THE DANGER OF SELF-EXALTATION
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 Peter 5:5; Philippians 2:3-4
INTRODUCTION
The Tower of Babel story demonstrates humanity’s attempt to elevate itself apart from God. The people united to build a tower to make a name for themselves, seeking fame, security, and recognition through their own effort.
Self-exaltation is a trap that every believer must avoid. Pride blinds the heart, causing disobedience, rebellion, and eventual downfall. When people attempt to glorify themselves instead of God, divine intervention is inevitable.
This sermon encourages believers to recognise the danger of pride, cultivate humility, and align every ambition and collaborative effort with God’s will. True elevation comes only through submission to Him.
1. SELF-EXALTATION BREEDS PRIDE AND ARROGANCE
Human ambition without God leads to inflated self-importance.
a) Elevating Self Above God (Genesis 11:4-6)
The builders sought to make a name for themselves, ignoring God’s authority.
b) Pride Precedes Destruction (Proverbs 16:18)
Self-exaltation invites divine opposition and eventual failure.
c) Rebellion Against Divine Authority (James 4:6)
God resists the proud; self-glorification provokes His intervention.
d) Humility Protects from Downfall (1 Peter 5:5)
Submission and reverence prevent the consequences of arrogance.
Biblical Example:
The people of Babel exalted themselves to reach the heavens, which drew God’s scrutiny and led to confusion and scattering (Genesis 11:5-7)
2. SELF-EXALTATION LEADS TO DIVINE CORRECTION
God comes down to correct prideful human schemes.
a) Confusion Halts Human Ambition (Genesis 11:7-8)
God confused their language to stop their rebellious project.
b) Divine Order Overrides Human Plans (Isaiah 64:1)
God’s correction ensures that human pride does not undermine His purpose.
c) Correction as Instruction (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Consequences are a tool to teach dependence on God.
d) Intervention Preserves Future Generations (Psalm 33:10-11)
God frustrates projects of self-glorification to guide humanity in righteousness.
Biblical Example:
By confusing languages, God corrected the prideful builders, teaching that self-exaltation attracts divine intervention (Genesis 11:7-9)
3. SELF-EXALTATION DESTROYS UNITY
Human ambition without God leads to disunity and confusion.
a) Confusion of Language (Genesis 11:8)
Self-centered goals fracture community collaboration.
b) Pride Leads to Division (Philippians 2:3-4)
Ignoring God in unity fosters rivalry and conflict.
c) Dependence on God Prevents Collapse (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
God-centered unity sustains collective effort.
d) Humility Secures Harmony (Romans 12:16)
Respect and humility prevent disintegration of plans and relationships.
Biblical Example:
The Tower of Babel’s builders experienced scattered confusion, showing that self-exaltation destroys harmony and divine purpose (Genesis 11:8-9)
4. TRUE EXALTATION COMES FROM GOD
Believers are called to humility and submission to receive divine elevation.
a) God Grants Promotion (Psalm 75:6-7)
Elevation comes from God, not human ambition.
b) Humility Attracts Blessing (James 4:10)
Lowering oneself in reverence opens the door for God’s favour.
c) Obedience Leads to Honour (1 Samuel 2:30)
Following God’s will ensures lasting recognition and legacy.
d) God-Centered Unity Produces Fruit (Acts 2:42-47)
Communities built on God’s guidance prosper and glorify Him.
Biblical Example:
While the builders of Babel sought self-glory, God later elevated Abraham and the disciples as examples of divine honour through humility (Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 2:42-47)
CONCLUSION
The Tower of Babel teaches that self-exaltation leads to pride, divine correction, confusion, and disunity. Believers must submit ambitions, unity, and plans to God, recognising that elevation comes only through obedience and humility.
True blessing, harmony, and divine honour flow to those who glorify God above themselves. Avoiding self-exaltation ensures alignment with His purposes, protection from confusion, and lasting spiritual impact.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, deliver me from pride and self-exaltation, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me submit all my plans and ambitions to Your authority, in Jesus name.
3. Father, correct every prideful attitude in my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, teach me humility in all my relationships and endeavours, in Jesus name.
5. Father, guide my efforts to align with Your divine will, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, scatter every plan rooted in self-glory, in Jesus name.
7. Father, cultivate unity and godly collaboration in my life, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let my honour come from You and not from human recognition, in Jesus name.
9. Father, protect me from confusion, division, and failure caused by pride, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, exalt me according to Your purpose and blessing, in Jesus name.
