Let Us Make a Name for Ourselves

In this sermon, Pastor James explores Genesis 11:1-9, the story of the Tower of Babel, as part of the "Unfolding Gospel" series. He reveals how this ancient story exposes our universal human tendency to replace God with ourselves.

Pastor James begins by connecting the Tower of Babel to modern ideas like transhumanism—humanity's attempt to transcend our limitations and become divine-like. He explains that after the flood, humanity developed a common language and technological capabilities in Shinar (ancient Babylon). Instead of dispersing to fill the earth as God commanded, they decided to build a city with a tower reaching to the heavens to "make a name for ourselves."

This phrase reveals humanity's prideful desire to usurp God's rightful place. Scripture consistently shows that only God makes names great—for Himself and for those He chooses to elevate. The Babel builders were attempting to claim divine prerogative, seeking good apart from God and His Word.

Pastor James emphasizes that sin is more than just wrong actions—it's a heart that cannot abide living under God. As John Stott puts it, "Pride is the essence of all sin... the attempt to dethrone God and enthrone ourselves." This manifests in our lives when we treat our money, time, and decisions as solely ours rather than acknowledging God's ownership.

When God "comes down" to see the tower, the perspective shifts dramatically. This language indicates how small human achievements appear from heaven's perspective. God confuses their languages not just as judgment but as mercy—preventing the greater evil they might accomplish together.

The Tower of Babel isn't the end of the story. Pastor James points to Zephaniah 3, Acts 2 (Pentecost), and Revelation 5 and 7 to show how God reverses Babel through the gospel. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enables people of different languages to understand the gospel. In Revelation, we see people from every tribe, language, and nation worshiping together around God's throne.

Pastor James challenges us to find ourselves in this narrative. We carry the same sinful nature that built Babel. We become "functional atheists" when we make decisions without consulting God, when we define good on our own terms, or when we live as though God doesn't exist except on Sundays.

The good news is that through Christ, mercy triumphs over judgment. We who were dispersed by sin can be brought near to God through faith in Jesus. Though our hearts are continually tempted by idols, God's mercy overcomes our wayward hearts. One day, believers will worship around God's throne with a common language, united in our praise of the One whose mercy is greater than our many sins.

~~~