The Tower and the Temple
Faith of Our Fathers
May 15, 2022
Rev. James Sutton
Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) exposes humanity's attempt to seize glory and unity apart from God, prompting Divine judgment that becomes an occasion for mercy and points forward to the true unifying builder in Christ who redeems our fractured unity.
Summary
The sermon examines Genesis 11:1–9 through the themes of glory, unity, mercy, and redemption. Humanity's tower-building is framed as an attempt to recapture Eden and make a name for themselves—an ambitious, God‑less glory—contrasted with the biblical meaning of names and the greater gift of Christ's name placed on believers. Two kinds of unity are identified: shalom (Godly wholeness) and the post‑Fall unity of hamas (violent self‑preservation). God's scattering at Babel is both judgment and severe mercy, and the preacher points to Ephesians 2 to show that God, as the true builder, brings redeemed people together by grace; when we operate on Christ's blueprint we can pursue the beauty of Trinitarian shalom, join in the mission, and see even curses turned into ultimate blessing.
Key Points
- Text and occasion: Genesis 11:1–9 (Tower of Babel) used to explore glory, unity, mercy, redemption
- Opening image: painting metaphor — Genesis paints with broad brushstrokes and shifts quickly into Genesis 12
- Glory: humanity's project to recapture Eden and make a name for themselves is ambitious but leaves no place for God
- Names: biblical names carry weight; modern culture often misses their significance; Christ giving his name to us is the true fulfillment of what they wanted
- Two kinds of unity: shalom (wholeness, God‑centered unity) vs. the post‑Fall unity of hamas (violent, self‑serving unity)
- Problem demonstrated at Babel: unified human capability used apart from God produces pride and judgment
- Mercy and redemption: God’s scattering is also severe mercy that preserves his purposes
- New Testament fulfillment: Ephesians 2 — God is the builder who unites us by grace; Christ’s sacrificial love is the true blueprint for unified, godly work
- Practical call: Christians are called to a mission that requires separation from self‑seeking unity and to operate on Christ’s blueprint so our collective work displays God’s shalom
- Hope: even God’s curses are woven into his redemptive plan and will be transformed into ultimate blessing in heaven
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