Genesis 11:1-9 | Sermon Resources | 10 September 2023
Sermon Summary
Pastor Billy concludes our Genesis sermon series this week coming to the story of the tower of Babel. We will focus on the tragedy of a people united under the goal of self-actualization and the judgment that resulted.
Group Discussion Questions
Feel free to adapt these questions to your specific group and discussion style. They should help facilitate a meaningful and thought-provoking discussion of Genesis 11:1-9.
- Before diving into the passage, what do you know about the story of the Tower of Babel? How does this story fit into the larger narrative of Genesis? How does it fit within the larger narrative of the Bible?
- The passage tells us that the people of the earth had one language and a common purpose. What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of such unity might be? How can unity be both a blessing and a potential problem?
- What motivated the people to build the tower? Was their ambition a good or bad thing in this context?
- What are some common ways today we are tempted to “make a name for ourselves”? Which of these name-making ways are most tempting for you?
- Why is it not only wrong but unnecessary for believers to make a name for themselves?
- In verse 5-6, how does God respond to the people’s actions and intentions? Why do you think God was concerned about their unity and building the tower?
- In verse 7-9, God confuses their language. What do you think God’s purpose was in doing this? How does language affect our ability to work together and understand each other?
- What does this passage reveal about God’s sovereignty and His role in human affairs? How does it illustrate that humans are ultimately dependent on God’s guidance and intervention?
- How might the lessons from the Tower of Babel apply to our world today, where there are often efforts to achieve great things through human means and ambitions?
- How does this story challenge you personally in terms of your ambitions, humility, and dependence on God? What practical steps can you take?
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