Living Faithfully in a Babylonian World
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the profound message of Revelation, particularly focusing on Revelation 19. This book, often misunderstood and misused, is not about predicting the future but about living faithfully in the present. John’s Revelation was written to seven churches facing challenges similar to ours today, living in a world dominated by empire, injustice, and idolatry, metaphorically referred to as Babylon.
Living in Babylon impacts us deeply, influencing our values, beliefs, and behaviors unless we intentionally counteract these influences. John’s letters to the churches highlight the problems Jesus' followers face, such as disordered love, distorted teachings, corrupted worship, and inconsistent behaviors. These issues are not unique to the first century but are prevalent today as well.
The key to overcoming Babylon is worship. John emphasizes worship repeatedly throughout Revelation, showing it as a powerful counteraction to the darkness and dehumanization of Babylon. Worship is not just about music; it’s a whole-body, whole-life response to God’s greatness and redemption. It involves bowing down, shouting hallelujah, and living a life of gratitude and surrender to God.
Worship changes us, shaping our reality and helping us see the world through God’s eyes. It forms us into faithful witnesses, living as dissidents in a world opposed to God’s kingdom. This kind of worship is an act of resistance against Babylon, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate victory of the Lamb.
As we live in Babylon, worship helps us maintain our allegiance to God, counteracting the influences that seek to corrupt our faith. It’s a strategic practice, especially when we gather together, focusing our attention on God’s throne and the Lamb who was slain. Worship is our warfare, transforming us and enabling us to live differently, embodying the hope and future God envisions for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Revelation’s Purpose: John’s Revelation was not given for speculation about the future but to teach us how to live faithfully in the present. It addresses real churches facing real challenges, similar to those we face today, living in a world dominated by empire, injustice, and idolatry. [30:25]
2. Impact of Babylon: Living in Babylon influences our values, beliefs, and behaviors unless we intentionally counteract these influences. John’s letters to the churches highlight issues like disordered love, distorted teachings, corrupted worship, and inconsistent behaviors, which are still relevant today. [33:48]
3. Power of Worship: Worship is a powerful counteraction to the darkness and dehumanization of Babylon. It’s not just about music but involves a whole-body, whole-life response to God’s greatness and redemption. Worship shapes our reality, helping us see the world through God’s eyes. [46:48]
4. Living as Dissidents: Worship forms us into faithful witnesses, living as dissidents in a world opposed to God’s kingdom. This kind of worship is an act of resistance against Babylon, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate victory of the Lamb. [55:53]
5. Strategic Worship: Gathering together for worship is strategically critical for counteracting Babylon’s influence. It helps us maintain our allegiance to God, focusing our attention on His throne and the Lamb who was slain. Worship is our warfare, transforming us and enabling us to live differently. [50:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:31] - Revelation 19 and Its Significance
[30:25] - Purpose of John’s Revelation
[32:01] - Living in Babylon
[33:48] - Absorbing Babylon’s Influence
[34:52] - Problems for Jesus’ Followers
[37:55] - Babylon Accommodation Disorder
[39:46] - Distorted Teachings and Corrupted Worship
[41:34] - Idolatry and Allegiance
[43:22] - Overcoming Babylon Through Worship
[46:48] - The Habit of Worship
[50:56] - Strategic Importance of Worship
[55:53] - Living as Dissidents
[59:04] - Worship as Resistance
[01:00:35] - Whole Body, Whole Life Worship
[01:02:13] - Communion
[01:14:57] - Generosity and Prayer
[01:16:07] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 19:1-6
2. Revelation 4:10-11
3. Revelation 5:11-12
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the characteristics of Babylon as described in the sermon? ([32:01])
