From Babel to Pentecost: Embracing God's Global Mission
Summary
The sermon addresses the biblical story of Babel, its implications for Christian life, and the overarching narrative of God's plan for humanity. The speaker warns against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of fame, emphasizing the Christian calling to be scattered and fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations. The importance of inviting others into a spiritual journey and avoiding the creation of a "holy huddle" is stressed, with the promise that those who answer the calling will have everything they need.
The relevance of the book of Revelation is discussed, highlighting that the Bible tells one story of God's plan to reach and redeem people. The story of Babel serves as a warning against the sin of self-centeredness and the temptation to idolize even noble endeavors, such as a church, when they seek their own glory instead of God's. The speaker shares a personal revelation about idolizing their children and concludes by urging listeners to do everything for the glory of God.
The sermon also touches on the concept of a godly nation, stating that no such nation has existed since the fall of man. It points to the prophecy in Revelation of a superpower called Babylon that will persecute Christians but will be destroyed by Jesus, emphasizing that Christianity is for every tribe, language, and nation.
The speaker makes announcements about church events and encourages participation in baptism and Bible study. They then delve into the story of Babel, posing questions about language diversity, world powers, and the story's relevance today.
The contrast between Babel and Pentecost is explored, showing how Babel brought division, while Pentecost brought unity through the gospel and the Holy Spirit. The early church's initial resistance to scattering is mentioned, and the sermon suggests that having one government under God is not problematic.
The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to be willing to go wherever God calls them and offers prayer for various needs within the congregation. They highlight Jesus' authority and command to make disciples of all nations, assuring believers that they are not alone in their mission.
The transition from the creation story to the focus on Abraham and his descendants is discussed, with the story of Babel being the last to encompass all of humanity before this shift. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Genesis to make proper applications and points to Jesus as the culmination of the Genesis narrative.
The diversity of languages and people groups is presented as part of God's plan, with the refusal to obey God's command to scatter being the cause of the diversity. The speaker encourages seeing the Bible as one book pointing towards Jesus.
The story of the Tower of Babel is recounted, with the people's desire to make a name for themselves and avoid scattering leading to God confusing their language and dispersing them. The speaker expresses gratitude for the story and its lessons.
Finally, the dispersion of Noah's descendants is highlighted, with the speaker explaining that the diversity of languages and nations was part of God's plan, and the people's attempt to build a city and tower to make a name for themselves was thwarted by God.
Key Takeaways:
- The pursuit of personal fame and glory is a significant danger for believers, as it can lead to idolatry and a failure to fulfill the Great Commission. Christians are called to scatter and share the gospel, creating communities that reflect the love and teachings of Christ. This scattering is essential for spiritual growth and the multiplication of disciples. [01:07:26]
- The Bible's narrative, from Genesis to Revelation, warns against self-centeredness and idolatry, calling believers to lay down their achievements for God's glory. Personal stories, such as the speaker's experience with idolizing their children, serve as powerful reminders to focus on God's glory rather than our own. [01:03:59]
- Christianity transcends national and tribal boundaries, uniting people from every background in worship of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of Babylon's fall in Revelation underscores the temporary nature of earthly powers and the eternal kingdom of Christ. [01:00:16]
- The story of Babel and Pentecost illustrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming division and bringing clarity and unity to believers. The early church's experience serves as a lesson in obedience and the importance of spreading the gospel. [57:49]
- Understanding the context of biblical stories, such as the focus shift from all humanity to Abraham's lineage after Babel, is crucial for proper application of Scripture. The entire narrative of Genesis, including Babel, points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. [43:04]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Acts 2:1-6 (ESV)
> "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language."
