The Deadly Pride of Man, Genesis 11:1-9
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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