Aligning with God's Kingdom Amidst Chaos
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. My name is Demetres, and it's a joy to be here with you today. After 20 years in the Army, my family and I have finally settled in Texas, and I retired to focus on my book, "Square One: Bible Study for Christian Foundations." This book, which originated here at Hope City, is a contemporary discipleship workbook designed for individuals and small groups. It uniquely delves into the new creation and the end times, offering a comprehensive understanding of these often-overlooked topics.
Today's message centers on the hope that Jesus has for us, particularly as we explore Revelation 17. The main point to remember is that God's plan for the end is to fulfill His word from the beginning. We've been studying the book of Revelation throughout 2024, and today we focus on the "setup villain" introduced in chapter 17, Babylon the Great. This figure represents the ultimate source of idol worship and false teachings, leading people away from God.
Revelation 17 describes Babylon the Great as a vile character adorned in luxury but filled with abominable things. This figure is a setup villain for the Antichrist, who will eventually turn on her. The key takeaway is that despite the evil and chaos, God wins over evil, and there will be a personal, literal, and visible second coming of Jesus.
We must interpret these symbols through the lens of the Bible, not our contemporary understanding. The seven heads and ten horns represent kingdoms and kings, with the final kingdom being an end-times kingdom. The Antichrist will ultimately be defeated, and God's kingdom will prevail.
In conclusion, we must align ourselves with Jesus' kingdom, not our own. Building our own kingdoms is burdensome and ultimately futile. Instead, we should surrender everything to Jesus and trust in His plan. If you're tired of building your own kingdom, I invite you to raise your hand and commit to aligning with God's plan today.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Plan for the End: God's plan for the end is to fulfill His word from the beginning. This means that everything prophesied in the Bible will come to pass, and God's ultimate victory over evil is assured. This gives us hope and assurance that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, God's plan is unfolding perfectly. [49:06]
2. The Role of Babylon the Great: Babylon the Great is a symbol of ultimate idol worship and false teachings. This figure represents the culmination of all that opposes God. Understanding this helps us recognize the spiritual battle we are in and the importance of staying true to God's word. [51:53]
3. God Wins Over Evil: One of the main messages of Revelation is that God wins over evil. Despite the presence of vile characters and chaotic events, God's victory is certain. This should encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that we are on the winning side. [52:39]
4. The Importance of Biblical Interpretation: We must interpret the symbols in Revelation through the lens of the Bible, not our contemporary understanding. This means allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture and seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit. This approach helps us avoid misunderstandings and stay aligned with God's truth. [53:18]
5. Aligning with God's Kingdom: Building our own kingdoms is burdensome and ultimately futile. Instead, we should surrender everything to Jesus and align ourselves with His kingdom. This means prioritizing God's will over our own ambitions and trusting in His plan for our lives. [01:20:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:13] - Introduction and Personal Update
[45:50] - Origin of "Square One" Book
[46:26] - The Question of Heaven
[47:04] - Insights on New Creation
[47:46] - Book Availability and Discount
[48:27] - Main Point: God's Plan for the End
[49:43] - Kingdom Come Series Overview
[50:25] - Introduction to Revelation 17
[51:17] - The Setup Villain Explained
[51:53] - Babylon the Great
[52:39] - God Wins Over Evil
[53:18] - Interpreting Biblical Symbols
[54:02] - Revelation 17:1-2 Explained
[55:33] - The Wilderness and the Beast
[56:45] - The Woman's Adornments
[58:06] - Old Testament Context of Adultery
[01:00:21] - Comparison of Two Women in Revelation
[01:01:53] - The Woman's Name: Babylon the Great
[01:03:53] - The Woman's Actions
[01:06:02] - The Beast and the Kings
[01:08:59] - The Spirit, Kingdoms, and Person of the Antichrist
[01:12:08] - The Ten Kings and Their Role
[01:13:39] - God's Ultimate Victory
[01:15:17] - Identifying Babylon the Great
[01:18:20] - Aligning with God's Kingdom
[01:20:11] - Call to Surrender
[01:21:47] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:23:27] - Closing Remarks and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 17:1-6 (NIV)
> "One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.' Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished."
