The Deadly Pride of Man (Genesis 11:1-9)
Genesis 11:1–9 records the rebellion of Babel, where some of Noah’s descendants gathered in the plain of Shinar and sought to build a city and tower in defiance of God’s command to fill the earth. What may first appear to be a story about human achievement is actually a serious warning about human pride, false worship, and rebellion against the will of God.
In this sermon, Ben Smith, Sr., examines three deadly areas of pride revealed in the passage: the pride of ability, the pride of self-sufficiency, and the pride of mastery. The people of Babel took the gifts of God and used them as personal possessions, elevated their preferences above obedience, sought freedom from dependence on God, and attempted to establish worship under the authority of man.
This message calls believers to examine the subtle ways pride draws the heart away from God. Human ability, organization, intellect, and strength are gifts from the Lord, but when they are used for man’s glory rather than God’s, they become instruments of rebellion.
The warning of Babel remains urgent today: man is not master over his mind, his life, or his future. The only faithful response is to put away pride, bow before the living God, repent of sin, and walk in humble obedience.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "The Deadly Pride of Man" on Genesis 11:1-9.
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Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.
This sermon was originally preached on 4/26/2026.
Pride is one of the most deadly dangers of the human heart because it tempts us to believe that our ability, effort, intelligence, and strength can free us from dependence on God. In Genesis 11:1–9, the people of Babel sought to make a name for themselves, resist the command of God, and establish a city and tower devoted to their own glory.
This sermon manuscript examines the deadly pride of man through the rebellion at Babel, showing how pride corrupts God’s good gifts, elevates human preference over obedience, seeks self-sufficiency apart from God, and imagines mastery over life itself. Through careful exposition and pastoral application, this message calls believers to reject pride, humble themselves before the living God, and walk in faithful obedience to His Word.
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Church Bylaws and Parliamentary Consulting
Clear governing documents help a church carry out its ministry with consistency and care. When responsibilities are unclear, provisions no longer reflect present ministry, or meeting procedures are confusing, leaders can spend valuable time trying to determine what should happen next.
I help churches, associations, and nonprofit organizations examine their documents and address practical questions about how they conduct their work. Drawing on my pastoral leadership experience and work with church governing documents, I offer thoughtful review, parliamentary guidance, and written recommendations tailored to your organization’s needs and stated convictions.
How I can help
Review constitutions, bylaws, and policies for clarity, internal consistency, and practical ministry concerns.
Identify outdated provisions and discuss changes that support present ministry while respecting the organization’s beliefs and duly adopted rules.
Help committees organize a new document or revision project and develop proposed language within an agreed, permissible consulting scope.
Prepare meeting scripts for association moderators, church moderators, presidents, and chairpersons.
Help frame motions clearly and plan the parliamentary steps needed to consider them.
Assist clerks and meeting secretaries with preparing, submitting, and correcting minutes.
Research other parliamentary questions and explain recommendations in a written report.
Present findings to designated representatives or, by separate arrangement, to the full church or organization.
Begin with an initial consultation
The $75 initial consultation includes a 45-minute phone or video meeting and up to 15 minutes to review your intake answers and prepare a brief written next-step summary. We will discuss your needs, identify the relevant documents, and determine whether a focused service or a larger project is appropriate.
Detailed document review, substantive research, drafting, and presentations are quoted separately. You will receive the scope, fee, and anticipated schedule before additional work begins. Purchase starts the scheduling process; it does not reserve a particular appointment time. I will contact you within two business days to arrange our conversation.
About Ben Smith
I am a pastor with more than 25 years of pastoral leadership experience and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. My consulting focuses on practical ministry needs, clear documents, and orderly decision-making. I do not hold the Registered Parliamentarian credential.
This service provides ministry and parliamentary consulting, not legal advice or a legal compliance opinion. Legal drafting and questions about legal rights or obligations must be handled by qualified counsel. Your organization retains responsibility for its decisions and for adopting any proposed changes through the proper process.