AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 24:37-39

"But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."

Supporting Texts: Genesis 6:5-8, 2 Peter 3:3-7, Luke 17:26-30, Hebrews 11:7, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION

One of the most striking warnings given by Jesus Christ concerning the last days is found in Matthew 24:37-39. He compared the end times to the days of Noah, a period marked by wickedness, complacency, and spiritual blindness. The people in Noah’s time lived without a sense of urgency, indulging in their desires, unaware that judgment was imminent. Likewise, today’s world reflects similar conditions—moral decay, disregard for God’s commands, and an overwhelming focus on material pleasures.

The story of Noah is recorded in Genesis 6-9. In his generation, wickedness reached its peak, and God decided to destroy the earth with a flood. However, Noah found grace in the sight of God and was instructed to build an ark for the salvation of his household. For many years, he preached righteousness while constructing the ark, but the people ignored his warnings. They continued in their sinful ways until the flood swept them away suddenly.

Today, we see a world that mirrors the days of Noah. Sin is increasing, people are rejecting God's word, and many are unaware of the coming judgment. Jesus used this analogy to urge believers to remain vigilant, live righteously, and prepare for His return. This sermon will explore the characteristics of Noah’s days, their similarities to our present time, and how we can remain steadfast in these perilous times.

1. THE MORAL DECLINE IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

a) Widespread Wickedness (Genesis 6:5)

The earth was filled with corruption, and every thought of man’s heart was evil continually. Sin had become the norm, and righteousness was despised.

b) Increase in Violence (Genesis 6:11-13)

Violence and lawlessness ruled society, leading to chaos and destruction. This mirrors today’s world, where crime, wars, and conflicts are escalating.

c) Sexual Immorality and Perversion (Genesis 6:1-2, Jude 1:7)

In Noah’s time, unnatural relationships and immorality flourished. Today, the sanctity of marriage and godly values are being abandoned for perverse lifestyles.

d) Rebellion Against God (Romans 1:28-32)

People disregarded God’s laws and pursued their own desires, just as many today reject divine truth in favour of secular ideologies.

e) Biblical Example: Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:4-9, Luke 17:28-30)

Like in Noah’s time, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their extreme wickedness and rejection of God’s ways.

2. THE SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY OF NOAH’S GENERATION

a) Ignoring God’s Warnings (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Despite Noah’s preaching and the visible construction of the ark, people continued living as if nothing would happen.

b) Preoccupation with Pleasure (Luke 17:27-28)

The people were focused on eating, drinking, and marrying—living as though life would continue without interruption.

c) A Hardened Heart (Hebrews 3:13)

Years of rejecting God’s word caused their hearts to harden, making them insensitive to spiritual truths.

d) Living Without the Fear of God (Proverbs 1:7)

They lived as if God did not exist, dismissing righteousness and holiness.

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)

The rich man focused on earthly wealth but ignored his eternal destiny, just like the people in Noah’s time.

3. GOD’S CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SEPARATION

a) Noah Found Grace (Genesis 6:8)

Though the world was corrupt, Noah remained faithful and found favour in God’s eyes.

b) Living a Righteous Life (Genesis 6:9, Hebrews 11:7)

Noah was blameless and walked with God. Believers today must also uphold righteousness despite the wickedness around them.

c) Obedience to God’s Instructions (Genesis 6:22)

Noah obeyed everything God commanded. Obedience is the key to escaping divine judgment.

d) Preaching the Truth Without Compromise (2 Peter 2:5)

Noah was a preacher of righteousness, yet people refused to listen. Christians must boldly proclaim God’s truth in a sinful world.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10-28)

Despite living in a corrupt society, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and was preserved by God.

4. THE COMING JUDGMENT AND GOD’S PROVISION OF SALVATION

a) God’s Judgment is Certain (2 Peter 3:6-7)

Just as the flood came upon Noah’s generation, the final judgment of fire is coming upon the present world.

b) The Ark as a Symbol of Salvation (Genesis 7:1, John 14:6)

The ark was the only means of salvation, just as Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

c) The Suddenness of Judgment (Matthew 24:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3)

The flood came unexpectedly; likewise, Christ’s return will be sudden, leaving no room for last-minute repentance.

d) Entering the Ark Before it is Too Late (Isaiah 55:6-7)

Now is the time to seek God and enter the ark of salvation before the doors are closed.

e) Biblical Example: The Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

The wise virgins were prepared, while the foolish ones were shut out. Likewise, only those who are ready will enter God’s kingdom.

5. PREPARING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

a) Living a Holy Life (1 Peter 1:15-16)

God calls us to be separate from sin and walk in holiness.

b) Watching and Praying (Luke 21:36)

We must be spiritually alert and prayerful in these last days.

c) Spreading the Gospel Urgently (Matthew 28:19-20)

Like Noah, we must warn people of the coming judgment and lead them to Christ.

d) Developing an Eternal Mindset (Colossians 3:2)

We must focus on heavenly things, not earthly distractions.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostles (Acts 2:42-47)

They lived in expectation of Christ’s return and spread the gospel fervently.

CONCLUSION

The days of Noah serve as a prophetic warning for our time. The moral decay, spiritual complacency, and rejection of God’s truth seen in Noah’s generation are evident today. Jesus said that just as the flood came suddenly, so will His return be. The question is: Are you ready?

Now is the time to enter the ark of salvation—Jesus Christ. We must remain steadfast, holy, and committed to God’s word, preparing ourselves and others for the coming of the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS

Lord, help me to live a righteous life and stand firm in these last days.
Father, deliver me from every attachment to this world that can hinder my salvation.
Holy Spirit, empower me to preach the gospel with boldness like Noah.
Lord, keep me watchful and prayerful as I await Your return.
Father, let me be found worthy to enter into Your eternal kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

You shall not be caught unaware when the Lord returns!
Every plan of the enemy to distract you from your salvation is destroyed!
The grace to remain steadfast and holy shall rest upon you!
You shall be a voice of righteousness in this generation!
Your life shall be a testimony of divine preservation, just as Noah was preserved in his time!

May we all be counted worthy on the day of the Lord’s return in Jesus’ name!

Friday, 21 February 2025