2. Revelation 17:15-18 (NIV)
> "Then the angel said to me, 'The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled. The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the woman sitting on the scarlet beast in Revelation 17:3? How is she described in terms of her appearance and actions? [51:53]
2. According to Revelation 17:15, what do the "many waters" represent? How does this symbolism help us understand the influence of Babylon the Great? [54:50]
3. What are the two main points emphasized throughout the book of Revelation, as highlighted in the sermon? [52:39]
4. How does the angel in Revelation 17:7-8 help to clarify the mystery of the woman and the beast? What does this reveal about the nature of the beast? [54:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the description of Babylon the Great in Revelation 17:1-6 tell us about the nature of idol worship and false teachings? How does this relate to the spiritual battle we face today? [51:53]
2. How does the sermon explain the ultimate fate of Babylon the Great and the beast? What does this reveal about God's sovereignty and justice? [52:39]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest we should interpret the symbols in Revelation? Why is it important to use the Bible to interpret these symbols rather than our contemporary understanding? [53:18]
4. How does the concept of aligning with God's kingdom, as discussed in the sermon, challenge our personal ambitions and plans? What does it mean to surrender everything to Jesus? [01:20:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that "God's plan for the end is to fulfill His word from the beginning." How does this assurance impact your perspective on current world events and personal challenges? [49:06]
2. Babylon the Great represents ultimate idol worship and false teachings. Are there any modern-day "idols" or false teachings that you find yourself struggling with? How can you stay true to God's word in the face of these challenges? [51:53]
3. The sermon emphasizes that God wins over evil and that there will be a personal, literal, and visible second coming of Jesus. How does this promise encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith? [52:39]
4. The importance of biblical interpretation was highlighted in the sermon. How can you ensure that you are interpreting the Bible correctly and not through a contemporary lens? What resources or practices can help you in this? [53:18]
5. The sermon calls us to align with God's kingdom rather than building our own. What are some areas in your life where you might be building your own kingdom? How can you begin to surrender these areas to Jesus? [01:20:11]
6. The sermon invites those who are tired of building their own kingdom to commit to aligning with God's plan. Have you experienced the burden of building your own kingdom? What steps can you take today to align more closely with God's kingdom? [01:21:47]
7. Consider the call to surrender everything to Jesus. What specific aspects of your life—such as your career, relationships, or personal goals—do you need to surrender to Him? How can you practically do this in the coming week? [01:20:11]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Plan for the End
God's plan for the end is to fulfill His word from the beginning. This means that everything prophesied in the Bible will come to pass, and God's ultimate victory over evil is assured. This gives us hope and assurance that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, God's plan is unfolding perfectly. The book of Revelation, particularly chapter 17, reveals the culmination of God's plan, where evil is ultimately defeated, and His kingdom is established forever. Understanding this helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God's promises are true and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [49:06]
Isaiah 46:10-11 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."
Reflection: How does knowing that God's plan is unfolding perfectly give you hope in your current circumstances? Can you identify an area in your life where you need to trust more in God's ultimate plan?
Day 2: The Role of Babylon the Great
Babylon the Great is a symbol of ultimate idol worship and false teachings. This figure represents the culmination of all that opposes God. Revelation 17 describes Babylon the Great as a vile character adorned in luxury but filled with abominable things. This figure is a setup villain for the Antichrist, who will eventually turn on her. Understanding this helps us recognize the spiritual battle we are in and the importance of staying true to God's word. By identifying the characteristics of Babylon the Great, we can be more vigilant in avoiding the traps of idolatry and false teachings in our own lives. [51:53]
Jeremiah 51:7 (ESV): "Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord's hand, making all the earth drunken; the nations drank of her wine; therefore the nations went mad."
Reflection: What are some modern-day "idols" or false teachings that you might be tempted to follow? How can you stay vigilant and true to God's word in the face of these temptations?
