Title: A Formula for Failure
Text: Genesis 11:1-9
Date: June 1, 2025
Introduction: According to the standards of this world, three factors are necessary for success:
— We must set an ambitious goal.
— We must develop a plan to reach the goal.
— We must work hard to reach the goal.
The formula is great, generally speaking. However, the text we are considering this morning records the story of one of the most momentous failures in history. It is a story that demonstrates that the world’s formula is no guarantee of success.
— The builders of Babel had an ambitious goal: “Come let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens.” (Genesis 11:4)
— They had perfected a plan: “Let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” (Genesis 11:3)
— They worked diligently to follow through with their plan.
According to the world’s standards, they should have succeeded. However, despite their ambitious plans and work, they failed ingloriously. Why? We find in the passage heavens only answer to this question. The men of the plains of Shinar failed because of several reasons. We fail today for the same reasons. Let’s remember, “The Word of God Standards,” not “The World’s Standards,” must be first and foremost!
I. We fail when we
II. We fail when our
III. We fail when we
Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta