Living as Dissidents: Embracing Hope in a Broken World

Devotional

Day 1: Discerning the Ways of Babylon

Babylon represents systems of arrogance, economic exploitation, militarism, and oppression. These traits can be found in various aspects of life, including governments, businesses, and even churches. As dissidents, we must recognize these hallmarks and speak out against them, embodying a different way of living that aligns with God's kingdom. Babylon's influence is pervasive, and it requires discernment to identify its presence in our daily lives. By understanding the characteristics of Babylon, we can better resist its pull and live in a manner that reflects the values of God's kingdom.

The call to discern the ways of Babylon is a call to vigilance and action. It is not enough to merely recognize these systems; we must actively oppose them and seek to create alternatives that reflect God's justice and love. This might mean advocating for fair business practices, standing against militarism, or challenging oppressive structures within our own communities. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be agents of change, working to bring about a world that mirrors the kingdom of God.

Revelation 18:2-3 (ESV): "And he called out with a mighty voice, 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.'"

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you see the influence of Babylon. How can you begin to speak out against it and embody a different way of living that aligns with God's kingdom? [33:01]

Day 2: Following a Different Voice

Dissidents listen to the voice of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, rather than the voices of Babylon that bombard us daily. This voice shapes our vision, values, and priorities, guiding us to live in a way that reflects the teachings and commands of Jesus. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we can discern and follow this different voice. The voice of Jesus calls us to a life of love, service, and sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the self-centered and materialistic messages we often hear from the world.

Following the voice of the Lamb requires intentionality and discipline. It means setting aside time to read and meditate on Scripture, to pray, and to listen for God's guidance. It also means being willing to go against the grain, to make choices that may seem foolish or unpopular in the eyes of the world. But as we align our lives with the voice of Jesus, we find true fulfillment and purpose, living out the values of the kingdom of God in our daily actions.

John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can immerse yourself in the Word of God this week to better discern and follow the voice of Jesus? [43:23]

Day 3: Allegiance to the Lamb

Dissidents have a different allegiance, not to political parties or ideologies, but to Jesus. This allegiance transcends national and political boundaries, uniting us in our commitment to the Lamb. By prioritizing our allegiance to Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of our world without being divided by political affiliations. Our primary identity is as followers of Christ, and this shapes how we engage with the world around us.

Allegiance to the Lamb means that our loyalty to Jesus takes precedence over all other commitments. It means that our decisions, actions, and relationships are guided by our desire to follow Him. This can be challenging in a world that often pressures us to conform to political or social norms. But as we keep our focus on Jesus, we find the strength and wisdom to navigate these challenges and to live out our faith with integrity and courage.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus in your daily life, especially in situations where you feel pressured to conform to political or social norms? [51:23]

Day 4: A Different Relationship with Power

Unlike the world, which seeks power over others, dissidents use power for others, following Jesus' example of servanthood. Jesus had tremendous power but chose to use it for the benefit of those without power. As dissidents, we are called to use our power to serve and uplift others, embodying the kingdom of God in our actions. This means looking for opportunities to empower those who are marginalized, to advocate for justice, and to use our influence for the common good.

A different relationship with power requires a shift in perspective. Instead of seeking to dominate or control, we seek to serve and support. This is a radical departure from the world's view of power, but it is the way of the kingdom of God. By following Jesus' example, we can create communities where power is used to build up rather than tear down, to heal rather than harm, and to bring about God's justice and peace.

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): "And Jesus called them to him and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"

Reflection: How can you use your power and influence to serve and uplift others in your community this week? [59:30]

Day 5: Living Toward a Different Hope

Dissidents live with a hope grounded in the promise of God's future kingdom, where justice and peace will prevail. This hope shapes how we engage with the world, encouraging us to live as signposts pointing toward God's promised future. By holding onto this hope, we can navigate the challenges of the present with a vision of the better world that God will bring about. Our hope is not in the temporary solutions of this world but in the eternal promises of God.

Living toward a different hope means that our actions and attitudes are influenced by our belief in God's future kingdom. It means that we work for justice, peace, and reconciliation, knowing that these are the values of God's kingdom. It also means that we do not lose heart in the face of difficulties, because we trust in God's ultimate plan. This hope gives us the strength to persevere and to continue working for the transformation of our world.

