Building on Promises: The Choice Between Two Foundations
Summary
Today’s gathering is a reminder of the profound significance of our worship and the unique way God inhabits the praises of His people. Every Sunday is a celebration of both the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost—two events that forever changed human history and continue to shape our lives. The evidence of Christ’s ongoing work is seen in changed lives, as we witnessed through the baptisms this morning. These moments are not just rituals, but public declarations of faith and the new life found in Christ.
As we continue our journey through Genesis 1-12, we arrive at a pivotal moment in chapters 11 and 12—a crossroads that sets the trajectory for all of human history. The story of Babel is not just about ancient people building a tower; it’s about the fundamental choice every person faces: Will you build your life on your own performance, or on God’s promises? There are only two ways—no third option. This is the same choice presented in the garden, between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and it echoes throughout Scripture: life or death, wisdom or folly, heaven or hell.
The people of Babel sought to build a life where God was unnecessary, relying on their own ingenuity and effort. They invented bricks—man-made, uniform, and efficient—choosing them over stones, which are God-made and unique. This is a powerful metaphor: building with bricks represents constructing a life on human effort, while building with stones represents a life founded on God’s provision. The world offers many ways to build a “good” life, but only one way leads to eternal life.
The human heart longs for security, significance, stability, and a name. These desires are not wrong, but the way we pursue them matters. The Babel builders sought these apart from God, trying to create a homogenous, comfortable, and controlled environment. But God’s plan is not for us to settle in comfort or sameness, but to be scattered—to fill the earth, to embrace diversity, to push beyond comfort, and to trust Him for our security and significance.
God’s response to Babel was not punishment, but a redirection toward His purpose. He scattered the people, ensuring that humanity would fulfill its calling to fill the earth. The challenge is clear: will you settle for a life of comfort and control, or will you embrace the adventure of faith, building on the solid rock of Christ? In the end, there are only two destinies: the city of man, which will pass away, or the city of God, the new Jerusalem. The choice is ours—to be citizens of the world, or citizens of the kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- There Are Only Two Foundations for Life
Every person must choose between building life on their own performance or on God’s promises. Human effort can produce impressive results, but only a life founded on Christ—the true cornerstone—will endure the storms of life and the final judgment. The difference is not in the outward appearance, but in the foundation that supports everything else. [36:48]
- God-Given Desires Must Be Met God’s Way
Desires for security, significance, stability, and a name are woven into the human heart by God Himself. The tragedy of Babel was not the desire for these things, but the attempt to achieve them apart from God. True fulfillment comes not from self-made efforts, but from receiving what only God can give—security in His presence, significance in His calling, and a name that He bestows. [41:40]
- Comfort and Settling Are the Enemies of Purpose
God did not create us to settle for comfort or sameness. The temptation to “settle” leads to stagnation in our relationships, our faith, and our mission. God continually calls us to look to the horizon, to press forward, to embrace vulnerability and growth, and to refuse to be satisfied with anything less than the greatness for which we were created. [49:48]
- Human Achievement Without God Is Ultimately Empty
The story of Babel shows that humanity is capable of incredible achievements, even without acknowledging God. Yet, no matter how high we build, God must still descend to meet us. The greatest accomplishments, if done apart from God, cannot compare to what is possible when He is at the center. With God, our potential is multiplied beyond what we can imagine. [01:12:25]
- Citizenship in the Kingdom Is the Ultimate Choice
At the end of all things, there are only two destinies: the city of man, which will be destroyed, and the city of God, which endures forever. Our efforts to build a better world are not enough; we are called to build the kingdom of God. The invitation is open to all—to become citizens of the kingdom through faith in Christ, not by our own merit, but by His grace. [01:21:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:21] - Baptism: Wells Gunn
[11:45] - Baptism: Annabelle
[12:55] - Baptism: Jonathan Langston
[36:48] - Two Ways to Build a Life
[39:40] - The Babel Project: Performance vs. Promise
[41:40] - The Four Longings of the Human Heart
[47:48] - The Danger of Homogeneity and Control
[48:58] - The Futility of Returning to Eden
[49:48] - The Temptation to Settle
[52:12] - Bricks vs. Stones: What Are You Building With?
[57:16] - The Four Motivations of Babel
[01:01:31] - The Futility of Self-Made Salvation
[01:10:03] - God’s Response: Descent and Redirection
[01:21:40] - The Final Choice: City of Man or City of God
[01:24:18] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Two Ways to Build a Life”
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV)
> Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
> “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
> Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 11, what materials did the people of Babel choose to build with, and what was their stated goal for building the city and tower? ([39:40])
2. According to Matthew 7, what is the difference between the two builders and the foundations they chose? What happened to each house when the storm came?