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What were the people's intentions in building the Tower of Babel according to Genesis 11:4? ([51:00])
2. How did God respond to the construction of the Tower of Babel, and what was the result? ([46:10])
3. What significant event happened during Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-6, and how did it contrast with the story of Babel? ([57:49])
4. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what command did Jesus give to His disciples, and what assurance did He provide them?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people of Babel wanted to "make a name for themselves" and avoid being scattered? How does this reflect human nature? ([51:36])
2. How does the story of Pentecost demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming division and bringing unity among believers? ([57:49])
3. In what ways does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) challenge believers to move beyond their comfort zones and engage with diverse people groups? ([01:09:45])
4. How does the story of Babel serve as a warning against pride and self-centeredness in our personal lives and church communities? ([01:03:59])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought personal recognition or glory. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to ensure your actions glorify God instead? ([01:03:59])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of scattering and sharing the gospel. How can you actively participate in fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily life? ([01:07:26])
3. The speaker mentioned the danger of creating a "holy huddle." How can your small group avoid becoming inward-focused and instead invite others into your spiritual journey? ([01:07:26])
4. Consider the diversity of languages and cultures in your community. How can you build relationships and share the gospel with people from different backgrounds? ([54:42])
5. The speaker shared a personal story about idolizing their children. Are there any areas in your life where you might be placing something or someone above God? How can you realign your priorities? ([01:04:48])
6. How can you leverage your unique gifts and talents for the glory of God rather than for personal gain? What specific actions can you take this week to serve others and honor God? ([01:06:47])
7. The sermon highlighted the promise that believers have everything they need to fulfill their mission. How can you rely on God's provision and presence as you step out in faith to share the gospel? ([01:09:45])
Devotional
Day 1: Rejecting the Lure of Self-Glory
The pursuit of personal fame can subtly lead one away from God's purpose. Believers are called to humility and to focus on spreading the gospel rather than seeking their own glory. This selfless scattering is not only an act of obedience but also a means to grow spiritually and to multiply disciples across the globe. [01:07:26]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: In what ways might you be seeking personal recognition over God's glory in your daily life, and how can you shift your focus to serving others for His sake?
Day 2: Embracing the Biblical Narrative
The Bible's story from beginning to end teaches a lesson against self-centeredness and idolatry. It calls for believers to lay down their personal achievements and to live for the glory of God. This includes recognizing and repenting from the subtle ways one might idolize even good things, such as family or ministry. [01:03:59]
1 John 5:21 - "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What good things in your life might you be unintentionally idolizing, and how can you ensure that God remains at the center of all you do?
Day 3: Unity in Christ Beyond Borders
Christianity transcends all human-made boundaries, uniting diverse peoples in the worship of Jesus Christ. The fall of Babylon in Revelation serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly powers compared to the eternal kingdom of Christ. This perspective encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ above all national or tribal affiliations. [01:00:16]
Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ in your interactions with believers from different backgrounds?
Day 4: The Spirit Overcomes Division
The contrast between Babel and Pentecost reveals the Holy Spirit's power to overcome human division and to bring clarity and unity among believers. The early church's reluctance to scatter was transformed by the Spirit, leading to the spread of the gospel. This unity in the Spirit is a testament to God's desire for His message to reach every corner of the earth. [57:49]
Acts 2:6 - "When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken."
Reflection: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome any divisions or misunderstandings within your church community?
Day 5: Genesis Points to Redemption
Understanding the context of biblical stories is crucial for their application. The shift from a focus on all humanity to Abraham's lineage after Babel prefigures the coming of Jesus, who redeems and unites all people. This understanding helps believers see the Bible as a cohesive narrative that culminates in Christ's redemptive work. [43:04]
Ephesians 2:19-20 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
Reflection: How does seeing Jesus as the culmination of the Genesis narrative change your perspective on the importance of the Old Testament in your faith journey?
Quotes
"The minute we stop inviting, the minute we stop multiplying, we are at risk. We can scatter or we can be scattered, and I would rather do it out of obedience and not discipline." [01:08:40] (Download)
"We experience the Holy Spirit and lifegiving community, and it's good and rich, and we begin to grow in our spiritual journey, and then we say, 'Let's not mess it up, don't invite anybody else in.' We're trying to hoard the good thing that God is doing." [01:07:26] (Download)
"The calling is to go, the calling is to be scattered. Take the message of Jesus to the people you know. It's the only way people are going to grow and become mature in their walk with God." [01:08:40] (Download)
"You're not alone. Jesus said, 'I have all authority; I'm going with you. You will not fail if you're willing to be scattered in the name of Jesus.'" [01:10:21] (Download)
"The warning is to be on guard because even the most noble of enterprises can become an idol, a church can start with all intention of glorifying God and bringing people to Jesus and quickly morph into some kind of power structure that elevates the leader to some kind of hero status." [01:04:48] (Download)
"We have this innate ability to take the very gifts that God gives us and turn them into idols... and they really become idols unless you are intentional about laying them down daily for the glory of God." [01:05:25] (Download)
"If your desire for success in your workplace, your academics, and sports is rooted in making a name for yourself, be careful; you're in a dangerous place." [01:06:05] (Download)
"There has never been and there never will be a truly Godly Nation, a god-honoring superpower until Jesus returns and sets up his kingdom." [01:00:58] (Download)
"Christianity is not and never has been a tribal religion; it is a religion for every tongue in every nation." [01:03:14] (Download)
"Babel brings confusion, Pentecost brings clarity. Babel divides the Nations, Pentecost unites the Nations. Pentecost showed us that the diversity of language and people groups is no match for the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit." [57:49] (Download)
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