Babylon Exposed

Revelation 17:1-18—Babylon Exposed

I. The Mystery of Babylon & The Beast (13:1-10)

o Not a riddle, but a revelation (vv. 1, 5, 7; 12:1-6)

o Her posture, clothing, and cup (vv. 3-5)

Babylon, the great prostitute is the spirit of seductive culture, actively engaged in the deception and seduction of God's people. According to Rev. 17, she rides upon 'the beast' which means she is propped up by the forces of anti-Christian government. Babylon is a parody of the Bride—the church of Jesus Christ.—Derek Thomas

Babylon, then, is the world as the centre of seduction at any moment of history, particularly during this entire present dispensation. The harlot, Babylon, always opposes the bride, new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9 ff.)."—William Hendriksen

II. Her Plan to Destroy You (14:8; 17:4-6)

o How she is working

o A warning and a call to self-examination

A Savior who wants more for you (19:6-9)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."—1 John 2:15-17