A Tale of Two Cities
Genesis 4:16-26 “Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Ē´noch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Ē´noch. To Ē´noch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech. Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. Then Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Ē´nosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.”
What is recorded is two different lineages being formed in the earth-
Another seed instead of Abel—Cain, the firstborn, and Abel, murdered by his own brother were both lost to Adam. But instead of the third son succeeding to the place of the firstborn, Seth is specially marked out for a unique reason.
Seth.—Heb., Sheth, means appointed, substituted: he was specially designated as the son who was to carry the name of Adam down through the ages as a relative of the Savior. And to Seth was born a son called Enos. Enos is a general name for all men, and speaks the weakness, frailty, and misery of man’s state.
From Enos, it is written, “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord” — God’s name was called upon before, but this statement means something greater and deeper
1st, The worshippers of God began to do more in His name than they had done before. Now men began to worship God, not only in their closets and families, but in public and assemblies. They were not quiet, but outspoken and gathered to worship and celebrate and pray to the Living God in the public sphere.
2nd, The worshippers of God began to distinguish themselves from all other nations around them. This line of people began not just to call on His name but to call themselves by His name.
Now Cain and those that had deserted the name of the Lord had built a city, and begun to declare it for themselves, and called themselves after their own name, the sons of men.
Those that adhered to God began to declare for him and his worship, and called themselves and their places after His name, they are called the sons of God.
IMPORTANT! Cain built himself a city to remedy his condition. His punishment for murder was to be “a fugitive and a vagabond”. A vagabond who has no home, but waners from place to place. He defied God’s Divine sentence, built to himself a city free of God and free of God’s authority. He called the city by his son’s name. Rebellion is birthed in the line of Cain
What we see developing in scripture is a tale of two cities-
From the line of Cain- the city of man, called the sons of man, ruled by human reason, man-centered, self-centered, humanity driven, represented by Babylon in Scripture. Like Cain, the city of men look for a city built in rebellion, a place where they do not have to abide by God’s laws and rules, a place free from restraint, where they can live and do as they please.
From the line of Seth- the city of God- called the sons of God, God centered, ruled by God’s laws, humility driven, depends on God, submit to God’s authority, represented by the new Jerusalem in heaven.
These two cities will always be in conflict with one another. They have different people, different foundations, different governments, different paths, and confrontation is inevitable.
Which city do you live in?
#1 Whose name are you known by?
Those who live in God’s city are called “the sons of God”, those who live in Babylon are called “the sons of men”
The Word Christian, means “one who lives in Christ”. Just like Washitonion or Texan.
There are only two kinds of people in this world- those in Christ and those not in Christ. You cannot be both in Christ and not in Christ at the same time. If you are not in Christ, you are not a son. Creation-wise, you are made in His image, by positionally, you are a son of men.
What does the city of God look like?
It is ONLY filled with God’s children. We are sons and daughter of God because we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
John 1:12 ESV But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
Galatians 3:26 ESV For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
John 1:12-13 ESV But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
We have faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. We are born again, made a new creation in Christ. We see differently, we act differently and we live differently than Babylon. WE have our Father’s nature, so we must act like Jesus.
The city of God is filled with people who are led by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Because we have a new nature, and a new Spirit, we walk as He walked. We are led by the Spirit, and not by our feelings and emotions. The Spirit is our authority. HE teaches, comforts and guides. WE live within God’s laws and boundaries.
The city of God is a light in a dark world. We shine brightly in a dark world.
Philippians 2:15 ESV That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
The light of the Lord and His message shines in us because we light the way to salvation. We have a hope the world needs. WE have the freedom they want. WE know the way to get it and we know the way of salvation. We do not keep these things hidden.
We expose the darkness by our mere presence. WE walk into a room and the darkness has to flee! Ex: Prison evangelist, Mahaney! Why are you here! Get out
The city of God is full of those who make peace.
Matthew 5:9 ESV “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
WE are not of this world. We are ambassadors to another kingdom. We carry with us the peace of God and the ministry of reconciliation. WE do not make peace with Babylon, we bring the peace of God into our areas.
We are overcomers.
Revelation 21:7 ESV The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
No man and certainly no devil has any authority over us. WE belong to another city, whose maker is God. WE overcome this world by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. WE are more than a conqueror
Now, what does the city of men look like? WE have Babylon as the Scripture reference-
- Babylon is an Anti-God System
Like Cain, Babylon represents an entire system that opposes God’s ways. In John’s time, it was Rome. The symbol of Babylon refers to any empire or system that elevates itself above God.
Revelation 17:9 “The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”
The reference to the “seven hills” was a direct ref to Rome. Everyone in the first century, Roman coins depicted the goddess Roma seated on seven hills . In John’s vision, Babylon is more than just a city—it is a system that exalts human power above divine authority. And today, Babylon exists in every system that elevates itself above God.
The beast that comes out of the sea in Rev 13 is a revived roman empire- a one-world government system, where you will only be able to buy or sell if you have the mark of the beast- 666 (talk about) This is why I reject big government and globalism
- Babylon Glorifies Opulence and Disdains Ordinariness
Babylon is portrayed as a figure clothed in luxury, glittering with gold, jewels, and pearls:
Revelation 17:4 “The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.”
