WHEN GOD COMES DOWN
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; James 4:6; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Isaiah 64:1
INTRODUCTION
The Tower of Babel illustrates humanity’s attempt to achieve greatness apart from God. The people sought unity to make a name for themselves, building a tower to the heavens. Their ambition, though seemingly impressive, was rooted in pride and disobedience.
God does not ignore human schemes that exclude Him. When mankind attempts to elevate themselves without acknowledging divine authority, God comes down to intervene, correct, and redirect. This story reminds believers that God’s involvement is essential in every collective effort or enterprise.
This sermon encourages believers to recognise God’s interventions in human affairs, understand the consequences of prideful ambition, and pursue alignment with God’s will in all undertakings.
1. GOD COMES DOWN TO CONFRONT PRIDE
God’s descent is often to address arrogance and self-exaltation.
a) Human Pride Invites Divine Attention (Genesis 11:4-6)
The builders’ desire to make a name for themselves provoked God’s intervention.
b) Pride Precedes Confusion (Proverbs 16:18)
Arrogance opens the door for correction and judgment.
c) Ignoring God Leads to Collapse (James 4:6)
Resistance to God’s authority invites His opposition.
d) Humility Protects From Divine Correction (1 Peter 5:5)
Submission prevents disruption and promotes stability.
Biblical Example:
God came down to see the city and the tower, confronting human pride and self-exaltation, which led to the confusion of languages (Genesis 11:5-7)
2. GOD COMES DOWN TO INTERVENE IN HUMAN AFFAIRS
God acts to redirect human activity that opposes His order.
a) Divine Intervention Stops Rebellion (Genesis 11:7-8)
God confused their language to halt the tower construction.
b) Intervention Preserves Divine Purpose (Isaiah 64:1)
God’s interference ensures human ambition does not undermine His plan.
c) Correction Guides Future Generations (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Intervention teaches dependence on God and obedience.
d) Intervention Prevents Self-Destruction (Psalm 33:10-11)
God frustrates plans that elevate humanity above His will.
Biblical Example:
God confused the languages of the people, scattering them across the earth to prevent the tower’s completion and preserve His plan for humanity (Genesis 11:7-9)
3. GOD COMES DOWN TO TEACH DEPENDENCE ON HIM
God’s presence ensures that human unity is guided by divine will, not self-interest.
a) Human Effort Without God Fails (Genesis 11:6-7)
The tower could not be completed because God opposed unity without His guidance.
b) Dependence Aligns Plans With God (Proverbs 3:5-6)
True success comes from recognising God in all efforts.
c) Humility Opens Doors for Divine Blessing (Philippians 2:3-4)
Submission to God ensures harmonious and fruitful collaboration.
d) Godly Dependence Produces Stability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Partnerships rooted in God’s guidance withstand challenges.
Biblical Example:
The people’s lack of dependence on God led to confusion and scattering, teaching that human unity must honour divine authority (Genesis 11:7-9)
4. GOD COMES DOWN TO ESTABLISH ORDER AND DIRECTION
God’s intervention restores divine order and ensures His purposes are fulfilled.
a) Direction Comes From God (Isaiah 30:21)
Human plans succeed only when directed by God.
b) Divine Order Preserves Society (Genesis 11:8-9)
Scattering the people prevented centralised rebellion and preserved His plan.
c) Intervention Guides Future Generations (Psalm 78:4-7)
Lessons from God’s actions instruct descendants to seek His will.
d) Obedience Ensures Blessing (Joshua 1:8)
Following God’s guidance ensures fulfilment of His purpose and covenant.
Biblical Example:
By confusing languages and scattering people, God established order and redirected humanity to fulfil His divine plan for the nations (Genesis 11:7-9)
CONCLUSION
“When God comes down” teaches that His presence in human affairs corrects pride, redirects misguided efforts, and establishes divine order. The Tower of Babel demonstrates that human unity without God leads to confusion and failure, while alignment with Him ensures blessing and success.
Believers must submit collective efforts and personal ambition to God, recognising that true guidance, direction, and stability come from His intervention. Godly dependence transforms human plans into instruments of His eternal purpose.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, let every plan I undertake be guided by You, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, expose pride and arrogance in my life and community, in Jesus name.
3. Father, intervene in every misguided project and align it with Your will, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, teach me to depend on You in all collective efforts, in Jesus name.
5. Father, establish divine order in my relationships and endeavours, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, protect me from confusion and failure caused by human ambition, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let humility and obedience become my lifestyle, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, scatter every plan that opposes Your will and purpose, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let all my actions honour You and bring lasting blessing, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your divine intervention bring clarity, direction, and success in every area of my life, in Jesus name.
