7-Destruction
Destruction
(REVELATION 17—18)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Revelation 17—18. This lesson references chapter 10 in Be Victorious. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Beginning in Revelation 17, John describes the Lamb’s step-by-step victory over “the beast” and his kingdom. In Revelation 17, the religious system is judged; in Revelation 18, the political and economic systems fall victim. Finally, the Lord Himself returns to earth; judges Satan, “the beast,” and the false prophet (Rev. 19:19–20); and then establishes His kingdom.
—Be Victorious, page 151
1. Why is it important to have the detailed descriptions of the Lamb’s victory over the beast and his kingdom? What is the value of wresthng with the details here? What is the purpose of the symbolism used throughout this section of Revelation? Who is it intended for?
More to Consider: Every age has featured a “Babylon,” a political and economic system that has sought to control people’s minds and destinies. What are some of the “Babylons” people have encountered throughout history? Are there any today? What are the clues that lead you to believe these systems may be evil and controlling?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Revelation 17—18 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
In Revelation 17 and 18, John prophesies two divine judgments. The first is the desolation of the harlot.
The scene begins with an invitation (Rev. 17:1–2). One of the angels asks John to come and see what God will do with “the beast’s” worldwide religious system. Four times in this chapter, the woman is called a “harlot” (Rev. 17:1, 5, 15–16), and her sin is called “fornication” (Rev. 17:2, 4). Her evil influence has extended to the whole world, reaching even into high places (“the kings of the earth”).
—Be Victorious, pages 151–52
3. Why do you think John was astonished (Rev. 17:6)? Who is the “harlot”? Why would God use the word harlot in this context? What implications might that have had to the early Christians reading this revelation for the first time? Why is the word fornication appropriate to describe the “harlot’s” sin?
From the Commentary
John’s readers would not be surprised when he used an evil harlot to symbolize a wicked city or political system. God even called Jerusalem a harlot (Isa. 1:21). Isaiah said that Tyre was a harlot (Isa. 23:16–17), and Nahum used this same designation for Nineveh (Nah. 3:4).
—Be Victorious, page 153
4. Read Jeremiah 50—51. What parallels can you draw from this passage to John’s prophetic message?
From the Commentary
Readers in John’s day would identify “the harlot” with the Roman Empire. Readers in the Middle Ages might identify it as the Roman ecclesiastical system. Today, some believers see “the harlot” and the Babylonian system in an apostate “world church” that minimizes doctrinal truth, rejects the authority of the Word, and tries to unite professed believers on some other basis than faith in Jesus Christ.
However, in the days when John’s prophecy will be fulfilled, an amazing thing will happen: “The harlot” will be made desolate by the very system that carried her! It is important to note that “the beast” carries “the harlot.” Satan (and the Antichrist) will use the apostate religious system to accomplish his own ends (i.e., attain world power), but then he will do away with “the harlot” and establish his own religious system. And all of this will be the fulfillment of God’s Word (Rev. 17:17).
—Be Victorious, page 155
5. Revelation 17 includes more vivid imagery in its description of the desolation. What is the purpose of such gruesome imagery? Why do you think God chose to describe the victory over the beast with such detail?
From the Commentary
Satan’s counterfeit religion is subtle, requiring spiritual discernment to recognize. It was Paul’s great concern that the local churches he founded not be seduced away from their sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:1–4). In every age, there is the tremendous pressure to conform to “popular religion” and to abandon the fundamentals of the faith. In these last days, we all need to heed the admonitions in 1 Timothy 4 and 2 Timothy 3 and remain true to our Lord.
—Be Victorious, page 156
6. Review 1 Timothy 4 and 2 Timothy 3. What are the admonitions there that can help us avoid the counterfeit religion Satan offers? What are some of the subtle ways this counterfeit religion attacks Christianity? Why would Satan choose a subtle approach?
From the Commentary
Babylon was not only an ancient city and a powerful empire, but also the symbol of mankind’s rebellion against God. In Revelation 18, Babylon represents the world system of “the beast,” particularly in its economic and political aspects. At the same time, John calls Babylon a “city” at least eight times (Rev. 14:8; 17:18; 18:10, 16, 18–21). Old Testament prophecy seems to make clear that the city itself will not be rebuilt (Isa. 13:19–22; Jer. 51:24–26, 61–64). Some equate Babylon with Rome, particularly since “the harlot” and “the beast” cooperate during the first half of the tribulation. Perhaps Peter was using Babylon as a “code name” for Rome when he wrote his first letter (1 Peter 5:13). Certainly, John’s readers would think of the Roman Empire as they read these words about Babylon.
—Be Victorious, page 156
7. Why would the fall of Babylon be viewed as an event worth celebrating to the Christians who first heard John’s revelation? How might they see this prophecy in relation to their current crisis of persecution? How can we apply the truths in this prophecy to our own challenging circumstances?
From the Commentary
John heard four voices give four important announcements.
The first was the voice of condemnation (Rev. 18:1–3). This announcement was anticipated in Revelation 14:8.… There is a definite reference here to Jeremiah 51—52, where the prophet saw the fall of historical Babylon. But here John saw the destruction of spiritual Babylon, the world system organized by “the beast.” It was no ordinary angel that made this announcement, for he had great power and a glory that radiated throughout the whole earth. Despite Satan’s devices and the opposition of evil men, “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Hab. 2:14).
—Be Victorious, pages 156–57
8. Why does the angel shout the proclamation in Revelation 18:1–3 with a mighty voice? Why are these words so important?
More to Consider: Read 1 John 2:15–17. How is this warning applicable to those who are tempted by what the world system—“Babylon” in this context—has to offer?
From the Commentary
The second voice is a voice of separation (Rev. 18:4–8). This admonition parallels Jeremiah 50:8 and 51:6, 45. In all ages, God’s true people have had to separate themselves from that which is worldly and anti-God. When God called Abraham, He ordered him to get out of his country (Gen. 12:1). God separated the Jewish nation from Egypt and warned the Israelites not to go back. The church today is commanded to separate itself from that which is ungodly (Rom. 16:17–18; 2 Cor. 6:14—7:1).
The third voice is the voice of lamentation (Rev. 18:9–19). This long paragraph describes the mourning of the merchants as they see Babylon go up in smoke and all their wealth destroyed. The image here is that of a prosperous ancient city that is visited by many ships. The wealth of the city provides for many nations and employs many people. It is worth noting that not only do the merchants lament the fall of Babylon (Rev. 18:11) but also the kings of the earth (Rev. 18:9). Business and government are so intertwined that what affects one affects the other.
—Be Victorious, pages 158–59
9. What does it mean to live “separate” lives as Christians today? How can we do this and still fulfill the Great Commission to preach the gospel? What is the message inherent in the voice of lamentation (Rev. 18:9–19)? How is this particularly apropos for today’s culture of prosperity?
From the Commentary
The fourth voice is a voice of celebration (Rev. 18:20–24). In contrast to the lament of the kings and merchants is the rejoicing of heaven’s inhabitants that Babylon has fallen. How important it is that God’s people look at events from God’s point of view. In fact, we are commanded to rejoice at the overthrow of Babylon, because in this judgment God will vindicate His servants who were martyred (see Rev. 6:9–11).
—Be Victorious, page 161
10. How are we supposed to celebrate the fall of Babylon? How is this different than being glad that sinners are being judged? Why does justice prompt a joyful response?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Revelation 17—18. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Once again there is a lot of vivid imagery in these chapters. What imagery in Revelation 17—18 has the most emotional impact on you? Why do you think it has the most impact? What can you learn about yourself and your faith from the way you react to this content?
12. What are examples you’ve encountered of a “world church” that minimizes doctrinal truth or rejects the authority of the Word? Why is this sort of teaching often under the banner of uniting believers? Have you been tempted to pursue this line of thinking? Why or why not? What are some things you do to keep anchored to doctrinal truth?
13. In what ways are you living a separate life, as the voice calls people to do in Revelation 18:4–8? In what ways are you tempted to pursue the ways of the world? What warnings does Revelation give about following these temptations?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you want to address the ways you are drawn to the world’s value of possessions, entertainment, or applause? Be specific. Go back through Revelation 17—18 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: One of the challenges that Christians will face in the end times is sorting through the many different voices claiming to be speaking the “truth.” The best way to be prepared for combating a false doctrine is to be certain of the true doctrine of Christ. Working with a church leader or seasoned Christian friend, put together a document that outhnes what you believe. Include any absolutes—the things that make up the foundation of your faith—and negotiables—the things you’re still trying to understand but that don’t affect the foundation of your faith should you encounter new wisdom that changes your mind. Refer to this document often, refining it as your faith grows. This way, you’ll be ready to defend your beliefs and deflect false doctrine as you encounter it.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Revelation 19—22. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapters 11 and 12, “The King and His Kingdom” and “All Things New!” in Be Victorious.