The World’s Predictable Deception Of Humanity Series

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)