Finding True Worth: Navigating Life Beyond Babylon
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to be back with you. Today, we had the joy of dedicating baby Ember Quinn Peterson to the Lord, a special moment guided by scriptures from Deuteronomy and Matthew. These verses remind us of the importance of setting a godly direction for our children, a responsibility that extends to parents, grandparents, and the church community. We prayed for Ember, asking God to protect her and guide her life for His kingdom.
We also addressed the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump, emphasizing the power of words and their potential to incite actions. We reflected on the importance of speaking for Jesus and not getting caught up in political rhetoric. We prayed for our nation, asking God to bring healing and unity, and to help us prioritize people over politics.
Our main text today was from Revelation 17, which contrasts the worship of the beast (Satan) with the worship of the Lamb (Jesus). This chapter serves as a manual for discipleship, highlighting the emergence of a new world through the followers of the Lamb. John uses vivid imagery to depict Babylon (Rome) as a great prostitute, a shocking metaphor meant to wake us up to the dangers of aligning with worldly powers.
The allure of Babylon is strong, but it ultimately leads to destruction. The beast, representing Satan, gives power to Babylon, but this power is a parody of the true power of Jesus. The text warns us that if our lives are tied to evil, it will eventually devour us. Instead, we are called to find our worth and significance in Jesus, not in the materialistic and deceptive promises of Babylon.
We live in a culture that commodifies worthiness, but Jesus invites us to find our true value in Him. The Lamb offers a life of service and sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the self-centered allure of Babylon. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be lights in this world, helping others find their way out of Babylon and into the kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Parents and Community in Spiritual Direction: Parents and grandparents play a crucial role in setting the spiritual direction for their children, guided by scriptures like Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Matthew 7:13-14. The church community also has a significant impact, supporting families in their spiritual journey. [21:00]
2. The Power of Words: Words have the power to incite actions and shape the world around us. As Christians, we are called to speak for Jesus and not get caught up in political rhetoric. Our words should promote peace and unity, reflecting the teachings of Christ. [29:13]
3. The Allure and Destruction of Babylon: Revelation 17 uses the metaphor of Babylon as a great prostitute to depict the dangers of aligning with worldly powers. The allure of Babylon is strong, but it ultimately leads to destruction. We must be vigilant and not let Babylon capture our hearts. [47:45]
4. Finding Worth in Jesus: Our worth and significance should not be tied to material possessions or societal status, but in Jesus Christ. The Lamb invites us to a life of service and sacrifice, offering true worth and eternal significance. [01:03:24]
5. Living as Lights in Babylon: We live in a culture that commodifies worthiness, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to be lights in this world. We must help others find their way out of Babylon and into the kingdom of God, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else. [01:14:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:22] - Baby Dedication: Ember Quinn Peterson
[28:10] - Reflections on Recent Events
[29:13] - The Power of Words
[40:03] - Introduction to Revelation 17
[47:45] - The Allure and Destruction of Babylon
[51:07] - The Beast and the Lamb
[57:12] - The War Against the Lamb
[58:44] - The Self-Destruction of Evil
[01:03:24] - Finding Worth in Jesus
[01:14:32] - Living as Lights in Babylon
[01:17:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 17:1-6 (ESV)
> "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.' And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: 'Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.' And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly."
2. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
> "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
3. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
> "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
### Observation Questions
1. What vivid imagery does John use in Revelation 17 to describe Babylon and its influence? ([44:39])
2. According to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, what are parents instructed to do with God's commandments? ([20:15])
3. In Matthew 7:13-14, what are the two types of gates and roads described, and what do they lead to? ([21:00])
4. How does the sermon describe the allure and ultimate fate of Babylon? ([47:45])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What might John’s use of the shocking metaphor of Babylon as a great prostitute signify about the dangers of aligning with worldly powers? ([44:39])
2. How does the role of parents and the community in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 relate to the spiritual direction of children in today's context? ([20:15])
3. What does the narrow gate and road in Matthew 7:13-14 symbolize in the life of a believer, and why is it significant that only a few find it? ([21:00])
4. How can the church community support families in setting a godly direction for their children, as discussed in the sermon? ([21:00])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the metaphor of Babylon in Revelation 17. Are there areas in your life where you feel the allure of worldly power or materialism? How can you resist this temptation? ([47:45])
2. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God’s commandments. How can you incorporate these teachings into your daily family life? ([20:15])
3. Considering the power of words discussed in the sermon, how can you ensure that your words promote peace and unity rather than division? ([29:13])
4. The sermon calls us to find our worth in Jesus rather than in material possessions or societal status. What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus from materialism to spiritual growth? ([01:03:24])
5. How can you be a light in your community, helping others find their way out of "Babylon" and into the kingdom of God? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this in your daily interactions? ([01:14:32])
6. Reflect on the recent events mentioned in the sermon. How can you prioritize people over politics in your conversations and actions this week? ([29:13])
7. The sermon emphasizes the role of the church community in supporting families. How can you actively participate in your church community to support and guide families in their spiritual journey? ([21:00])
Devotional
Day 1: Guiding Children in Faith
Parents and grandparents play a crucial role in setting the spiritual direction for their children, guided by scriptures like Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Matthew 7:13-14. The church community also has a significant impact, supporting families in their spiritual journey. This responsibility is not just about teaching children Bible stories but about modeling a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. It involves creating an environment where children can see faith in action, learn to pray, and understand the importance of a relationship with God.
