Text: Genesis 11:1-4
When the people decided to work together to build the Tower of Babel, they were united. However, what they decided to do was not God’s will; so He scattered them. Just because people are united does not mean that the action/result is good. There are a few examples in the book of Genesis that illustrate this.
Why Unity Is Desirable
- Strength in numbers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) – there is a natural desire for safety/security; being aligned with the majority provides this
- Sense of acceptance (John 12:42-43) – the world loves its own (John 15:19); there is a temptation to “follow the masses in doing evil” (Exodus 23:2)
- God commends unity to us (John 17:21) – however, not every type of unity is good; we will see this in the examples we’ll discuss
Examples of Unity in Ungodliness
- United in wicked thoughts (Genesis 6:5) – all of their thoughts were evil; Noah was the exception (Genesis 6:8-12); the rest were corrupt; thoughts are a reflection of character (Proverbs 23:7); they were wicked, but of the “same mind” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10)
- United in an arrogant work (Genesis 11:1-4) – God wanted them to “fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1); they did not want to be “scattered” (Genesis 11:4); their actions were directly contrary to God’s will; therefore, this was sinful (1 John 3:4)
- United in sin (Genesis 19:4-7) – the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked (Genesis 13:13); “young and old” together; their actions were contrary to nature (Romans 1:26-27), yet they did this together (cf. Jude 7)
The Type of Unity We Ought to Have
- United in godly thoughts – we are to be of the “same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10); think on what is good (Philippians 4:8)
- United in the Lord’s work – we must do all in His name (Colossians 3:17); each part works together (Ephesians 4:16)
- United in purity of life – keep behavior excellent (1 Peter 2:12); walk by the same standard/pattern (Philippians 3:16-17)
How We Should React to Ungodliness
- Remain blameless (Genesis 6:9) – do not conform to the world (Romans 12:2)
- Do not participate with it (Genesis 11:4) – do not participate/have fellowship with evil deeds (Ephesians 5:11)
- Flee from it (Genesis 19:12, 15, 17) – flee from evil (2 Timothy 2:22)
How God Deals with Ungodliness
- He condemns it (Genesis 6:5-7, 13-14) – revelation and obedience to His plan condemns the world (Hebrews 11:7)
- He puts an end to it (Genesis 11:6-9) – Christ came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8)
- He punishes those who practice it (Genesis 19:13, 24-25) – this is an example for us (Jude 7)
Conclusion
- Unity is good – IF it is unity based upon God’s word
- If our thoughts/actions are not in harmony with His word, it doesn’t matter how much we agree
- We need to be following God’s standard and enjoy unity with those who are striving to do the same
