Called to Separate: Embracing Spiritual Readiness

In today's exploration of Revelation 18, the call to "come out of her, my people" serves as a profound reminder of the spiritual and moral separation that God calls us to maintain from the world's corrupt systems. This passage is a continuation of the imagery from Revelation 17, where a great harlot, symbolizing a corrupt world system, is depicted as sitting on a scarlet beast. This beast represents power and wealth, and the harlot is drunk with the blood of the saints, illustrating the persecution of God's people. The narrative warns of a one-world system that could be tied to a singular religious or belief system, which many speculate could be various forms of organized religion or ideologies.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared as a church, not by focusing on specific eschatological views, but by being gracious and loving towards those with differing opinions. The key is readiness and spiritual vigilance, as the exact details of the end times remain uncertain. The call to "come out" is not just a physical separation but a call to disentangle from the world's influence, ensuring that our lives are not compromised by the prevailing culture.

The message also highlights the danger of compromise and the cost of spiritual awakening. Compromise leads to spiritual decay, while awakening requires a return to prayer, fasting, and obedience. The sermon challenges us to examine our lives for areas where we might be influenced by the world, urging us to live differently and to be separate from ungodly influences.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Readiness Over Eschatological Certainty: While the details of the end times are debated, the focus should be on spiritual readiness and unity among believers. The call is to be gracious and loving, recognizing that our ultimate hope is in Christ's victory, not in specific timelines or events. [04:17]
• 2. The Danger of Compromise: Compromise with the world has a cost, leading to spiritual decay. In contrast, a spiritual awakening requires a return to prayer, fasting, and obedience. This awakening is costly but necessary for a vibrant faith. [57:07]
• 3. Influence and Separation: The call to "come out" is about disentangling from the world's influence. This involves being mindful of what we consume, whether media, relationships, or ideologies, ensuring they align with God's truth. [43:38]
• 4. Obedience in the Little Things: Small acts of disobedience can lead to larger compromises. Obedience, even in seemingly minor areas, is crucial for maintaining spiritual integrity and experiencing the fullness of God's presence. [62:47]
• 5. Repentance and Belief: True faith involves repentance and belief in Jesus Christ. It's not merely an intellectual assent but a heartfelt turning away from sin and towards God, embracing the transformative power of the gospel. [74:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Introduction to Revelation 18
• [00:26] - Recap of Revelation 17
• [01:01] - The Beast and the Kings
• [01:45] - One World System and Religion
• [03:05] - Unity in the Church
• [04:17] - Spiritual Readiness
• [05:25] - The Lamb's Victory
• [06:40] - Evil Turns on Itself
• [07:41] - Political and Biblical Issues
• [09:14] - Speaking to Current Issues
• [10:03] - God's Sovereignty
• [11:34] - Knowing God's Purpose
• [12:47] - The Power of God's Word
• [13:20] - The Great City and Babylon
• [15:41] - Symbolism of Babylon
• [17:35] - Historical Context and Catholicism
• [19:54] - The Protestant Reformation
• [21:50] - The Cost of Compromise
• [23:34] - Corruption in Religious Systems
• [26:02] - Babylon's Fall
• [29:21] - God Shakes to Wake
• [32:46] - Come Out of Her, My People
• [36:47] - Literal and Spiritual Separation
• [43:38] - Influence and Separation
• [52:24] - God's Sifting and Judgment
• [57:07] - Compromise vs. Awakening
• [62:47] - Obedience in Little Things
• [74:17] - Repentance and Belief

1. Revelation 18:4 - "Then I heard another voice from heaven say: 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 6:17 - "Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'"
3. Philippians 2:5-11 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus..."

1. What imagery is used in Revelation 18 to describe the corrupt world system, and how does it relate to the call to "come out of her, my people"? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the great harlot and the scarlet beast in Revelation 17? [00:26]
3. What are some of the specific dangers of compromise with the world mentioned in the sermon? [57:07]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being spiritually ready rather than focusing on eschatological certainty? [04:17]

1. How does the call to "come out" in Revelation 18:4 relate to the concept of spiritual and moral separation from the world? What might this look like in a believer's life today? [33:03]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that compromise with the world leads to spiritual decay? How can believers identify areas of compromise in their own lives? [57:07]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity among believers despite differing eschatological views. How can this unity be maintained in a diverse church community? [03:05]
4. How does the sermon interpret the symbolism of Babylon in Revelation 18, and what implications does this have for understanding modern-day influences? [15:41]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel entangled with the world's influence? What steps can you take to "come out" and be separate? [43:38]
2. The sermon warns against the dangers of compromise. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt tempted to compromise your values? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [57:07]
3. Consider the relationships and media you consume. Are there any that do not align with God's truth? What changes can you make to ensure your influences are godly? [43:38]
4. The sermon calls for spiritual readiness over eschatological certainty. How can you cultivate a mindset of readiness and vigilance in your daily walk with God? [04:17]
5. Obedience in the little things is emphasized as crucial for spiritual integrity. Identify a small area of your life where you can practice greater obedience this week. [01:02:47]
6. The sermon discusses the cost of spiritual awakening, including a return to prayer and fasting. What is one spiritual discipline you can focus on this week to deepen your relationship with God? [57:07]
7. How can you foster unity and graciousness towards those with differing opinions within your church community, especially regarding end-times beliefs? [03:05]