently Noah's character qualified him for this assignment and not his experience or skills. He carefully followed God’s blueprint for the ark without deviation. He trusted God’s instructions implicitly. Since nobody at that time had ever seen a flood (or perhaps even a rainstorm), Noah’s actions must have generated a great deal of interest and probably ridicule as well.  Doubtless he was the butt of many jokes. I can easily imagine people visiting the construction site to make fun of ‘crazy old Noah.’ No doubt his children had to defend their father’s honor and reputation whenever they went into town for supplies or to run errands. Never-the-less Noah kept building and preaching righteousness to that generation. He was not deterred by the opinions of mere men; he did not give up because people did not support him or made fun of him. I can only imagine that at times he grew weary and tired under the stress of such a gigantic task, but still he persevered in faith. In spite of the loneliness and ache in his heart he remained focused on the goal of completing God’s plan. He clanged to what God had so certainly said to him as the decades rolled on. He was sustained by the Spirit of Christ for decades as he obeyed the Lord. In the work and service of God we will likewise be sustained by God's presence, God’s Spirit, and promises. Look to Him for sustaining grace as you need it. He is able. 

Noah’s faith also condemned the whole world. That is he condemned the human race by his faith; his faith revealed their unbelief. If one human being can respond favorably to God then all can, but they have refused to do so. Therefore, they stand utterly liable before a holy and righteous God because of their sinful unbelief. Beloved, unbelief—rejecting God's expectations—condemns a soul to God's judgment! Unbelief is a far more serious matter than we tend to think it is. Whenever an honest God communicates anything, we are obligated to believe Him. To reject any statement from God’s Word is tantamount to calling Him a liar! The entire world was condemned by Noah’s faithful life, admonishing preaching, steadfast service and God-focused testimony. Remember, faith without works is dead. 

Noah Was Approved by God's Witness

That is correct; Noah is among the many believers in this chapter (Hebrews 11) whom God approved. God stands as the supreme Witness to their faith! Why? Well, because they believed the Lord and acted on His statements. Faith in God, Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God, or the Holy Scriptures is pleasing to God. Hebrews eleven testifies to the fact that faithful responses to God’s guidance are pleasing to Him and highly honorable for the believer. Recall that God accepts and justifies us on the basis of our faith in the gospel of Christ. God's approval upon our person begins when He justified us before Himself by giving us the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. We are justified purely by faith in Christ and not our efforts.

In addition, our daily expressions and experiences are pleasing to God when we live by faith as well. You see God honors faith because faith honors Him. Though we may feel we have multiple reasons to doubt God or fear the circumstances thereby deleting a faith-filled response, God is never pleased with such actions. This is because they reveal a lack of confidence in Him. Noah’s faith was rewarded: his house was saved, and he became heir of the righteousness which is received on the basis of faith. The entire family was physically delivered from the certain death and destruction of the flood.

Noah’s faith influenced his whole family and they were rescued in the ark as well. It is not by hiding our faith and trust in God that we influence others for Christ, but by demonstrating a conscious awareness and trust in the various situations of life. It is correct to humbly show others our trust is really in the Lord God! God is still interested in household salvation regarding our spiritual needs also. This is why Jesus Christ came into the world and died at Calvary! He provides the Ark of Salvation and deliverance from the floods of judgment that will come upon all who reside in sin. He wants the entire family saved by His grace. Now note this insightful statement by Walvoord,

The reference here to Noah saving his household recalls the writer’s stress on a Christian’s salvation-inheritance. It further suggests that a man’s personal faith can be fruitful in his family, as they share it together. 

We need more men who will tenaciously believe God and influence their families with a powerful faith. Too many men take a backseat concerning the things of the Lord. Too many men leave the spiritual concerns of the family with their wives. This is not God's order and this is not the correct way ahead. Fathers and husbands must lead their families to know and trust God in daily experiences. Women are frustrated with men who are zealous about sports, professional endeavors, and political matters, but they are clueless, weak, and unengaged in spiritual pursuits. Our country needs men of faith with burning hot passion for God and His glory. We need men who inspire their families to go deeper, higher, and farther in the Lord Jesus Christ. Men who lead the way modeling courage, commitment, humility, determination, and steadfastness as did Noah. Noah was not only credited with preparing the Ark thus saving his family through the flood, but he is the heir of righteousness. Wuest says,

He “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” The words “became heir” … mean merely “became owner” or “became partaker,” although there is underneath the word the idea familiar to the Jewish mind, that spiritual blessings are a heritage bestowed by God. We must be careful to note here that this righteousness is not justifying righteousness, but experimental righteousness, righteousness in conduct. In Genesis the warning of God was given Noah because he was righteous. In Hebrews we are told that Noah wrought righteousness in his life by faith. 