Romans 8:24-25 (ESV): "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Reflection: How can you live as a signpost of God's future kingdom in your daily interactions and decisions this week? [01:03:04]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we conclude our series on the book of Revelation, a text often misunderstood as a prediction of the future rather than a guide for living as followers of Jesus in a world filled with oppression, injustice, and division. John, the author of Revelation, calls us to be dissidents—people of hope who imagine a better future and begin to embody that world now. This call is as relevant today as it was for the early Christians.

To live as dissidents, we must first discern the ways of Babylon, a metaphor for the systems of world dominance and governance that oppose God. Babylon is characterized by arrogance, economic exploitation, militarism, and oppression. These traits can be found not just in governments but in businesses, families, and even churches. As dissidents, we must recognize these hallmarks and speak out against them.

Dissidents follow a different voice—the voice of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. This voice shapes our vision, values, and priorities, contrasting sharply with the voices of Babylon that bombard us daily. Dissidents also have a different allegiance, not to political parties or ideologies, but to the Lamb. This allegiance transcends national and political boundaries, uniting us in our commitment to Jesus.

Moreover, dissidents have a different relationship with power. Unlike the world, which seeks power over others, dissidents use power for others, following Jesus' example of servanthood. Finally, dissidents live toward a different hope, grounded in the promise of God's future kingdom where justice and peace will prevail.

