THE TOWER OF BABEL: UNITY WITHOUT GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 11:1-9
Key Verse: “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” (Genesis 11:6)
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13; James 4:6; Romans 12:16
INTRODUCTION
The story of the Tower of Babel illustrates how human unity, when detached from God, can lead to pride, rebellion, and ultimate confusion. The people sought to make a name for themselves, building a tower to assert their independence from God.
Believers today can fall into similar traps—seeking success, recognition, or power without acknowledging God’s presence, guidance, or authority. Human effort without divine alignment is ultimately unstable and susceptible to failure.
This message challenges believers to pursue unity that honours God, submitting every plan and effort to His authority. True success comes when human collaboration is guided by divine wisdom and purpose.
1. UNITY WITHOUT GOD BREEDS PRIDE
Human collaboration without acknowledging God often leads to arrogance and self-glory.
a) Pride in Human Achievement (Genesis 11:4)
The builders wanted to make a name for themselves, elevating human identity above God.
b) Ignoring Divine Authority (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride precedes destruction when God is excluded from plans.
c) Elevation of Self Above God (James 4:6)
God resists the proud, showing that self-reliance opposes divine purpose.
d) Pride Leads to Disunity (1 Corinthians 1:11-12)
Conflicts emerge when human ambition supersedes submission to God.
Biblical Example:
The people at Babel united to build a tower to the heavens without acknowledging God, leading to their dispersal and confusion (Genesis 11:4-9)
2. GOD OPPOSES HUMAN EFFORTS DETACHED FROM HIM
Human initiatives that exclude God face divine resistance and consequences.
a) Confusion as Divine Intervention (Genesis 11:7-8)
God confused their language, halting their project and scattering them.
b) God’s Sovereignty Over Human Plans (Psalm 33:10-11)
The Lord frustrates the purposes of those who act independently of Him.
c) Intervention Preserves Divine Order (Isaiah 29:16)
God ensures that human rebellion does not override His plan.
d) Lessons Through Correction (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
God allows consequences to redirect human ambition toward dependence on Him.
Biblical Example:
God confused the languages of the people at Babel, demonstrating that human effort without Him is futile (Genesis 11:7-9)
3. UNITY MUST BE ROOTED IN GODLY PURPOSE
Collaboration should honour God and align with His divine will.
a) God-Centered Plans Succeed (Proverbs 16:3)
Commit human efforts to God for alignment with His purposes.
b) Submission Prevents Destruction (Psalm 127:1)
Buildings and endeavours succeed only when God is the foundation.
c) Humble Collaboration Yields Fruit (Philippians 2:2-4)
Unity works best when self-interest is replaced with godly humility.
d) Divine Guidance Ensures Stability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Partnerships rooted in God bring strength, support, and blessing.
Biblical Example:
The failure at Babel contrasted with later godly unity, such as the disciples’ cooperation at Pentecost, which advanced God’s kingdom (Acts 2:1-4)
4. GODLY UNITY RESULTS IN BLESSING AND DIRECTION
True unity is guided by God and results in harmony, clarity, and success.
a) Unity Under God Brings Growth (Psalm 133:1-3)
Harmonious relationships produce spiritual blessing and abundance.
b) Direction Comes from God (Isaiah 30:21)
God provides guidance when collective efforts honour Him.
c) Unity Strengthens Communities (Ephesians 4:3-6)
God-centred unity fosters peace, purpose, and shared vision.
d) Obedience Unlocks Divine Favour (Joshua 1:8)
Success flows when plans are submitted to God’s will.
Biblical Example:
The early church at Jerusalem demonstrated unity rooted in God, resulting in multiplication, power, and guidance (Acts 2:42-47)
CONCLUSION
The Tower of Babel teaches that unity without God leads to confusion, failure, and divine correction. Believers are called to pursue collaboration and relationships rooted in humility, godliness, and submission to God’s authority.
Godly unity results in clarity, blessing, and progress according to His purpose. By honouring God in every human effort, believers position themselves to build legacies, communities, and ministries that align with His will.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me and my relationships remain rooted in You, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, expose every prideful ambition in our unity and correct it, in Jesus name.
3. Father, guide our collective plans according to Your will, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, protect us from confusion and misdirection in our collaborations, in Jesus name.
5. Father, help us honour You in every human effort, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, bless every godly unity in my life and community, in Jesus name.
7. Father, align our goals and purposes with Your divine plan, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, remove every spirit of division and self-interest, in Jesus name.
9. Father, establish our endeavours for Your glory, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let all our collaborations yield lasting blessing and impact, in Jesus name.
