Topical Bible: Missionary Work by Ministers: Noah

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Noah, a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, is often recognized for his role in the account of the Great Flood. However, his life and actions also provide a profound example of missionary work, as he served as a preacher of righteousness in a world steeped in corruption and violence. Noah's mission was not only to build the ark as instructed by God but also to warn his contemporaries of impending judgment and to call them to repentance.

Biblical Context and Background

Noah's account is primarily found in Genesis 6-9. During Noah's time, the earth was filled with wickedness, and humanity's thoughts were continually evil (Genesis 6:5). In response to this pervasive sinfulness, God decided to bring a flood to cleanse the earth. However, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and God chose him to preserve a remnant of creation.

Noah as a Preacher of Righteousness

The New Testament provides further insight into Noah's role as a preacher. In 2 Peter 2:5, Noah is described as "a preacher of righteousness." This designation suggests that Noah's work extended beyond the physical construction of the ark; he was also engaged in spiritual ministry, warning others of the coming judgment and urging them to turn from their wicked ways.

Noah's ministry can be seen as a form of missionary work, as he was tasked with delivering God's message to a lost and sinful generation. Despite the apparent lack of converts, Noah's faithfulness in proclaiming God's truth is a testament to his commitment to his divine mission.

Challenges and Perseverance

Noah's missionary work was fraught with challenges. He lived in a society that was hostile to God's message, and his warnings were largely ignored. The Bible does not record any conversions resulting from Noah's preaching, highlighting the difficulty of his task. Nevertheless, Noah's perseverance in the face of widespread unbelief is a powerful example of steadfastness in ministry.

Hebrews 11:7 commends Noah's faith: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." Noah's faith-driven actions served as both a witness to his generation and a means of salvation for his family.

Legacy and Lessons for Modern Ministry

Noah's missionary work offers several lessons for contemporary ministers and missionaries. His unwavering commitment to God's call, despite the lack of visible results, underscores the importance of faithfulness in ministry. Noah's life demonstrates that success in God's eyes is measured not by numbers but by obedience and faithfulness to His commands.

Furthermore, Noah's experience highlights the reality that God's messengers may face rejection and ridicule. Yet, like Noah, ministers are called to remain faithful to their mission, trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through their efforts.

In summary, Noah's life exemplifies the essence of missionary work: proclaiming God's truth in a fallen world, persevering in the face of opposition, and trusting in God's ultimate plan for redemption. His account serves as an enduring model for those called to minister in challenging environments, reminding them of the eternal significance of their work.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:5
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The General Conference of 1836
... Conference: SD Ferguson, Buel Goodsell, Noah Levings, Sherman ... command, to improve
our young ministers in the ... to devote themselves to the missionary work; and a ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills
... wanted to do her full share of missionary work; and feeling the ... the powers that are
vested in, and work to be ... Ministers made it the subject of their sermons. ...
/.../chapter xiii certificate laws and.htm

Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ...
... discussion of the joint missionary work of 1791 ... incorporated as the Connecticut
Missionary Society, [j ... Presbyterian or Congregational ministers, together with ...
/.../chapter xiv political parties in.htm

A Great Religious Awakening
... When the missionary answered that he knew nothing about it ... abandoned their dishonest
practices, and a work was done so marked that even ministers of the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 20 a great religious.htm

A Great Religious Awakening.
... When the missionary answered that he knew nothing about it ... abandoned their dishonest
practices, and a work was done so marked that even ministers of the ...
/.../20 a great religious awakening.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... and to provide for the ordination of ministers in their own ... will arrive, when the
interests of the missionary colony, and the success of the work among the ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

Prayers Answered
... At one time he attended a missionary meeting near ... in ten or fifteen places, and the
work of destruction ... John Easter, one of the pioneer ministers who labored ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... first-named had ceased his active work in 1787 ... that the Assembly should fix ministers'
salaries at ... Attempts to establish missionary posts were begun as early as ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

Independence of Christianity
... British, but because the very fact of the missionary being a ... times a week and am
called to the work of the ... I thought I read of all those ministers going into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

General Index.
... ministers of to-day compared with, 596. Printing, art of, 61, 88, 288. ... self-sacrificing
missionary labors of, 70-76, 237. results of work of, 71-76. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm