Sermon Summary: The Mystery of the Woman and of the Beast
(Revelation 17)
Main Idea
The world system, pictured as Babylon the great prostitute, may appear powerful and alluring, but it will be judged and destroyed—while Christ, the Lamb, will triumph with His people.
Overview
In Revelation 17, John is given a vision that unpacks the meaning of God’s declaration, “It is done” (Rev. 16:17). He sees a woman clothed in wealth and riding a scarlet beast. She appears majestic, yet she is revealed to be Babylon the Great, the embodiment of rebellion against God, persecutor of the saints, and corrupter of the nations. The scarlet beast she rides—identified with the antichrist—supports her only for a time, before turning against her. Ultimately, Babylon falls, but the Lamb prevails.
Key Themes & Scripture Insights
1. The Two Women of Revelation
- Revelation 12’s Woman: Israel, clothed with heavenly glory, bringing forth the Messiah.
- Revelation 17’s Woman: Babylon the Great, the prostitute, clothed in luxury but drunk with the blood of the saints (vv. 1–6).
- The contrast reminds us: God’s people are called to purity and faithfulness, while the world system is marked by idolatry, immorality, and persecution (Jer. 3:6–9; James 4:4).
2. Babylon’s True Nature
- Babylon represents arrogant, man-centered rebellion against God—stretching back to Nimrod and the Tower of Babel (Gen. 10–11).
- She is adorned in wealth, offering a golden cup—but inside is filth and abomination (Rev. 17:4–5).
- She intoxicates the nations with false religion, materialism, and worldly power (Jer. 51:7).
3. The Beast and Its Power
- The scarlet beast is the antichrist, full of blasphemy, mimicking God but destined for destruction (vv. 7–8; cf. Rev. 13:3–8).
- The seven heads and ten horns signify earthly kingdoms and rulers united under the beast’s authority (vv. 9–13; cf. Dan. 7:7–8).
- Though difficult to untangle fully, the key truth is clear: the antichrist’s power is temporary, and all who follow him are deceived.
4. The Lamb’s Victory
- The beast and his allies wage war against the Lamb, but He conquers them as Lord of lords and King of kings (v. 14).
- His people are described as “called and chosen and faithful”—secure in Him (John 10:27–29; Rom. 8:33–39).
5. The Fall of Babylon
- At the end of the vision, the very beast and kings who seemed to empower Babylon turn on her and destroy her (vv. 16–18).
- God’s sovereignty is on display: He puts it into their hearts to fulfill His purposes (v. 17).
- Babylon will be judged, stripped, and consumed. The city that once seemed untouchable will fall (Rev. 18).
Application
- Be discerning: Don’t be seduced by Babylon’s beauty and promises. What looks glamorous may be filled with death (1 John 2:15–17).
- Stay faithful: Like the martyrs, be willing to stand for Christ even when the world mocks or persecutes (Matt. 5:10–12).
- Trust God’s sovereignty: Even when evil appears dominant, God is in control and moving history toward His perfect plan (Dan. 2:21; Rev. 17:17).
- Live with hope: Babylon will fall, but the Lamb will reign. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our security is in Christ (Phil. 3:20–21).
Closing Thought
Babylon seeks to impress us and enslave us, but her allure ends in destruction. The Lamb, however, is faithful and victorious. So let us pray for revival, walk faithfully with Jesus, and live as those who are called, chosen, and secure in Him—awaiting the day when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
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