26 February 2008

Text: Revelation 18

(I) JUDGMENT OF BABYLON

1. First Angelic Declaration (Revelation 18:1-3)

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!” Revelation 18:2

2. Second Angelic Declaration (Revelation 18:4-8)

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

3. Third Angelic Declaration (Revelation 18:21-24)

“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.” Revelation 18:21

(II) REASONS FOR THE SEVERE JUDGMENT OF BABYLON

1. Sins/Iniquities

“…her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:5

2. Arrogance

“…glorified herself…” Revelation 18:7

3. Sorcery

“…For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.” Revelation 18:23

4. Murder

“And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Revelation 18:24

(III) MOURNING FOR THE FALL OF BABYLON

1. Kings of the earth

“The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning,
standing at a distance for fear of torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ ” Revelation 18:9-10

2. Merchants of the earth

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore” Revelation 18:11

“They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying,
‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ ” Revelation 18:19

(IV) RIGHTEOUS REJOICING OVER THE FALL OF BABYLON

1. Judgment from the Lord

“…she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.” Revelation 18:8

2. Righteous Rejoicing

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” Revelation 18:20