He is one of those who as in Hebrews 11:33 “wrought righteousness.” Noah “wrought righteousness”…he accomplished the weighty things. In affect Noah could humbly say to the Lord, “Lord, that big boat you ordered me to build is finished. Mission Accomplished!”

So, Noah lived and served in righteousness by faith during one of the more wicked generations on earth. He did not enjoy the luxury of talking with friends about the blessings and benefits of living godly and apart from sin. There was no peer he could visit and consult with to find encouragement to persevere in righteous living. Noah pressed on with his family trusting God’s warning! When it seems that the entire world could not possibly be wrong, it indeed was extremely wrong. A life of devoted service to God is a righteous and fruitful life. It may be true that we will never be rich or famous, but we can be righteous by faith in the warnings of God. This is still true today when it seems believers are clearly in the minority population. We do not need to justify living in wickedness simply because everyone else is. We need the spiritual “backbone” real faith provides to get important things done regardless.  

Now what Noah actually inherited was the new world after the Flood like these Hebrew readers might inherit “the world to come” (see Heb. 2:5). Surely there will be another universal judgment of the earth, but the righteous will inherit the kingdom of Christ afterwards!

Jesus used Noah’s experience to warn people to be ready for His return (Matt. 24:36–42). In Noah’s day, the people were involved in wickedness, but also innocent everyday activities completely ignoring Noah’s witness and solemn warnings (2 Peter 2:5). Yes, Noah preached for decades with no conversions beyond his family. He convinced no one with his preaching and longevity. He invested everything he had in building that giant boat in the middle of a forest! No doubt most people thought him crazy…still he persevered based on God’s certain and plain warning of judgment. This was all he had to go on…I am certain he felt intense loneliness at times. Still he pressed on based on something God communicated to him. He really and truly believed God.

Perhaps many of the early Jewish Christians to whom this Letter of Hebrews was written often wondered why, if they were right, they were such a small minority. Noah steps out from the pages of the OT to remind them and us that in his day only eight people were right and all the rest of the world perished!  Refocus and keep serving in spite of the ridicule (Heb. 10:24, 25, 33, 34). (Wiersbe) Continue in Christ even though the path is lonely at times. You are not wrong for believing God’s Word and because you are in the minority. The Lord God is pleased when we believe Him instead of our culture, conditions, or circumstances also.

God has issued many warnings in His Word to steer His people away from the worst that we might know His best instead. He has warned about the reality of Hell, the dangers of liquor, the seductive nature of sin, the regret of recreational sex, the poison of pornography, and the destructive power of drugs. In Hebrews chapter 11 God warns against the dangers of unbelief!

Just as faith in God pleases Him greatly, unbelief displeases Him extremely! The best way to get on the wrong side of God Almighty is to fail to trust/believe Him. His record and character are absolutely impeccable. The Lord affords us every reason in the world to trust Him and respond positively to His warnings. To not believe Him is to question His integrity and is the same as calling Him a liar. Our Lord cannot lie! Beloved, we must respond like Noah and spring into action with deeply rooted respect for God’s warnings and judgments. Such faith will sustain us even though the years of challenges may be long, lonely and formidable. Faith will enable us to survive the floods of fear, doubt and unbelief threatening to drown our confidence in the Lord. Believe God and His Word and this will enable you to continue until you finish.  

Once again living by Faith is one of the uppermost principles for real Christian living and expression. In doing so, we are sure to please God, sustain a distinctively Christian confession, secure eternal rewards, and effectively face the hazards of a righteous lifestyle.  Though formidable obstacles will fall across our way, faith in Christ will prove to be adequate. We are made equal to any problem when we live by faith in God's clear Word. Trusting the Lord enables us to sustain obedient service to ultimately triumph in ALL situations. Through faith we can even become victorious over intense loneliness that may accompany devoted service of God.  Remember, by faith we can get the important things done. Mission accomplished, Lord!