Rome was known for its indulgence, from gladiatorial games to its excessive banquets. Babylon represents this world of excess, where wealth and luxury are pursued at the expense of others. “Profit is happiness” is its motto
Babylon tells us that contentment comes from having more, but Scripture teaches the opposite.
1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
True contentment doesn’t come from wealth or luxury but from being satisfied with what God provides.
- Babylon Silences Those Who Speak Truth
Babylon is not just about wealth—it’s also about silencing those who stand for truth. John describes Babylon as “drunk with the blood of the saints”, meaning Babylon persecutes and kills those who bear witness to Jesus and speak the truth that men do not want to hear.
Revelation 17:6 New King James Version
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
Even today, we see Babylon’s influence in the way it marginalizes voices of truth. Current events apply.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be dissidents—we oppose the antigod system, stand for truth, even when it costs us. We are called to resist Babylon’s influence in our lives and remain faithful to God’s truth, even in the face of death. Ex: Nero’s treatment of the NT Christians, every apostles minus John was martyred because they stood in stark contrast to the antichrist system of Rome.
- Babylon Values Image Over Substance
One of the most striking characteristics of Babylon is its obsession with outward appearance. Babylon is all about projecting an image of power, beauty, and success, even if there’s no substance behind it. In John’s time, Rome’s grandeur was extravagant, but it masked the oppression and corruption beneath.
Today, we see this same obsession with image in our social media-driven culture. We are tempted to project a perfect life while neglecting the messiness and depth of true, ordinary living. Babylon thrives on this.
John 8:32 New King James Version
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
But Jesus calls us to authenticity: “The truth will set you free”. We are invited to live from the inside out, grounded in God’s truth, rather than being shaped by external appearances.
- Babylon Seeks to Dominate Through Power
Babylon isn’t just concerned with appearance—it seeks to dominate through power. The Roman Empire expanded through military conquest, imposing its will on nations. Babylon’s method is coercion and force. Any person/leader, idea, or government that FORCES you to do something, agree with something, admit to and bow down to something; is a spirit of antichrist! Think about the covid regulations- soft totalitarianism
Today, Babylon’s tactics may be subtler, but they are no less effective. Babylon uses political, economic, and cultural power to coerce and manipulate. The Pax Romana (the “peace of Rome”) was achieved through violence and domination, not through justice or love.
As sons of God, we are called to reject this kind of authoritarian power and instead embrace the way of service and humility, following the example of Jesus.
- Babylon is Arrogant
Finally, Babylon’s arrogance is its most defining characteristic. Babylon boasts:
Revelation 18:7 New King James Version
7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived [a]luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’
Babylon believes itself invincible, untouchable. Rome, too, believed it would last forever, but like every empire before it, Rome eventually fell. Babylon’s arrogance blinds it to its own impending downfall.
As Christians, we are called to humility. Babylon’s arrogance stands in stark contrast to the humility of Christ.
James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humility is the way of the Kingdom, while arrogance leads to destruction. We are told that the city of men do not know us or understand us.
1 John 3:1-2 ESV See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
WE are so drastically opposed. They cannot know us, understand us, or even see things the way that we see them. We should expect nothing but opposition from the city of men.
#2 Which city are you advancing?
Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e]were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
You are either building the kingdom or tearing it down. Ways in which we build God’s city-
We build by loving one another and bearing one another’s burdens-
Galatians 6:2 New King James Version
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
WE bear each other up. We pray for one another. WE walk through life together. When your sister is down, you lift her up. You hold up the arms of those who are weary.
We seek unity, where unity is possible
1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [a]speak the same thing, and that there be no [b]divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Here is where so many get it wrong. WE cannot unify with Babylon or those in the city of men. WE have nothing in common. WE preach to them the Word of God. We pray for them. WE are kind to them. But we are only unified with the sons of God!
We evangelize and preach the gospel/ share our faith/ make disciples
Matthew 28:19-20 New King James Version
19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.
We cannot allow the fear and intimidation tactics of Babylon scare us from speaking the Word of God to a lost and dying city of men.
Ways we tear down God’s city—(be mindful of time)
Gossip and slander- The quickest way to tear down God’ city is through a smear campaign.
Strife and Division- living selfish, self-centered lives “It is all about me” attitude. Selfish ambition, seeking to be honored and exalted. Pride promotes strife!
We have one king and His name is not your name.
Undermining authority- Let the rebellion of Korah serve as an example of undermining God’s authority
The Rebellion of Korah was a major challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron by Korah, a Levite, and 250 other Israelite leaders, as recorded in Numbers 16. Korah and his followers claimed that Moses and Aaron had exalted themselves too highly and that the entire congregation was equally holy. God judged the rebels, with the earth swallowing Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their families, while fire from the Lord consumed another 250 men. The rebellion serves as a powerful biblical lesson about the consequences of challenging God’s chosen leaders and the importance of humility and contentment
#3 Confrontation is inevitable. The city of God will always clash with the city of men.
Tonight- I want you to not just remember, but declare that you are a son/daughter of God. This world is not your home. You will be hated by the city of men, but loved and accepted by God. You can and are commanded to speak the truth. You are the light. You need not fear any man or any devil. You stand in stark opposition to Babylon.
You have a city to build and a future one to look forward to. Keep your eyes on the prize. I leave you with the words of the apostle Paul-
Acts 20:18-24 New King James Version
18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 [a]But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my [b]race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
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