Genesis 6:9–18, 22

Professor of Christian Studies, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Aspire to Walk With God
Genesis 6:9–18, 22
Peer pressure is not unique to adolescents. Adults also are impacted by the philosophy of “Going along to get along,” “Don’t rock the boat,” “Everybody is doing it.” They often rationalize, compromising moral and spiritual principles and acting contrary to their professed values. Only by walking with God can believers consistently resist what is wrong and do what is right in an increasingly corrupt and violent society. God expects His people to develop disciplines and habits of life that will enhance their walk with Him.

Follow God’s Leadership (9–10)
Noah lived in an especially corrupt society during an exceptionally sinful period of human history. Mankind was so corrupt that wickedness was the distinguishing characteristic of the culture of that day. Humanity had been fruitful and multiplied by filling the earth with violence and wickedness. In the middle of this evil world, one man of all the countless multitudes then on the earth was the object of God’s grace; God extended His favor to Noah.

Three statements are made about Noah’s character. (1) He was righteous, that is, he recognized and observed his responsibilities toward God and others. This does not mean he was sinless; it means that he was spiritually mature and that he lived an exemplary life. (2) He was “blameless in his time,” that is, he was an exception in his society, which was filled with evil. To be blameless indicates that he conducted his life with integrity; he possessed an upright heart that sought to honor the Lord. (3) Most importantly, Noah “walked with God,” just as his great-grandfather Enoch did (Gen. 5:24). Noah had a close fellowship and companionship with God. Noah demonstrated those qualities of soul that endeared him to the Lord.

Walking with God means maintaining fellowship with Him, allowing Him to choose the direction and destination of your life and showing trust in Him by following Him. Jesus spoke of the same thing when He said to the 12 disciples, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him” (John 14:21). Bible study, memorizing Scripture, meditating on Scripture verses, keeping a prayer calendar, daily journaling are some of the disciplines that enhance a believer’s walk with God.

In a time of widespread moral corruption, Noah followed God’s leadership and lived a righteous and blameless life. Believers today can walk with God regardless of the evil and corruption that may surround them.

Beware God’s Judgment (11–13)
In contrast to Noah, the rest of the earth’s inhabitants were corrupt and violent. There is nothing surprising in the close link between corruption and violence; the one quickly follows the other. The reason people were at odds with one another is that they were at odds with God. Unlike the pagan flood myths, the Bible recounts the Flood as a distinct moral judgment upon the human race because of its wickedness. God’s wrath destroyed all mankind with one exception — Noah and his immediate family. The Bible is very clear: people who live corrupt lives will experience God’s judgment.

Obey God’s Instructions (14–18, 22)
God gave specific instructions to Noah. He ordered Noah to build an enormous box (“ark”) for the deliverance of Noah’s family and representative animals. The design and dimensions of the box were divinely given. The box was a flat-bottomed, rectangular structure. It was designed to ride low in the water so as not to capsize in turbulent seas.

God also announced His covenant with Noah and his family as well as the purpose of the box to preserve them and the animals He would bring to them. Noah obeyed the Lord explicitly in all that He ordered. Thus Noah obeyed God’s instructions to build an ark, trusting His promise to establish a covenant with him and his family. People today can walk with God by trusting Him and carefully obeying His instructions.