Scripture Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

When the Lines of Communication Fail

Intro.

1. A productive, health society depends on good communication system. (cf. Telephone outage last Wed. – disrupted communications, commerce, conversations, homes, etc.)

2. Communication can be disrupted by many things – cf. Col. 3:8-9

3. When communication fails, division, distrust & downfall occur.

I. CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE COMMUNICATING…

A. To God in Prayer & Praise – Lk. 18:1; Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Ths. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Col. 4:2.

B. To the World by Teaching the Gospel – Matt. 28:19-20; Eph. 3:8-9; 6:19; Col. 4:4-6.

C. To Our Brethren – Eph. 4:29-32; Jas. 3:8-12; 1:19-20; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; Jas. 5:16.

D. In Our Families (spouses, children & parents).

1. Marriage – 1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 5:22-25, 28-29.

2. Children – Eph. 6:4 (Col. 3:21); Heb. 12:9-10.

3. Parents – Eph. 6:1-3; Lev. 19:3 (revere: fear, joined with love & affection): “…includes inward reverence and esteem, outward respect and obedience, care to please them and to make them easy” (Matthew Henry).

II. WHEN THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION FAIL (Gen. 11:1-9):

-(Languages were confused because men exalted themselves rather than honor & obey God, 9:1; 11:4). If man had done so, his ability to communicate would not have diminished!)

A. Confusion, Disputes & Division Reign – 11:8-9.

1. Disputes & divisions – cf. 1 Tim. 6:4-5; 1 Cor. 1:10.

2. Speaking the same thing (unity) requires that we carefully listen to God’s word as well as to each other! (Jas. 1:19)

3. Marriages, families & churches disintegrate without communication.

B. Potential, Progress & Productivity are Disrupted – 11:3, 4, 6, 8.

1. Goals are more difficult to accomplish without communication – cf. 1 Cor. 12:20-27; Eph. 4:15-16.

2. Church, family, teaching the lost, etc.

C. Isolation Results – 11:8 (scattered).

1. Distrust & evil suspicions – 1 Tim. 6:4.

2. Selfishness dominate & dictate decisions – Phil. 2:3-4.

3. Exposed to more dangers w/ less help (Gen. 11:4, 9, scattered).

-(Cf. emergency help w/o phone service); cf. Gal. 6:1-2.

D. Misunderstanding Increases – 11:7; cf. 1 Pet. 3:7.

1. cf. Jno. 8:43 – When we cannot listen (hearts hardened by sin) we fail to understand the truth of Christ!

2. Lk. 8:8, 18 – Be careful to listen & how you listen! (Acts 13:16)

a. Listen carefully: “Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness.” (Margaret Millar)

b. Speak plainly: “Scintillate, scintillate, globule vivific, Fain would I fathom thy nature specific. Loftily poised in the ether capacious, Strongly resembling a gem carbonaceous.”

-Translated-

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are, Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.” (Sermonillustrations.com)

Conclusion

1. Don’t take communication for granted!

a. Commitment of time, effort, right motives of heart.

b. Requires honesty & the welfare of others – Prov. 10:20-21.

2. Keep the lines of communication open & active!