3. In Philippians 2, what did Jesus do with his status and power, and how did God respond to his humility?
4. According to the sermon, what were the four main desires or motivations of the people at Babel? ([57:16])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people of Babel wanted to build a city and a tower “to make a name for themselves”? What does this reveal about their hearts and their view of God? ([39:40])
2. The sermon draws a contrast between building with “bricks” (man-made) and “stones” (God-made). What does this metaphor teach us about the difference between relying on our own efforts versus God’s provision? ([52:12])
3. The people of Babel wanted security, significance, stability, and a name. According to the sermon, why is it a problem to seek these things apart from God? ([41:40])
4. God’s response to Babel was to scatter the people, not as punishment but as redirection. What does this suggest about God’s purpose for humanity and for us today? ([01:15:44])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says there are only two foundations for life: our own performance or God’s promises. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own effort instead of trusting God’s promises? What would it look like to shift your foundation? ([36:48])
2. The people of Babel wanted to “settle” and be comfortable, but God called them to scatter and fill the earth. Are there areas in your life where you have “settled” for comfort or sameness? What is one step you could take to embrace the adventure of faith and growth? ([49:48])
3. The sermon points out that our desires for security, significance, stability, and a name are not wrong, but the way we pursue them matters. How are you currently seeking these things? Are you looking for them in God, or trying to achieve them on your own? ([41:40])
4. Jesus is described as the true cornerstone, the solid rock. What does it mean for you personally to build your life on Christ? Is there a specific area where you need to rebuild your foundation? ([54:12])
5. The story of Babel shows that human achievement without God is ultimately empty. Have you ever experienced success or accomplishment that felt hollow or unfulfilling? What did you learn from that experience? ([01:12:25])
6. The sermon challenges us to be “citizens of the kingdom” rather than “citizens of the world.” What does citizenship in God’s kingdom look like in your daily life? Are there ways you need to realign your priorities or identity? ([01:21:40])
7. God’s plan is for diversity, movement, and growth—not comfort and control. How can you intentionally embrace diversity and step out of your comfort zone this week, either in your relationships, your faith, or your service? ([47:48])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you build your life on His promises, to trust Him for your security and significance, and to give you courage to step out of comfort and into the adventure of faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Building on God's Promises, Not Human Performance
There are only two ways to build your life: relying on your own performance or trusting in God's promises. Throughout history, people have achieved great things apart from God, but the question remains—are those lives truly worth living? You can have success, comfort, and even a good reputation, but if God is not at the center, you may find yourself with a life that looks impressive on the outside but is empty at its core. The difference between the city of Babel and the life God calls us to is not in the desire for greatness, but in the foundation upon which that greatness is built. Will you build with your own hands, or will you trust in the promises and purposes of God, who alone can give eternal significance to your life? [36:48]
Genesis 11:1-4 (ESV)
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to rely on your own performance rather than trusting in God's promises? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 2: The Foundation Matters: Bricks or Stone?
The materials you use to build your life matter deeply. Bricks represent human effort—man-made, uniform, and impressive on the surface, but ultimately fragile when the storms come. Stone, on the other hand, is God-made, strong, and enduring. The Bible consistently points to stone as the foundation for God's temple and for our lives, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. When you build with the world's ingredients, you may achieve temporary beauty or success, but only a life built on the solid rock of Jesus will withstand the ultimate tests. What are you using to build your life—bricks of your own making, or the unshakeable stone of God's truth and presence? [53:11]
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Reflection: What “bricks” of self-effort or worldly values have you been using to build your life, and how can you begin to replace them with the “stones” of God’s Word and presence?
Day 3: True Security and Significance Come from God Alone
Humanity’s deepest needs—security, salvation, significance, and stability—cannot be met apart from God. The people of Babel tried to build a city and a tower to make themselves safe, important, and unshakable, but true security is never found in numbers, achievements, or comfort. Only God can provide the safety, salvation, and lasting significance our hearts long for. When we seek to make a name for ourselves or to control our environment, we miss the greater name and purpose that God wants to give us. Instead of striving to build your own tower, receive the identity and security that come from being a child of God, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. [01:02:51]
Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection: Where are you seeking security, significance, or stability apart from God? How can you intentionally shift your trust to Him in those areas today?
Day 4: Refusing to Settle—Pursuing God’s Greater Purpose
God did not create you to settle for comfort, sameness, or mediocrity. The temptation to “settle” is strong—whether in your marriage, your work, or your spiritual life—but God calls you to keep pressing forward, to embrace vulnerability, and to pursue the greatness for which you were made. Settling leads to stagnation, but God’s purpose is for you to be scattered, to multiply, to take risks, and to build His kingdom rather than your own comfort zone. Contentment is not about settling for less, but about trusting Christ to strengthen you for whatever He calls you to do next. [01:16:31]
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you “settled” for comfort or sameness? What is one step you can take this week to pursue God’s greater purpose for you?
Day 5: Living as Citizens of the Kingdom, Not the World
At the end of the day, there are only two citizenships: the world or the kingdom of God. All our efforts to build a better world will ultimately fall short, because God is preparing a new heaven and a new earth for those who belong to Him. The question is not whether you are building a good life here, but whether you are a citizen of the kingdom that will last forever. Jesus invites you to use your God-given authority to choose Him, to become part of His eternal kingdom, and to live with the hope and purpose that only He can provide. [01:21:40]
Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Reflection: Are you living as a citizen of the world or of God’s kingdom? What is one practical way you can demonstrate your kingdom citizenship today?
Quotes
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