Revelation 6: The Fall Of Babylon (Traditional)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary l At this point in the Revelation series, we have passed through the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls. These are the same events but from different perspectives. In Rev 17, John sees a vision of a women on a beast. This is Babylon, the chief of prostitutes with whom the kings have committed prostitution. The word “Babylon” comes from “Babel” which is described in Genesis 11. The infamous towel of Babel is an expression of mankind’s arrogance and denial of God. There have been many examples of Babylon throughout the ages and today, the world typifies Babylon as it lives apart from and is opposed to God. The beast on which Babylon rides was revealed in Rev 13. Sent by the dragon (Satan), the beast represents political powers, economic and social systems manipulated by the evil one. Thus, the city of Baylon sits on the systems that reject God. Today, Babylon includes the power to influence and corrupt, the temptations to compromise and all that leads us away from God. What are the characteristics of Babylon?

1. Power – Babylon is alluring and tempting. She sits on the beast with seven heads and 10 horns, referring to Rome which sits on seven hills. The hills and horns are the systems of authority to which people bow. Do not underestimate the power of this city to tempt and leads us astray.
2. Marks – Spiritual autonomy, injustice and exploitation (Rev 18:13), sexual immorality (Rev 17:2,4; 18:3,9), and idolatry.
3. Deception – alluring but containing rot and decay. The city casts a false sense of security. She creates the greatest of all scams as people are led to go after things that do not last.
4. Collapse – When John wrote of the fall of Rome, it seemed impossible. But it fell unexpectedly and suddenly. Across history, many empires which were deemed invincible have fallen. In Rev 18, there are threefold woes by kings, merchants and sea traders signifying the loss of power, wealth and commerce. Evil will turn on evil as the beast turns on the prostitute. Any city that turns away from God will end up being eaten up by the systems upon which it depends.
5. Defeat – the Lamb will triumph and His called, chosen and faithful followers will enjoy this triumph. Empires may reject the rule of God but do not fear, final victory belongs to God.

A contrast between Babylon described as a great city (prostitute) in the wilderness (Rev 17:3) and the Holy City revealed on mountain (Rev 21:10) reminds us that we have a greater city. We need to keep our eyes fixed on this eternal city of God.

Come out of this city – Let us not participate in Babylon’s sins. The mark of the beast is not literal but is what is on our hearts. Belonging to the world means our hearts value what the world values. The mark indicates slavery to the systems of the world. But we belong to another city (Gal 4:26; Heb 11:6). We are in the world but not of the world. This is a challenge as we are surrounded by all the allure that the world offers. However, God’s grace is sufficient. Do not give in or yield to Babylon. Move from relevance to resilience. We desire to be relevant but ultimately, we need to stand firm and not yield to the temptations of the city. Resist the worship of money, power and sex. Instead, be generous. Turn way from any form of slavery that may addict us. Turn to God and rely on Him. Do not depend on our own strength. Form communities of faith to resist together. Watch over each other in love.  Let us run the race together well.

Be ready for the Coming – In Rev 17, there is prostitution and faithlessness. In contrast, in Rev 19, we see marriage and faithfulness. The marriage analogy appears in various parts of Scripture to illustrate the relationship between God and His people (Jer 31:31, 32; Is 54:5; Hos 2:2,19,20; Eph 5:31,32). We, the people of God are the bride. An ancient wedding is made up of three parts:

1. Engagement – there is a payment of price by the groom after which the marriage comes into effect. This covenant is sealed by drinking a cup of wine, echoing the Last Supper when our Lord presents the cup of the New Covenant, thereby sealing the engagement.
2. Preparation for wedding. For 12 months, there is a separation during which the groom prepares a room for the bride. This echoes John 14:2,3 when Jesus promises His disciples that He will prepare a place for us.
3. Arrival of the groom and wedding feast – the arrival is a surprise as the time is unknown. He arrives at night and the bride and those accompanying her must be ready. Their lamps must have oil and be lit. The feast may last for a week or two and there must be enough wine. The wedding at Cana reminds us that Jesus will keep the feast going.

Not all will have earthly marriages but all believers will be married in heaven for we are engaged to Christ.

1. We are passionately loved by Him. “We are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope” (Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage). God will never stop loving us.
2. We are deeply secured for we have been bought with a price, Jesus’ death on the cross. God’s covenant with us is dependent on His faithfulness unlike earthly contracts which may be broken by unfaithful partners.
3. We must be steadfast/loyal to Christ to whom we are engaged. Sin is adultery. Let us not two-time God. He gives us the grace to be loyal.
4. We must be faithfully ready. His return will be a surprise. This keeps us humble. We must live expectantly, relying on Him. The bride is given fine linen to wear. These are the righteous deeds (Rev 19:8) we possess as we prepare for His return. Right relationship with God (piety) and right relationship with others (charity).

Which city do you belong to? Will we get out of Babylon and get ready for His Return?

(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Study Scripture
   a. Read Revelation 17-19:10. What stands out to you?
2. Recall Sermon
   a. What does Babylon and the beast represent?
   b. In what ways can we be entangled with Babylon and her ways today? How can we fall under the “spell” of Babylon? What will break the spell?
   c. How can we “come out of the city” and keep ourselves spiritually pure? How can we be in the world and yet not of it?
   d. Why is it so important that we understand we are “engaged” to Christ? How can we as the Bride be ready for the coming of Christ the Bridegroom?
3. Relate Personally
   a. What about the message that really spoke to you?
   b. What is one discipleship lesson you have gleaned from the message?
4. Commit to Action
   a. In what ways is God calling you to act in response to the message?
   b. What steps will you take this week to apply the lessons learned from the sermon?