Unit 5 – Changes
Lesson 12 – The Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:1-11
For the Teacher’s Preparation
1. Aim: To lead the people to understand that people may make selfish plans, but the Sovereign God maintains control over everything.
2. Explanation of the Aim: In our lesson the people displayed egotistical and proud desires that displeased God by building an elaborate tower. Before anyone begins a project they should first discover God’s will and then seek to fit their activities into His kingdom’s priority purposes. Sadly, the people who erected the tower of Babel had to be taught a lesson by God. The Bible says, “That is why it is called the tower of Babel-because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” (Gen. 11:9) When mankind seeks their own selfish interests ahead of God’s plans there will always be confusion. Help the people learn how to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness purposes first and then He will take care of their essential needs.
3. Study the Scriptures: (Genesis 11:1-11) Human beings who proudly think they know how to run their affairs without consulting God they will always fail. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” God is the Sovereign controller of all things in life. The Lord is the one who gives us the ability to accomplish anything of eternal worth. Man centered efforts that are motivated and operated by the flesh oppose those activities that are directed by the Spirit. Paul, the apostle wrote, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Gal. 5:17,18) Only when we allow the Holy Spirit of God to control us under the directing of the Bible are we able to accomplish the will of God.
4. Prepare to Teach: The INTRODUCTION helps the people consider the reasons why God was forced to scattered the people after creating 18,800 different languages in the world. Ask the people how many different languages are spoken within this church? What are some of the effects that having different languages within our communities? What are some of complications and confusions that result when people are not able to communicate clearly with one another? The BIBLE STORY teaches us how the Lord became angry with proud, selfish and personally ambitious people. When God saw that the rebellious people tried to build the first city for their own name’s sake, He decided to confuse them with the creation of thousands of different languages. The Lord works against anyone who seeks to revolt against His corporate or individual plans for our life. The Lord told Jeremiah, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster where you go.” (Jer. 45:5) The Lord has the power to overthrow, uproot and frustrate the plans of the wisest people. God’s Sovereign power behooves us to fear Him and to keep all of His commandments. The MEANING FOR OUR LIVES helps the people explore how they might be seeking their own interests ahead of God’s plan for their life. Give some examples of people who have met with frustration when they tried to put their own plans ahead of God’s will for their life.
CLASS TIME (Begin With Prayer)
INTRODUCTION
Ask the people how many different languages are spoken within this church? What are some of the effects of having different languages spoken within our communities? What are some of complications and confusions that result when people are not able to communicate clearly with one another? Ask the people to why they think God created so many languages (18,800) throughout the world? How should this remind us that the Sovereign Lord has the power to confuse anyone who seeks to put their own selfish interest ahead of God’s kingdom purposes?
THE BIBLE STORY (Genesis 11:1-11)
Our Bible lesson is a demonstration of how God’s sovereign control is greater than any person, group or scheme. The tower of Babel was a selfish attempt on the part of mankind to make a boastful reputation for themselves. When the people of the earth constructed a tower they undertook a united and godless effort to establish their own titanic enterprise. In effect, prideful human beings wanted to be able to rule over their own kingdom apart from God’s interference. The Lord frustrates the plans of nations and rulers that are not submissive to His control in all aspects of life. Let no one think that they can become independent of God’s rulership. He created us and to Him we will one day have to give an account for everything before the great white throne of judgement.
The people erected the tower in an effort to keep themselves from being scattered about the earth. As a result of their unwillingness to wait for God’s instruction, He dispersed them because of their rebellious pride. No group or individual should think that they can defy God and not face His wrath. Peter wrote, “For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and you will be exalted at the proper time.” (I Pet. 5:5,6)
The people thought they could erect a city where they would be in charge of their own destiny without having to consult God. Whenever people try to build their unity around anything but God, He will frustrate their efforts. God is a jealous God and He will not share His glory with another. People who are not content to submit to God’s directives for their lives go out looking for to accomplish their own selfish purposes. We all need to follow the teaching of the apostle Paul who wrote, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power to do His will.” (Phil. 4:12,13) Trust the Lord to help you be content to obey what you know to do is right. Believe that He will give you everything you need to fulfill all of His plans for your life, relationships and ministries.
It is always a foolish thing to think that human beings can please God without submitting to His will. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God. The best laid plans of people are but child’s play to the Almighty. Let us repent of any obstinacy, pride or unwillingness to seek to do God’s will as our primary purpose for all that we do. Many people are guilty of rebelling against God through their sins of omission. James wrote, “If anyone knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” No person should think that they can hold anything together unless the Lord is building, fortifying and causing the work to progress. David wrote, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the labor works in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”(Psa. 127:1,2) Let us trust the Lord to cause the growth and to give the blessings to His work both in and through our lives. Unless we abide in Christ, we can by ourselves accomplish nothing. But if we remain in Him by trusting and obeying His will then we may expect to bear great fruit. (John 15:16)
THE MEANING FOR OUR LIVES
Help the people explore how they might be seeking their own interests ahead of God’s plan for their life. Ask the people if they have asked the Lord’s forgiveness for any selfish plan where they have not first ask the Lord to direct them in His will. Give some examples of people who have met with frustration when they tried to put their own plans ahead of God’s will for their life i.e. Saul of the Old Testament, Saul of Tarsus (before his name was changed to Paul the apostle, Jezebel, Nebucchanezzar, Belshazzar, Herod etc) Ask the people if they know how to discover the will of God for their life? Give the people some of the following criteria for helping them determine if they are following the will of God: 1). Obedience to Scriptural directives 2). Seek Godly counsel 3). Surrender of your rights and plans to the Lord 4). Prayerfully commit your plans to God’s will 5). Spend time in personal Biblical devotions every morning 6). Follow God’s kingdom and righteousness priorities 7). Trust in the Lord and do not rely on your own insight and wait on His guidance 8). Be faithful in little things before expecting God to make you responsible for much 9). Do evangelism and disciple-making ministries 10). Ask people to pray for your wisdom, guidance and sensitivity to God’s will 11). Be willing to accept correction and make the necessary changes 12). Ask forgiveness from God for any sins of commission, omission, wrong attitudes or faulty assumptions 13). Cooperate with members of the body of Christ 14). Seek to give God greater glory, love and advancement of His great commission (Matt. 28:18-20) 15). Do not compare or presume that God’s will can be learned by following people (John 21:15-20)
Memory Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insights. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6)
Response
Song: “Father I adore you. Lay my life before you. How I love you.”
Prayer: Ask the Lord to forgive you for any rebellious attitudes or plans you might have that are not in accordance with God’s perfect will. Trust the Lord to guide you into His perfect plan for your life by committing everything about your plans to His direction.
At Home: Ask your parents to pray with you about God’s plans for your life in short run and also for your long term future plans.
