Alpha and Omega, Part 45, Revelation Part 22
The World’s Predictable Deception of Humanity
Revelation 17:1-18 and 18:1-24
Introduction
- Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation
-- REM: Redemption of sin is granted through Jesus; and yes, we have a choice
- Last week we saw the culmination of God’s judgment upon the Earth (7 bowls)
-- It was a physical depiction of what happens, and why, to a rebellious Earth
-- We also saw the setting up of the battle between God & Satan (Armageddon)
- Today, we will unpack two chapters which must be studied together
-- Simple reason: We need to see the whole context to ‘understand the why’
-- But also, we need to see the way of deception executed on humanity by Satan
- TOUGH TRUTH: Humanity will always choose to do what feels good
-- It is our nature to love our sin, to hate repentance, and to want our own way
-- APP: If you follow the reaction of judgments, it’s easy to see: all pride related
-- If there is one thing consistent about the bible, it’s the reality of sin
-- But! God still calls us to do the right thing … which is to submit to Him!
- Sometimes, that means abandoning the things that you think you need
-- And yes, that might even be people who pretend they are on your side
-- God calls us to make Him our #1 priority and He is a jealous God (Exodus 20)
- Great thing about these chapters: God does not leave us wandering for answers
-- In every sentence, His word is clear, concise, and gives us reliable directions
- Read Revelation 17:1-18 and 18:1-24 / Pray (wisdom, understanding, clarity)
Point 1 – The True Identity of the Antichrist’s World
- John captures this future beautifully – and without mincing any words
-- With an angel’s guidance, He sees the city of the Antichrist for what it truly is
-- Now pay attention, this angel was one of the seven who poured out God’s wrath
-- APP: We ought to find this very intriguing: God is still explaining things to us
- Even after He judges the world & Antichrist’s government … He is still reaching
-- This specific angel is 1 of 7 who rcvd. instruction from God to pour His wrath
-- Why? Because God wants us to understand the depths of Satan’s deception
-- Yet, at the same time, He is still a good father – He wants us to know Him
-- Couple of things to see about this great, and mighty city of the future …
- Babylon is referred to as a great prostitute (v1)
-- GR: porné; a prostitute Notice how the word choice is very clear
-- She is one who willingly commits herself to unrighteous and sinful living
- Babylon sits on many waters – this represents the peoples of all the world
-- RE: We saw the Antichrist rise from the sea in Ch 13, this was the “nations”
-- The city has a huge influence and a large span of control over the world
- Babylon is truly supported by the nations and people of the world (v2)
-- Imagery: Kings and leaders have willingly committed adultery with her
-- GR: porneuó; to commit fornication Again, very clear/specific word choice
- God shows that Babylon has received its power from the beast (v3)
-- The scarlet beast is the great dragon, who gives it the authority she needs
-- This is the same imagery we saw in Ch 13: it’s the mission of Satan to corrupt
- Babylon will have a very rich appearance (v4)
-- She’ll look very attractive, be very eye-catching by looking stable & wealthy
-- Yet, there is something wrong (see above verses) … her heart is 100% corrupt!
-- Life Lesson: When someone shows you who they are: we need to believe it
-- God is very clear about this city’s deceptive manner, don’t miss this
- Babylon will even have a striking name in God’s eyes (v5)
-- “Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World”
-- APP: Imagine surrendering your power to someone who is named that?
- Babylon will (sadly) be hunters of those who follow Jesus (v6)
-- It will be drunk on power, corrupt: GR: methuó; to be drunken
-- She is literally made drunk off the blood of killing followers of Christ
-- It brings great pleasure to act this way; she sways the world to do the same
- TR: This is the foundation of the Antichrist’s world. Worship that? Never!
Point 2 – The Wisdom of God regarding Satan’s Motives
- But notice, God’s angel goes even deeper to ensure we understand! (v7)
-- Not only does he question John’s amazement, but clarifies what this all means!
- The source of the power of Babylon is the beast (Ch 13)
- First, the angel describes the greatness of the beast:
• He has incredible earthly power (he has swayed many people to follow)
• He also possesses unbelievable supernatural power (comes from the pit)
• But he shall soon meet his end – and then gets to rise to power again (Ch 20)
• His impact signifies a global level destruction taking many people with him
-- (re-read vv.9-10)The seven heads are his seven kingdoms and their leaders
-- These are those who’ve surrendered their power to the Antichrist, allegiance
-- Then we see a preview of Satan’s rule: He existed in the past (garden), then,
-- He rcvd. a brief period of power (Trib.), and he will rule again (after 1,000 yrs)
- But notice – John gets a morsel of wisdom here you and I cannot miss!!
