Genesis 11:1-9

Basic Proposition: 

Since the fall of Creation men and women have been trying to find the solution to get to heaven.  They will try every means possible, establishing all kinds of false religions, but the one thing that is necessary.  Man has always been striving to find a way outside of Jesus Christ to reach Heaven.

The Will of the People -

(Genesis 11:4) – Having survived a flood of catastrophic proportions, the will of the people is not gratitude that the human race would continue on, but rather defiance against God. 

1. A Statement – “let us build a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven…”  This statement is defiance toward God.  Their goal was to prevent their destruction again from a flood.  The idea of the tower was to build something that would rise above the flood waters.  They wanted their sinful lives and their safety too.
2. A Source – “and let us make us a name…” There was a definite pride in the lives of this people.  They wanted to make things work out without the power of God.  How often this is true in the Church today!  Are there areas in our lives where we desire that our name be magnified rather than the one who really deserves the credit?
3. A Security Blanket – “lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth…” They thought that if they worked together they could defy God, but apart they would have no other choice.  We often believe that there is safety in Numbers, but God says there is only true security in Him. (Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1)

The Works of the People -

The tower of Babel was an attempt to reach Heaven by works alone.  The people felt that by constructing a tower they would be protected from another flood of destruction and therefore they would not have to answer to God. God's will was not for man to reach heaven by earning it. 

1. The Excitement – “Go to…” The phrase “Go to” is repeated and you can almost feel their excitement for this current project.  How often we can get excited about anything and everything except what God desires of us, simply faith in the finished work of the cross.
2. The Energy – When it comes to doing something other than offer ourselves to the Lord, we will have amazing energy to work and play.  Once the excitement started they immediately had brick and mortar.
3. The End Result – The end result of our man centered works will always be the same, they amount to nothing.

The Worthiness of the People -

No attempt by man is capable of earning a way to heaven.  Our “good” works are not what pleases God and often times we can get caught up in the excitement of following such ideas and fall prey to confusion and sin. (Isaiah 64:6)   

1. A Desired Peace – The world wants peace with God.  No matter what anyone says there is a desire in the heart of all men to have a peace with God.
2. A Deserted Promise – God promises redemption to all who call upon the name of Jesus, yet the world will not own Him because of the cost.
3. A Destined Punishment – Eventually God will look upon our works and declare enough is enough.  Many times God is merciful in His dealings (Genesis 11:6) because He desires repentance, but a time will come when it will be too late and all our works will be consumed by the fire.

Personal Application

You must believe in Christ's death and resurrection because he was the only one worthy of heaven yet he died for man's sins.  If I am constructing towers of “good” works I am depending on that which cannot save me.  In what areas of my life am I trying to construction towers of good works?  My goal should be to please God, not by doing works, but by humble faith.