In today's world, where many distractions can pull children away from faith, it is essential for families and the church community to work together. This partnership helps to reinforce the values and teachings that children learn at home. By doing so, we can help guide them on a path that leads to a deeper understanding and love for God. [21:00]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you incorporate faith-based conversations and activities into your daily routine with your children or grandchildren?
Day 2: The Power of Words
Words have the power to incite actions and shape the world around us. As Christians, we are called to speak for Jesus and not get caught up in political rhetoric. Our words should promote peace and unity, reflecting the teachings of Christ. In a time when divisive language is prevalent, it is crucial to remember the impact our words can have on others. We must strive to use our speech to build up, encourage, and bring healing.
Reflecting on the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump, it is evident how words can lead to significant consequences. As followers of Jesus, we must be mindful of how we communicate, ensuring that our words align with the values of love, compassion, and truth. By doing so, we can contribute to a more peaceful and united community. [29:13]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think about a recent conversation where your words may have caused harm or division. How can you seek reconciliation and use your words to promote peace and unity?
Day 3: The Allure and Destruction of Babylon
Revelation 17 uses the metaphor of Babylon as a great prostitute to depict the dangers of aligning with worldly powers. The allure of Babylon is strong, but it ultimately leads to destruction. We must be vigilant and not let Babylon capture our hearts. The imagery of Babylon represents the seductive nature of materialism, power, and corruption that can easily entrap us if we are not careful.
The beast, representing Satan, gives power to Babylon, but this power is a parody of the true power of Jesus. The text warns us that if our lives are tied to evil, it will eventually devour us. Instead, we are called to find our worth and significance in Jesus, not in the materialistic and deceptive promises of Babylon. [47:45]
Revelation 17:5 (ESV): "And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: 'Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you may be tempted by the allure of worldly power or materialism. How can you refocus your heart and mind on Jesus?
Day 4: Finding Worth in Jesus
Our worth and significance should not be tied to material possessions or societal status, but in Jesus Christ. The Lamb invites us to a life of service and sacrifice, offering true worth and eternal significance. In a culture that commodifies worthiness, it is easy to fall into the trap of measuring our value by external standards. However, Jesus calls us to find our identity and worth in Him alone.
The life of service and sacrifice that Jesus exemplifies stands in stark contrast to the self-centered allure of Babylon. By following Jesus, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends material wealth and societal approval. This shift in perspective allows us to live more authentically and meaningfully. [01:03:24]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you seek validation from others or material possessions. How can you shift your focus to finding your worth in Jesus?
Day 5: Living as Lights in Babylon
We live in a culture that commodifies worthiness, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to be lights in this world. We must help others find their way out of Babylon and into the kingdom of God, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else. This calling involves being a beacon of hope, love, and truth in a world that often values the opposite.
By living as lights in Babylon, we can guide others towards the transformative power of Jesus. This requires us to be intentional in our actions, words, and relationships, ensuring that they reflect the light of Christ. As we do so, we can help others see the beauty and truth of the kingdom of God. [01:14:32]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can be a light in your community this week. How can you intentionally reflect the love and truth of Jesus to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Words really matter, right? The Scriptures declare that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. They also say that, you know, John, in writing about Jesus, looked at the Old Testament and said, wow, the Word has become flesh in Jesus. And sometimes our words do become flesh. They become actions." [28:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to challenge all of you to speak for Jesus. Not for some side, not for something. There's going to be people that want to encourage you to grab a pitchfork and a noose and join the lynching mob. I want to encourage you to follow the words of Jesus." [29:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our number one agenda item should be seeing that people come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. If our guy doesn't win, okay, we'll get him the next time. If your guy doesn't win, all right, we'll get him the next time. Fine." [33:21] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You could either get your power from this beast who brings out this marvelous civilization of Babylon, Rome, and all of her splendor and glory. Or you could get your power from the lamb. The one who says, if you want to be great, you've got to serve." [01:01:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are worthy because Jesus loves you. It seems like the children's church example, but we need to hear that sometime, right? You're worthy because Jesus absolutely created you and loves you and knows every hair on your head and died for you on the cross so that your sin could be redeemed." [01:04:14] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The beast tries to wage war with his parody power. The beast tries to defeat the Lamb. And even the beast knows that he's dead. He's got no future. It can't even stand a chance against the Lamb." [57:12] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If your life is tied to this, tied to evil, it will eventually devour you. And you know what I'm talking about. Some of you might have some secret things in your life that are evil. Some secret habits and hang-ups and things like that. Whether it is porneia as the text talks about, pornography, or whether it's like some secret other thing in your life, it will end up devouring you unless you repent of that." [58:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lamb invites you to discover your significance in surrendering your life to him and being washed in his blood. That's where the Lamb invites you. I love the book of Revelation because there's such a clear contrast between the two." [01:06:23] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The great lie of Babylon is the commodification of worthiness. You know, in just five months or 999, you could have rock-hard abs as you sleep. You know one of those belts you just plug it in and it's like ring, ring, ring, ring and it's like you could have rock-hard abs and you know what? For just five payments of 999 you could have rock-hard abs and everyone's gonna love you. You'll be worthy." [01:07:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The prevailing world culture is Babylon and we live in it. The prevailing culture, it doesn't matter where you go. You can go to South Africa. You can go to Canada. You could go to China. You could go to Russia. You can go to Ukraine. You can go to wherever it is you want. You can go to Antarctica in this world and you will find the culture of Babylon." [01:12:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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