Wednesday Night Adult Class South Jackson church of Christ Lesson 9 – Confusion of the Tongues November 2,

Introductory Thoughts Genesis 11 reveals a sad description of the world not too distant from the days of the flood Breakdown of fellowship with God A growing sense of isolation from God The ultimate tragedy of confusion of the tongues These things came as a result of man failing to see a need for dependence on God All caused by man thinking he is self-sufficient

Some Background Notes Genesis 10 lists the generations of Noah’s sons Genesis 11 is going to give insight to a significant event that occurred during these generations This event accounts for two important things 1)The scattering of men throughout the earth 2) The origin of multiple tongues Notice the command given in Genesis 9:1

A Situation of Unity Genesis 11:1-2 Approximately 100 years after the flood Unprecedented Unity – Whole Earth Unparalled Universalism – One Tongue or Language Was this unity a violation of God’s command to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth”?

The Rebellion of the People Genesis 11:3-4 The sin was not in the building of the city or even the tower The sin was in the attitude of the people “Let us” Proverbs 21:4 Mankind will always fail when they try to make a name for themselves, rather than giving honor to the Creator

The Reaction by God Genesis 11:5-9 The tower was to reach the heavens, but God had to come down to see it This is an exposure of man’s foolishness and wickedness “Let Us go down” This is the third reference to the Godhead Genesis 1:26 – Genesis 3:22

The Reaction by God Genesis 11:5-9 Confusion of the Languages The inability to communicate puts a damper on the ability to accomplish a task This passage has a website named after it

The Reaction by God Genesis 11:5-9 Scattering of the people Work ceased due to the lack of ability to communicate and the workers were scattered abroad God’s will is going to be accomplished according to His terms

The Memorials from Babel Related to Man Sinful ambition – Laborious ingenuity Demonstrated feebleness – Stupendous folly Related to God Overruling providence – Resistless power Retributive justice – Beneficent purpose

3 Positives from a Negative Situation Share a Unity of Purpose What is my purpose for being here? Share a Unity of Plan No plans succeed without unity Share a Unity of Performance We must work together in order to accomplish the goals of Christ

Next Week’s Lesson Abram and Lot