Sermon Summary: A Eulogy for Babylon
Revelation 18
Main Idea
The glory and luxury of Babylon will give way to emptiness and judgment. God calls His people to come out, live distinct lives, and build their hope not on the wealth of this world but on the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Introduction
Funerals remind us of endings—some filled with hope, others with sorrow. Revelation 18 records a funeral of sorts: the eulogy of Babylon. Once powerful, seductive, and prosperous, she is brought to nothing. What remains is ruin and regret.
Exposition & Outline
1. The Announcement of Babylon’s Fall (vv.1–3)
- Another angel declares: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!”
- Her end is pictured as desolation—unclean, demonic, and abandoned.
- Babylon represents a corrupt world system—religion, politics, commerce—all seducing nations away from God. Key Observation: What appears glorious is in reality empty and unclean.
2. The Call to God’s People (vv.4–8)
- A voice from heaven says: “Come out of her, my people!” (cf. Jer. 51:45).
- Her sins are “heaped high as heaven,” and judgment is inevitable.
- Babylon glorified herself, lived in luxury, and said: “I will never see mourning.”
- In one day her judgment comes—death, mourning, famine, and fire. Key Observation: God calls His people to separate from Babylon’s sin and live with kingdom values.
3. The Lament of the World (vv.9–19)
- Kings weep: “Alas! In a single hour your judgment has come.”
- Merchants mourn: their cargo and wealth gone forever.
- Sailors and traders cry: “What city was like the great city?”
- Repeated refrain: “In a single hour she has been laid waste.” Key Observation: Those who trusted Babylon for power and wealth discover how quickly it all collapses.
4. The Rejoicing of Heaven (v.20)
- Heaven, saints, apostles, and prophets rejoice—not in suffering, but in God’s just judgment.
- The long cry of “How long, O Lord?” (Rev. 6:10) is finally answered. Key Observation: God’s justice is vindication for His people.
5. The Finality of Babylon’s End (vv.21–24)
- A mighty angel casts a millstone into the sea: Babylon will be gone permanently.
- Music, trade, light, and celebration—all silenced forever.
- Her sorcery deceived nations; her violence shed the blood of prophets and saints. Key Observation: Babylon’s fall is total and irreversible.
Theological & Practical Lessons
- Worldly Glory Is Temporary – What dazzles today will one day fall in judgment.
- God Calls His People Out – We are not to be entangled with Babylon’s sins or seduced by her luxuries.
- Wealth Is Not Security – Riches vanish in an instant; only treasures in heaven endure (Matt. 6:19–20).
- God’s Judgment Is Just – He remembers wickedness, and His judgment is certain.
- Heaven Rejoices in God’s Justice – When Babylon falls, it signals that God’s kingdom is near.
Applications
- To the believer: Live a kingdom-oriented life. Don’t place hope in wealth, politics, or power. Build on Christ, not Babylon.
- To the unbeliever: Don’t be deceived by the false security of worldly systems. Repent and turn to Christ before judgment comes.
- To the church: Stay distinct, faithful, and ready. God has called us out to live as a holy people in a corrupt world.
Closing Thought
Babylon will fall—suddenly, completely, permanently. But the kingdom of Christ will endure forever. Hear God’s call: “Come out of her, my people.” Don’t build on what is fading away. Build on Christ and His kingdom that will never end.
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