Text: Genesis 8-9
Noah Went Out of the Ark (Genesis 8:18-19)
- What happened before he went out? (Genesis 8:1-13) — rain stopped (8:2), water receded (8:3), ark came to rest (8:4), sent out raven (8:7), sent out dove three times (8:8-12), saw dry ground (8:13)
- Notice the timeline — entered ark (7:1-4), rains came (7:11), rains prevailed (7:24), ark rested (8:4), mountaintops were visible (8:5), Noah saw dry ground (8:13) — almost a year in the ark by this point
- Noah finally left the ark (8:14) — several weeks after obtaining evidence that the earth was inhabitable
- What was Noah waiting for? … God’s instruction (8:15-19) — lesson for us on authority (Colossians 3:17) and a warning against presumptuousness (Proverbs 14:12)
Noah Built an Altar (Genesis 8:20)
- This was the first thing Noah did — worshipping God is a priority (Psalm 122:1)
- This was an expression of gratitude — every acceptable sacrifice naturally involves gratitude (Hebrews 12:28)
- Sacrificed of every clean animal & bird; he did not withhold anything — lesson for us to serve God wholeheartedly (Romans 12:1)
God’s Promise & Covenant (Genesis 8:21-22; 9:9-17)
- Promise of His ongoing providence (8:22) — God created a world in which man can survive (Acts 14:17)
- This promise was made despite man’s corruption (8:21) — He blesses the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 5:45)
- Promise regarding destruction (9:9-17) — the earth would not be destroyed again by water, but it will be destroyed again one day (2 Peter 3:6-10)
Noah Planted a Vineyard (Genesis 9:20-21)
- By God’s providence the vineyard was fruitful (8:22) — acting as He created it (Genesis 1:11-12)
- But it is possible to use God’s blessings improperly (1 Timothy 5:23; 1 Peter 4:3)
Read the article: After the Flood