Day 3: God Wins Over Evil
One of the main messages of Revelation is that God wins over evil. Despite the presence of vile characters and chaotic events, God's victory is certain. Revelation 17 introduces Babylon the Great and the Antichrist, but it also assures us that these forces of evil will be defeated. This should encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that we are on the winning side. God's ultimate victory over evil is a source of hope and strength for believers, reminding us that no matter how dark the world may seem, God's light will prevail. [52:39]
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 (ESV): "Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet."
Reflection: How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil impact your daily life and faith? In what ways can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges or discouragement?
Day 4: The Importance of Biblical Interpretation
We must interpret the symbols in Revelation through the lens of the Bible, not our contemporary understanding. This means allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture and seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Revelation 17 is filled with symbolic language, such as the seven heads and ten horns representing kingdoms and kings. By studying the Bible and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can gain a deeper understanding of these symbols and their significance. This approach helps us avoid misunderstandings and stay aligned with God's truth. [53:18]
2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you ensure that you are interpreting the Bible correctly and not through the lens of contemporary understanding? What steps can you take to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit in your Bible study?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Kingdom
Building our own kingdoms is burdensome and ultimately futile. Instead, we should surrender everything to Jesus and align ourselves with His kingdom. Revelation 17 reminds us of the futility of building our own kingdoms, as represented by Babylon the Great. In contrast, aligning with God's kingdom means prioritizing His will over our own ambitions and trusting in His plan for our lives. This requires a daily commitment to surrendering our desires and seeking God's guidance in all that we do. [01:20:11]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1. "God's plan for the end is to fulfill his word from the beginning. God's plan for the end is to fulfill his word from the beginning. And so, we've been, in the book of Revelation, the entire year of 2024. And so, some of you have probably seen this before. If this is your first time with us, or maybe you've missed a few weeks, you can always go on YouTube to the Hope City YouTube channel and watch all these over again." [49:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The main point is that God wins over evil and that there will be a literal, physical, invisible return of Jesus. Those are the main points. So let this not divide us if we were to have a different opinion on this because we lose sight of what is important." [01:17:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's plan for the end is to fulfill his word from the beginning. And God's plan is to bring the nations under one kingdom, under Jesus. And if Jesus is king, then it follows that he has a kingdom. And it is Jesus' kingdom that we need to align ourselves under, not our own kingdoms." [01:18:20] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Building your own kingdom is burdensome. Building your own kingdom will ultimately fail. I'm not saying that these things are bad. Your family, your friends, your career, your students, some of you all are students, your education, your workplace, your military service. These are amazing things. But are they surrendered to Jesus?" [01:20:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God leaves enough details in his message. That we can have things to look for, but he leaves enough details out where we still have to trust him. Does that make sense?" [01:04:56] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The spirit of the antichrist denies the Father and the Son. So the antichrist also refers again to the kingdoms of the antichrist. So I wish I had more time to go into this, but all these kingdoms are found in the old, these five fallen kingdoms are found in the Old Testament. They were all oppressive kingdoms over God's people, and they tried to kill the lineage of the Messiah." [01:08:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The gospel is that we give up all these things, and fall at the feet of Jesus and enter into his kingdom. And some of us today, we've been building our own kingdoms. I want you to know that that is not God's plan for you to build your own kingdom." [01:19:11] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The second point is that there will be a personal, literal, and visible second coming of Jesus to the glory of the Father, amen. So no matter how vile things get, these two points is the main thing that I want you to walk away with throughout this entire Kingdom Come series. Those two main points, God wins over evil, and the second coming of Jesus." [52:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so when the people read Babylon the Great, they understood that this was an arch nemesis of God. They understood that Babylon was the instrument that God used to push Israel outside of Jerusalem. So you can begin to see this comparison. There's this first woman who leads the true worship, and then there's the second woman who leads and is the source of idol worship." [01:02:53] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And so what I wanna do is reemphasize the main points that we've been, the two main points we've been highlighting over the whole book of Revelation. And the point number one is that God wins over evil. God wins over evil. When we read this, that means we'll read the book of Revelation from complete and ultimate and total victory." [52:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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