09.34 Revelation 18:1-24 THE FALL OF COMMERCIAL BABYLON
Revelation 18:1-24 THE FALL OF COMMERCIAL BABYLON
Intro: In Revelation 17:1-18, we witnessed the fall of the great worldwide religion that will place the world in idolatry and cultism. In this chapter, we will witness the fall of commercial Babylon. In the days of the tribulation period, men will build an economic empire never equaled in this world. There will be astounding wealth and affluence. However, it will all come to a violent end. In Revelation 17:1-18, we saw the Babylonian system fall, now we will see the city itself fall. God Himself will judge their wickedness. We will see God put forth a demonstration of His great power and we will see four groups react to what the Lord has done.
I. Revelation 18:1-8 THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FALL OF BABYLON A. Revelation 18:1 The Heavenly Communicator - Filled with light and Glory. (Ill. The contrast!)
B. Revelation 18:2-3 Her Corruption - Ill. Religious corruption. (Ill Ancient Babylon was the home of soothsayers, magicians and seerers - Daniel 2:2
1. Demonism - This city will be filled with evil and demon infestation. (Ill. A glimpse at the way modern government is empowered, perhaps?)
2. Drunkenness - The entire world is smitten by her charms. They are made drunk by her allurements. The world is held captive under her intoxicating spell. She offers them immorality and sin without fear of religious oppression. Ill. Speaks of a time of unbridled wickedness and lustful abandon. (Ill. God will deal with them!) C. Revelation 18:4-8 Her Condition 1. Revelation 18:4 There is a call to God’s people to separate. (Ill. Abraham and Lot - 2 Corinthians 6:17)
2. Revelation 18:5 Babel’s tower did not reach Heaven, but her sins have! (Ill. God is patient and longsuffering, but He has a limit. (Judgment must come!)
3. Revelation 18:6 Double payment is required for her sins. Ill. Ancient Babylonian atrocities and Jewish calls for punishment - Psalms 137:8-9; Exodus 21:22-25! God will require double payment!
4. Revelation 18:7 Pride has filled her and she defiantly believes that she shall see no punishment!
5. Revelation 18:8 Judgment WILL fall and will fall swiftly! Her desolation will come in a single day! God is powerful and He will dispense justice!
II. Revelation 18:9-200 THE ATTITUDES TOWARD THE FALL OF BABYLON (Ill. Alas, Alas - A cry of mourning rises for fallen Babylon - There are four reactionsto the fall of the city.) A. Revelation 18:9-10 The Monarchs - The kings who have prospered because of Babylon.
B. Revelation 18:11-16 The Merchants - They weep for all the money and business they have lost. (Ill. All the items - Gold is first and souls are last!) (Ill. Depends on where your treasure is! Matthew 6:20-21)(Ill. People will be trapped by materialism - Body and soul - Ill. Modern politics;If a man promises prosterity and plenty he is elected. Where is the moral vote?) Ill. Revelation 18:14 A picture of Hell - ungratified desires!
C. Revelation 18:17-19 The Mariners - Men will learn too late that materialism will lead to nothing - Mark 8:36-37.
D. Revelation 18:20 The Heavenly Multitude - There will be rejoicing in Heaven over the fall of a God hating world! God has avenged the blood and the honor of His servants.
III. Revelation 18:21-24 ACCOMPLISHING THE FALL OF BABYLON (Ill. Millstone throne into the sea - A complete and catastrophic judgment. - Jeremiah 51:42) Ill. No mores!
A. Revelation 18:21 Babylon and all she stood for is no more.
B. Revelation 18:22 a Music without God - No more!
C. Revelation 18:22 b All industry and craftsmen - No more!
D. Revelation 18:23 a All appearance of Habitation - No more!
E. Revelation 18:23 b All weddings - No more! (Ill. No joy and happiness!)
F. Revelation 18:23-24 Babylon represents all the sin and murder of all time. Judgment falls from the Lord to ultimately destroy all those who have opposed God.