-- This truth can only be understood by believers; those who understand scripture
-- BIG: It is those who know Christ who are able to wrap their minds around this
-- APP: Those who aren’t will constantly question “how” this could ever happen
-- When? Now, or even during the Tribulation – the world will not “get it”!
- This how the deception works – people miss what God clearly warns us of
-- We think that we have it all figured out, but miss the simplicity of God’s truth
-- For example: John 14:6, “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
-- BIG: Jesus is very clear about being the only way! It takes wisdom to see this!
- John confirms that the beast has earthly power (alliance of nations) (vv10-12)
-- It consists of kings, kingdoms, and powers who have willingly followed him
-- But don’t miss prediction of v11, “… and he, too, is headed for destruction”
-- His purpose will be to rise to fight the Lord, but he will not be victorious
- Clarity: The terrible purpose of the antichrist is this: To war against Christ
-- Every nation will willingly rise to fight against Christ, convinced they can win
-- Again, the deception is evident, and it is heavily infiltrated man’s mind
- How is the deception so powerful? It is through a false religion of obedience!
-- God has allowed this into their heads, because they have believed Satan’s lies
-- Religion is a powerful weapon of Satan, with it he controls the world’s loyalty
-- It is why we must stress relationship with Jesus is the way, not religion!
-- Here’s a common lie: “You have plenty of time, no need to repent of sin today!”
- Look at v16 to see the truth of Satan’s feelings towards humanity
-- He hates. He despises. Personally – you (the city’s inhabitants) do not matter!
-- He will send his armies of demons to strip your flesh and think nothing of it
-- And once he has your surrender, you are his for eternity and he still doesn’t care
- TR: His destruction is coming, and we see this in Chapter 18
Point 3 – Heaven’s Proclamation of Babylon’s Destruction
- John then turns his vision heavenward … and sees an incredible vision of hope
-- But he also sees a vision of despair and destruction (read: unimaginable)
- First, he sees a great angelic announcement and a mighty proclamation (v1)
- This angel outlines the reasons why Babylon will be destroyed (vv.2-7)
1. Because of spiritual corruption (unfaithful to God)
2. Because the city will corrupt leaders, nations, and merchants
3. Because the city will lead people into sin (willingly hurt them spiritually)
4. Because the city must hear the justice of God (will not allow sin forever)
5. Because of their self-glory, pride, & indulgences (the central root of all sin)
- In v8 he shows us the quickness of Babylon’s destruction – happens in one day
-- In one day, the plagues, death, famine, and mourning will overtake the city
-- I don’t think we can ever comprehend how devastating this will be
- Second, John sees the impact of Babylon’s fall (vv.9-20)
-- As the city is annihilated, there will be:
• Mourning of and by government leaders of the world
• Mourning by the businesses and commercial leaders or the world
- But don’t miss this … they mourn for one selfish reason: their personal loss
• They will be terrorized fearing the effects of Babylon’s doom
• They will mourn because of the loss of major shipping port
• They will mourn because they will lose their means of wealth
- But, in Heaven, there is a command to understand and celebrate
-- Get this: God is not going to allow sin to prevail and continue forever
-- The city’s coming destruction is clear – and it is the pleasure of God to do so
-- To set things right is why God is allowing all of this to take place on the Earth!
- Might ask, “Pastor, how can you say that?” Because He’s done this before …
-- Isaiah 53:10-11, “But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.”
-- APP: God, in His wisdom, took pleasure in having His Son pay for your sin
-- This is His righteousness on display & Heaven is called to rejoice (see v20)
- Then, God’s angel gives a visual demonstration to how the city is doomed
-- He throws a millstone into the ocean as a picture of what its ruin looks like
-- Here is the application about the city (and its followers): ruin is violent & total
- Why? Why does God feel so much anger towards them?
• The pride of great men
• Their spiritual corruption
• It has led people (God’s creation) astray
• Because of the persecution and death of believers
BIG IDEA
- While this is devastating, there is an escape to all of this judgement & horror
-- Regardless of where you are, where you live, how you feel, what you believe in
-- The only way to escape it is through Jesus (John 14:6, “I am the way…”)
- Know this: What Jesus did is why Heaven celebrates and rejoices
-- They know about the rescue and salvation of God’s son, and why it matters
- What is coming is devastating … and I feel it is not some far away time
-- Consider, this was written in the first century and John saw it clearly
-- How much more time do we have is in God’s hands … why would we tempt it?
- Let’s pray together …
