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009 Purpose in the tower of Babel

Purpose In The Tower Of Babel

Txt: Gen. 11:1-9

There are seven interesting points of contrast between this scene and the one recorded in Acts 2.

The gift of new tongues by the Holy Spirit is the divine remedy for the pride that results in the strife of tongues.

We have here…

I. A Revelation Of Human Ambition

“Out of the heart are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23)

A straw may indicate which way the wind blows.

Observe –

A. The object in view

“Let us make us a name.”

The natural man seeks a name for himself, and one of his

own making.

Name-making is a very common and popular business,

although it never pays well in the end.

See the failure of three name-makers in Numbers 16.

It is possible to be doing Christian work with the same end

in view.

B. The method employed

“Let us build a city and a tower.”

This purpose of theirs betrays a felt need of protection,

abiding fellowship, and future prospect.

Every man needs a city of safety and a tower of hope.

The self-righteous seek to build for themselves.

“Going about to establish their own righteousness”

(Rom. 10:3)

Thank God, Jesus Christ has built such a city and tower

where we all may have salvation and hope.

C. The means used

“Let us make brick.”

Those who would save themselves by their own works have

much to do.

They have not only the building, but the very bricks to

make. Not only to good works, but they have the very

desires to manufacture (a hard task), and, after all is done, it

is only brick at the best.

In Luke 18:11-12 we see one of those brick-makers busy at

Work.

II. A Manifestation Of Divine Displeasure

What will all our building do for us if it does not please God?

It is only wood, hay, stubble – fit for the fire.

A. The divine inspection

“The Lord came down to see what they had built.”

Every man’s work will be tried.

This is a solemn truth.

The eyes of Jehovah will scan every brick or jewel.

Every motive and act alike must be tested.

“Without faith it is impossible to pleae God” (Hebrews 11:6).

B. The sudden confusion

“The Lord did there confound, they left off to build.”

What a change when God comes!

When the Spirit of God comes upon the self-righteous He

makes them leave off their vain and presumptuous works.

Think of it.

The presence of God means confusion to the religious

self-seeker.

What may be very pleasing in the eyes of men may be

suddenly turned into Babel at the approach of God.

“He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded”

(1. Peter 2:6)

C. Complete dispersion

“Frome thence did the Lord scatter them abroad.”

The very thing they were labouring to prevent was the same

thing that came upon them.

Proud men labour to save themselves from being cast out

By God at last, and their faithless works are securing for

them the doom they strive to avoid.

The city of God, seek ye it (Hebrews 11:10).

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; flee onto it

(Proverbs 18:10).