The Cleansing

Sermon Outline

Revelation 18-19:10

Michael H. Koplitz

1. ‘Theological Method’ – used to read scripture as defined by Helmut Thielicke – modified.

• Recognizing that the Bible has been given directly to me from God.

• Understanding what God is saying to me.

• I must become involved with God’s Word – what is my reply to God.

2. Symbolism of Revelation 18-19:10

• Another angel – proclaims the fall of Babylon. Wealth of the material world from Babylon while the wealth of eternal life is from Christ (Jesus said – ‘better to store treasures in heaven than on earth’).

• The people are called out of Babylon (Exile – Jer 51:45; Sodom and Gommorrah (Gen 18-19).

• Merchants loose profits because Babylon (sin) falls.

• God speaks from the throne room – rejoicing over the announcement of the upcoming marriage of the Lamb.

• John falls on his knees – like the elders – is rebuked because he does this to an angel.

3. Theme/Purpose of this section

• The final preparation of Earth before Christ’s return

• Last evil to fight is evil cause by material possessions and wealth (that which takes us away from our worship to God).

• No evil can exist in the world when Christ returns. WORLD MUST BE CLEANSED.

• ABSOLUTE final warning that we are given about evil and sin.

4. Removing sin from us - 12 Step program based on A.A. 12 step plan (modified version of program found at http://www.christianrecovery.com/tfr/dox/1free/chap2.htm)

5. Conclusions

A Modified 12 Step Program to Eliminating Sin

1. You have to admit that you are powerless over your separation from God. You must admit that you are a sinner (one in need of Christ to make things right between you and God).

2. You must admit that you are not perfect and that you cannot make yourself perfect by yourself (Phil 2:13).

3. You must make the decision to turn your life over to the care of God through Jesus Christ – accepting Christ as Lord and Savior (Rom 12:1).

4. You must search your moral inventory of your believes and truths (Lam 3:40).

5. You must openly confess your sins (James 5:16).

6. You must ask God to remove all the shortcomings that sin causes in you (James 4:10).

7. You must read about God’s way for your life by reading the Bible and attending regularly Bible Study so that you can understanding what God is telling you.

8. You must make a list of all who you wronged and make proper restitution to them (Matt 4:23-24).

9. You must live by the Word of God (Deut 6:1-2).

10. You must always remember to take a personal inventory of your actions, thoughts and words everyday to insure that sin doesn’t return (1 Cor 10:12).

11. You must engage in times of prayer seeking God’s knowledge and wisdom (Col 3:16).

12. You must offer to God your tithes of money, gifts, talents, and time (2 Cor 8:7-8)