Lesson 12

Reason to exist:

“We must make a name for ourselves” (human

wisdom and pride)

Effect:

Dispersion,lack of unity.

Besides, the pride laying on a structure like that would

keep unity for the execution of other heathen plans.

According to the divine plan, men should have maintained

unity through true religion. When idolatry and

polytheism broke that inner spiritual bond, the unity of

religion and the spirit of fraternity disappeared. A

design like that tower was doomed to failure, as it

intended to keep the internal unity that had disappeared

by external means.”

SDA Biblical Commentary, vol. 1, Gen. 11:4

“The Tower of Babel was designed for being a monument to the superior wisdom and the skill of its builders... The wish of achieving renown was one of the impelling reasons for building that tower.

Reason to exist:

Proclaiming the Gospel.

Effect:

Unity.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him

who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have

received mercy”1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

Being part of the body of Christ.

Having a place in the community.

Being saints (called and set apart by God)

Caring about each other, physically and spiritually.

Loving one another.

Being called sons of God.

Showing love to others (John 13: 34)

“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5: 14 NIV)

Praying for one another (1 Thessalonians, 5: 17)

Don’t stop gathering (Heb. 10: 25)

Preaching the Gospel with gentleness and reverence(1 Peter 3: 15)

Contributing with our tithes and offerings(1 Corinthians 16: 2)

Seeking unity (Romans 12: 16)

If Jesus redeemed us to God from every tribe, tongue, people and nation (Revelation 5: 9), we must achieve unity without losing individuality here, on Earth.

“If we draw nigh to God, we shall draw nigh to one another. We cannot draw nigh to the same cross without coming into unity of spirit. Christ prayed that His disciples should be one as He and the Father are one. We should seek to be one in spirit and in understanding. We should seek to be one that God may be glorified in us as He was glorified in the Son, and God will love us as He loves His Son”

E.G.W. (That I May Know Him, p. 246)

Our community is founded on the ROCK

ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life?

ADAPT it! Teaching Approach

Effective for SMALL GROUPS

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