John's Revelation is not a roadmap for predicting the future but a guide for living faithfully in the present. As we navigate a world filled with the hallmarks of Babylon, let us commit to being dissidents who listen to the voice of the Lamb, maintain our allegiance to Jesus, use power for the benefit of others, and live in the hope of God's promised future.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Discerning the Ways of Babylon: Babylon represents systems of arrogance, economic exploitation, militarism, and oppression. These traits can be found in various aspects of life, including governments, businesses, and even churches. As dissidents, we must recognize these hallmarks and speak out against them, embodying a different way of living that aligns with God's kingdom. [33:01]
2. Following a Different Voice: Dissidents listen to the voice of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, rather than the voices of Babylon that bombard us daily. This voice shapes our vision, values, and priorities, guiding us to live in a way that reflects the teachings and commands of Jesus. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we can discern and follow this different voice. [43:23]
3. Allegiance to the Lamb: Dissidents have a different allegiance, not to political parties or ideologies, but to Jesus. This allegiance transcends national and political boundaries, uniting us in our commitment to the Lamb. By prioritizing our allegiance to Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of our world without being divided by political affiliations. [51:23]
4. A Different Relationship with Power: Unlike the world, which seeks power over others, dissidents use power for others, following Jesus' example of servanthood. Jesus had tremendous power but chose to use it for the benefit of those without power. As dissidents, we are called to use our power to serve and uplift others, embodying the kingdom of God in our actions. [59:30]
5. Living Toward a Different Hope: Dissidents live with a hope grounded in the promise of God's future kingdom, where justice and peace will prevail. This hope shapes how we engage with the world, encouraging us to live as signposts pointing toward God's promised future. By holding onto this hope, we can navigate the challenges of the present with a vision of the better world that God will bring about. [01:03:04]
### [63:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:53] - Misunderstanding Revelation
[31:19] - John's Call to Be Dissidents
[33:01] - Discerning the Ways of Babylon
[41:45] - Following a Different Voice
[51:23] - Allegiance to the Lamb
[59:30] - A Different Relationship with Power
[63:04] - Living Toward a Different Hope
[66:13] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the four hallmarks of Babylon mentioned in the sermon? ([36:04])
According to the sermon, what is the primary voice that dissidents follow? ([43:23])
How does the sermon describe the relationship dissidents have with power compared to the world? ([59:30])
What vision of the future does Revelation 21:2-4 provide, and how does it shape the hope of dissidents? ([01:03:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for dissidents to discern the ways of Babylon, and how can this discernment impact their daily lives? ([33:01])
How does following the voice of the Lamb, as described in John 1:1-5, 14, contrast with listening to the voices of Babylon? ([43:23])
What does it mean to have an allegiance to the Lamb, and how does this allegiance transcend political and national boundaries? ([51:23])
How does the hope described in Revelation 21:2-4 influence the way dissidents engage with the world and its challenges? ([01:03:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life. Can you identify any areas where the hallmarks of Babylon (arrogance, economic exploitation, militarism, oppression) are present? How can you begin to speak out against these in your context? ([36:04])
What practical steps can you take to ensure that the voice of the Lamb is the dominant voice in your life, especially amidst the constant bombardment of Babylon's voices? ([43:23])
How can you demonstrate your allegiance to the Lamb in your daily interactions, especially in politically charged environments? ([51:23])
In what ways can you use your power and influence to serve and uplift others, following Jesus' example of servanthood? ([59:30])
How does the hope of God's future kingdom, as described in Revelation 21:2-4, shape your perspective on current injustices and challenges? ([01:03:04])
Think of a specific situation where you can embody the hope of God's future kingdom in your community. What actions can you take to be a signpost pointing toward that hope? ([01:03:04])
How can you encourage others in your small group or community to live as dissidents, embodying the values and vision of God's kingdom in the present? ([01:05:17])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "John was essentially encouraging the followers of Jesus in his day and in our day to be dissidents living in the world that they lived in. What is a dissident? A dissident, as we've discussed in this series so far, is a person of hope who imagines a better future. And then begins to embody that world. John is telling his readers, hearers, be a dissident, be a person of hope who imagines a better future, and then begins to embody that world where you live." [33:01] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Dissidents follow a different voice. This is part of what makes dissidents different is we follow a different voice. Think about it. If you listen to one particular news source over and over and over, that is going to shape your vision and your values and your priorities, right? That voice is going to shape how you see the world, how you see yourself, how you see the challenges. If you, for example, switched to a different media source and you started listening to an alternate, competing voice over and over and over, guess what? That would start to shape you as a person." [43:23] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Dissidents have a different allegiance, not to parties, but to the Lamb. Not to the donkey, not to the elephant, to the Lamb. So here's some startling statistics. A recent survey showed that 82% of Republicans think the Democrat Party has been taken over by socialists. 80% of Democrats think the Republican Party has been taken over by racists. 86% of Democrats think Trump encouraged white supremacy groups. 17% of Republicans agree with that. These numbers include Christians whose allegiance is often to something other than the Lamb." [51:23] (121 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Dissidents live toward a different hope. Now, the academics, like the people who write all this fancy stuff, they have a term for talking about a vision for the end, like the first. For the future, right? And it's called eschatology. It's a fancy word. You don't need to worry about it. It's simply the study of things at the end. Like biology is a study of bios, life, right? Psychology is a study of psyche, the things in here, right? Eschatology is just a study of the eschaton, the end, right?" [01:01:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Dissidents believe that and say, oh, that's the future that God is going to bring about. That's what I hope for. And that's what I look forward to. Because we have that picture of the future, it shapes how we live now. If we believe that God is one day going to make all these things right, then it changes how we engage with the world. It changes how we think about our future. It changes how we think about the problems, knowing that one day God is going to make all this right." [01:04:23] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Dissidents discern the way... The ways of Babylon. Now, that's a metaphor. We've talked about it in this series. It's a metaphor for empire. It's a metaphor for the kinds of systems of world dominance and governance that we all live in and always have and always will until Jesus finally comes back. So I want to talk briefly about how to discern. What are the hallmarks, if you will, of Babylon? How can we discern it? How can we recognize it?" [34:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Arrogance is one of the hallmarks of Babylon. This is part of what dissidents learn to do. Discern. But let me go on. Another one is economic exploitation. By the way, I'll probably irritate most of us today with some of the things that I have to say, so apologies in advance. And you can come up and have conversations with me later about it. Money and status are the love language of Babylon. Money and status are the love language of Babylon. The wealthy are considered virtuous because of their work ethic, and the poor are shamed for their quote-unquote lack of work ethic." [36:04] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Dissidents also have a different relationship with power. Let me talk about this for a minute. Instead of seeking political power, which is the way of Babylon, dissidents relate to power the way Jesus did. When Jesus was offered power, right, think of the temptation in the wilderness, he rejected it. He rejected the opportunity to use, to use power the way the world did. He's, right, he could have called on the angels, but he didn't. Now, Jesus had tremendous power, but he didn't use power over. Jesus used power for people." [01:00:17] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Christian eschatology turns us away from both progressivism and pessimism, not by denying progress or not by working to improve life and not by denying progress. Not by pretending harsh realities don't exist, but by trusting the God of promise who broke the power of death in the resurrection of the Lamb and who also promises that someday New Jerusalem will descend and justice will finally arrive on the earth." [01:03:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Revelation 21, starting in verse 2, right? Here's what John says. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, look, God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe everything. Every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." [01:03:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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