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"The Tower of Babel" Sermon Summary
The preacher addresses Genesis 11's Tower of Babel story, explaining it reveals more than just the origins of languages and human migration. The narrative exposes humanity's rebellious pride and tendency to reject God's authority—themes relevant to contemporary life.
The Story's Context: Following Noah's flood and the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), humanity shared one language. They settled in Shinar's plain and decided to build a city with a tower reaching heaven "to make a name for ourselves." God came down, confused their language, and scattered them across the earth.
Key Observations: The frequent use of "we" and "us" reveals their collective pride and independence from God. Their goal of reaching heaven represented a spiritual rebellion—attempting to reach God through human accomplishment rather than submission.
Biblical Precedent: These tendencies echo Genesis 3, where Satan tempted Eve with the same rebellious spirit: "you will be like God." The Tower of Babel demonstrates humanity's persistent desire for independence, control, and self-glorification.
Paul David Tripp's Three Modern "Towers":
Tower 1: Seeking Self-Recognition Taking credit for what only God accomplished. Living in a "look at me" world, craving praise and honor even in Christian service, motivated by personal recognition rather than God's glory.
Tower 2: Rejecting God's Moral Boundaries Dismissing God's commands while claiming superior wisdom. "Babel" means "gateway to god," revealing their desire to assume divine privileges, including determining right and wrong.
Tower 3: Claiming Ownership of God's Gifts Treating our lives, abilities, and resources as personal possessions rather than stewardship opportunities to bless others and glorify God.
Three Biblical Antidotes:
- Live for God's Glory: Do everything for God's honor, not personal recognition (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Practice Obedience: Trust God's wisdom over cultural standards (Proverbs 3:5-7)
- Practice Generosity: Bless others with God's gifts (Acts 20:35)
The Abraham Contrast: Genesis 12 immediately follows with God's call to Abraham, promising to bless him and make his name great—but as a gift for blessing others, not through self-effort like Babel's builders.
