Genesis 6:1-9

“How did Noah find grace in the eyes of God?” asked the guest speaker, Rufus, at the Kona church Sunday morning.

It’s an intriguing question considering the sorry state of the world in Noah’s day.

The Bible says, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This single verse reminds us of Paul’s detailed description in Romans 1 regarding the sinfulness of the Gentile world. Debased thinking. Vile passions. Inflamed lusts. Moral perversion. Shameless acts. It was an era where the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life had gone to seed and produced contemptuous corruption (I Jn 2:15-17).

In fact, the world was so wicked that God was filled with regret. His heart was grieved. And he was sorry that he had created the human race. His response was to destroy mankind with a great flood. “But….”

The Bible says, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” The word “grace” here means favor, which issues itself in beneficence, kindness, and acceptance.

Considering that ancient description sounds much like our current culture, the question, “How did Noah find grace in the eyes of God?” is still relevant in the 21st century. How do we find grace in God’s eyes?

The Bible offers this short synopsis of his character. “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”

Since Noah is hailed as a great man of faith in Hebrews 11, we would do well to emulate his example. Consider these 3 important attributes of Noah.

#1 Noah was a just man.

Just means righteous. Noah had an understanding of what it meant to be right with God. To think right. Act right. And be right. To be right with God is to follow His revealed righteousness.

Following God’s righteousness brings us into a right relationship with Him. It provides redemption from sin and reconciliation with our Creator. Today it is accessed through Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:23-24).

John MacArthur, was right when he wrote, “A righteous identity must issue in righteous behavior. Such behavior is the outward manifestation of the inward transformation, and it is the only sure proof that such transformation has taken place.”

#2 Noah was a perfect man.

The word “perfect” doesn’t mean sinless. No one is without sin. Some translations better render this Hebrew word as “blameless.” It speaks to his integrity. He was unsoiled, unspoiled, and undefiled by the corruption of his culture. He was morally upright.

We, too, can be pure in a world that is grossly impure. We are “called to be saints.” That means holy. Sanctified. Set apart. Blameless? Yes. Paul issued this challenge to the Philippians in a pagan Roman culture that applies in our age.

“…be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…” (Phil. 2:15-16).

#3 Noah walked with God.

Walking with God speaks to the closeness and intimacy of one’s relationship. It involves a life of faith, trust, and obedience.

The Bible says that Noah’s great grandfather Enoch, “walked with God” and God took him directly to be with Him. Is it too much of a stretch to think that Enoch role-modeled this walk with God before his son Methuselah, who also passed it on to his son, Lamech, who shared his faith and walk with God with his son Noah? If so, what a wonderful family legacy. What a great example.

When we walk with God, we “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). We walk in a way that’s worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1), that complements the character of Christ. We walk in love (Eph. 5:2). We walk circumspectly, cautiously, and carefully (Eph. 5:15). Not recklessly, carelessly, or indifferently.

It’s important to note that these three qualities lead to obedience. After being given instructions on how to build the ark to save him and his family from the impending flood, the Bible says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Gen. 5:22).

Noah found grace in God’s eyes. Will you? Will I?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman