Sermon Central
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The World’s Predictable Deception Of Humanity Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 21, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Why does God feel so much anger towards the city of Babylon? Because of the pride of great men, their spiritual corruption, because it has led people (God’s creation) astray, and because of the persecution and death of believers.
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)
