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As It Was In The Days Of Noah: A Call To Readiness

This Bible study explores the conditions and events leading up to the Great Flood, drawing parallels to the prophecies concerning the return of the Son of Man. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, obedience, and spiritual preparation in light of impending judgment.

1. The World Before The Flood: A Portrait Of Corruption

1.1 Widespread Wickedness And Violence

Verses: Genesis 6:5; Genesis 6:11-12
  • God observed that the wickedness of man was great in the earth.
  • Every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil continually.
  • The earth was corrupt before God and filled with violence.

1.2 God's Grief And Determination For Judgment

Verses: Genesis 6:6-7
  • It grieved God that He had made man on the earth.
  • God determined to destroy man and beast from the face of the earth.
  • This demonstrates God's righteous indignation against sin.

1.3 Noah: A Preacher Of Righteousness

Verses: 2 Peter 2:5
  • Noah was a lone voice, warning the people of God's coming judgment.
  • His life and actions served as a testimony against the prevailing ungodliness.
  • God's long-suffering provided a period for repentance, though largely ignored.

2. Noah's Righteousness And Obedience: A Path To Salvation

2.1 Finding Grace In God's Eyes

Verses: Genesis 6:8-9
  • Amidst universal corruption, Noah found grace in the eyes of God.
  • He was a just man, perfect in his generations, and walked with God.
  • Noah's character set him apart from the prevailing wickedness.

2.2 The Divine Command And Noah's Exact Obedience

Verses: Genesis 6:13-16; Genesis 6:22
  • God gave Noah specific, detailed instructions for building the ark.
  • Noah did according to all that God commanded him, without deviation.
  • Obedience to God's word is crucial for deliverance.

2.3 Salvation Through Water: A Foreshadowing

Verses: 1 Peter 3:20-21
  • Noah and his family were saved through water in the ark.
  • This event serves as a figure of baptism, which now saves us.
  • God provides a means of salvation for those who obey His commands.

3. The Prophecy Of The Son Of Man's Coming: Parallels To Noah's Day

3.1 Life As Usual Before Judgment

Verses: Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-27
  • The days before the Son of Man's coming will be like the days of Noah.
  • People will be engrossed in daily activities: eating, drinking, marrying.
  • They will be unaware of the impending divine intervention and judgment.

3.2 The Suddenness Of Judgment

Verses: Matthew 24:39; Luke 17:27
  • The flood came and took them all away unexpectedly.
  • The Son of Man's return will be sudden and surprising to the unprepared.
  • There will be no time for last-minute preparations once judgment begins.

3.3 The Call To Watchfulness And Readiness

Verses: Matthew 24:42-44
  • We are commanded to watch and be ready, for we do not know the hour.
  • The Son of Man will come at an hour when we do not expect Him.
  • Constant spiritual vigilance is essential for all believers.

4. Lessons For Today: Preparing For The End Times

4.1 Separation From Worldly Corruption

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2
  • Believers are called to come out from among the world and be separate.
  • We must not be conformed to the patterns and values of this world.
  • Living a distinct, holy life is a testimony to God's truth.

4.2 Obedience To God's Word

Verses: James 1:22; John 14:15
  • We must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.
  • True love for God is demonstrated by keeping His commandments.
  • Just as Noah obeyed, we must follow God's instructions for salvation.

4.3 The New Testament Ark Of Salvation

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27
  • God's plan for salvation today involves repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • Through baptism, we are buried with Him and rise to walk in newness of life.
  • We put on Christ when we are baptized into His name.

4.4 Living A Holy And Righteous Life

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14
  • As He who called us is holy, so we also should be holy in all our conduct.
  • Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
  • Our daily lives should reflect the transformation wrought by God's grace.