The Fall Of Babylon Series

Last week we saw the rise and fall of the great harlot, the false religious system that will exist during the tribulation. We saw the influence of this religious system and how she controlled and was supported by the Antichrist. We saw her influence on all nations and kings. We also saw her fall as the Antichrist turned against her seeking all worship for himself.

If the beast destroys the religious system to establish his own system of worship, what will happen to all the wealth the false religious system has accumulated?

I. The Fact of Destruction

1. Verses 1-8

2. It is a mighty angel, one with great authority, who announces the destruction of commercial Babylon. Although this has been announced previously (14:18). It is described in this chapter. Verse 1-2

3. This system now becomes the habitation of demons and demonic forces because Satan is behind all of this. Both nations and kings are involved. The merchants of the earth have gained great riches because of the false system. Verse 3

4. What is the responsibility of believers who are living at this time? The answer is clear in verse 4. They are to come out of her. Separating themselves from sin and all that is associated with sin. 2 Corinthians 6:17

5. The sins of this system have reached even to heaven as an abomination against the Lord. Verse 5

6. Believers are to reward her as the systems rewarded them. In other words, they should stay away from her and all that she has. Verse 6

7. She has glorified herself, has lived in luxury, has thought only of self-indulgence. Now, plagues of death, mourning, and famine have come to her. Verse 7

8. Now it is too late. She is burned with fire, for it is God who judges her and destroys her. Verse 8

II. The Mourning because of Destruction

1. Verses 9-19

2. When the wealth of the apostate church is one day destroyed, what do the people of the earth think? Play moaning groan, for the hopes of their lives are wrapped up in the things of this world. Versus 9-10.

3. they cry because the system was strong has fallen. In one-hour, short period of time, judgment has come.

4. Merchants of the earth mourn for her because wealth they see wasted. Gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen etc. depict prosperity versus 11-13.

5. This system has made the merchants of the world rich, but now all is gone. Those who put their hope and trust in the wealth of this world now have nothing. Verses 14-17.

6. The shippers of the earth also mourn the destruction of this commercial system. Shipmaster, passengers, and all who make their living by the sea cry over her losses. Verses 17-19

7. They were made rich by transporting the great goods of this system, and now all of that is gone. That in which they have placed their hope has been destroyed.

III. The Rejoicing because of Destruction

1. Verses 20-24

2. If the people of the earth mourn the loss of this system, how do the people of heaven react? For the this is a time of rejoicing, for they see the judgment of God poured out on this system. Verse 20

3. How will this Babylon be thrown down? With Violence! Many believe that this violence will be in the form of riots because of the great confusion and poverty that will result. Verse 21

4. Notice, no more music, the laborer’s will not be able to work at this time. The factories will be shut down. you talk about hard time. Verse 22

5. The power plants will be shut down. No more marriages. In other words, no more happiness or carefree spirit at this time. Verse 23

6. Why does all this happen? The last part of verse 23 tells us. Great men of the earth were deceived by the sorceries. This word literally means enchantment with drugs.

7. Many Bible scholars believe drugs are going to play an important part in the downfall of this last great world system. Also, because they destroyed God’s messengers and saints.

8. Thank God is we know Jesus as personal Savior we do not have to worry about these things. We will be with the Lord at this time.