2. According to Revelation 19:1-6, what are the key elements of worship mentioned in these verses?
3. How does John describe the actions of the 24 elders in Revelation 4:10-11? What do they say about God?
4. In Revelation 5:11-12, what do the angels and elders proclaim about the Lamb?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that living in Babylon impacts our values, beliefs, and behaviors? How does this relate to the issues faced by the seven churches in Revelation? ([33:48])
2. How does worship serve as a counteraction to the influence of Babylon according to the sermon? ([46:48])
3. What does it mean to live as dissidents in a world opposed to God’s kingdom, as described in the sermon? ([55:53])
4. How does the strategic practice of gathering for worship help maintain our allegiance to God? ([50:56])
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions that living in Babylon can lead to disordered love, distorted teachings, corrupted worship, and inconsistent behaviors. Can you identify any areas in your life where you see these influences? How can you counteract them? ([34:52])
2. Worship is described as a whole-body, whole-life response to God’s greatness and redemption. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this kind of worship into your daily life? ([49:13])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of worship as an act of resistance against Babylon. How can you use worship to remind yourself of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate victory of the Lamb? ([46:48])
4. Reflect on the idea of living as a dissident in today’s world. What are some specific actions you can take to embody the hope and future God envisions for us? ([55:53])
5. The sermon suggests that gathering together for worship is strategically critical. How can you prioritize and make the most of these gatherings in your life? ([50:56])
6. Think about a time when you felt the influence of Babylon in your life. How did worship help you overcome that influence, and how can you apply that experience to future challenges? ([49:58])
7. The sermon encourages us to see the world through God’s eyes. What steps can you take this week to focus your attention on God’s throne and the Lamb who was slain? ([47:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Faithfully in the Present
John’s Revelation was not given for speculation about the future but to teach us how to live faithfully in the present. It addresses real churches facing real challenges, similar to those we face today, living in a world dominated by empire, injustice, and idolatry. Revelation 19 reminds us that our focus should be on how we live now, not on trying to predict what is to come. The message is clear: our faithfulness in the present moment is what truly matters. We are called to be steadfast in our faith, to resist the temptations and pressures of the world around us, and to live in a way that honors God.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it can be tempting to look for signs and predictions about the future. However, Revelation encourages us to shift our focus to the present, to the ways we can embody our faith in our daily lives. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God’s love and justice, shining lights in a world that desperately needs hope and truth. [30:25]
Revelation 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."
Reflection: How can you live more faithfully in the present moment, resisting the urge to focus on future predictions and instead embodying your faith in your daily actions?
Day 2: Counteracting Babylon’s Influence
Living in Babylon influences our values, beliefs, and behaviors unless we intentionally counteract these influences. John’s letters to the churches highlight issues like disordered love, distorted teachings, corrupted worship, and inconsistent behaviors, which are still relevant today. The metaphor of Babylon represents the pervasive and corrupting influences of the world that can lead us away from God. To counteract these influences, we must be vigilant and intentional in our faith practices, constantly aligning ourselves with God’s truth and love.
The challenges faced by the early churches are not so different from those we face today. Disordered love can manifest as prioritizing worldly desires over our relationship with God. Distorted teachings can lead us astray from the core truths of our faith. Corrupted worship can become more about ritual than genuine connection with God. Inconsistent behaviors can undermine our witness to others. By recognizing these issues and actively working to counteract them, we can maintain our spiritual integrity and stay true to our faith. [33:48]
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific influences of "Babylon" do you recognize in your own life, and how can you intentionally counteract them to stay aligned with God’s truth?
Day 3: Worship as a Counteraction
Worship is a powerful counteraction to the darkness and dehumanization of Babylon. It’s not just about music but involves a whole-body, whole-life response to God’s greatness and redemption. Worship shapes our reality, helping us see the world through God’s eyes. When we engage in true worship, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty and His ultimate victory over evil. This perspective empowers us to live with hope and courage, even in the face of adversity.
True worship goes beyond the songs we sing on Sunday mornings. It encompasses our entire lives, influencing how we think, speak, and act. It is a posture of the heart that acknowledges God’s greatness and responds with gratitude and surrender. By making worship a central part of our lives, we allow God to transform us from the inside out, aligning our hearts and minds with His will. This transformation enables us to resist the dehumanizing influences of the world and to live as faithful witnesses of God’s love and truth. [46:48]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: How can you incorporate whole-body, whole-life worship into your daily routine, allowing it to shape your reality and perspective?
Day 4: Living as Dissidents
Worship forms us into faithful witnesses, living as dissidents in a world opposed to God’s kingdom. This kind of worship is an act of resistance against Babylon, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate victory of the Lamb. As we worship, we are strengthened and equipped to stand firm in our faith, even when it means going against the grain of the world around us. Our lives become a testament to God’s power and love, challenging the status quo and pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.
Living as dissidents means that we do not conform to the patterns of this world. Instead, we live according to the values of God’s kingdom, even when it is difficult or unpopular. This requires courage and conviction, as well as a deep reliance on God’s strength and guidance. Through worship, we are reminded of the bigger picture—that God is in control and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail. This perspective gives us the courage to live boldly and faithfully, no matter the circumstances. [55:53]
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: In what ways can you live as a dissident in today’s world, standing firm in your faith and resisting the pressures to conform to worldly values?
Day 5: Strategic Worship
Gathering together for worship is strategically critical for counteracting Babylon’s influence. It helps us maintain our allegiance to God, focusing our attention on His throne and the Lamb who was slain. Worship is our warfare, transforming us and enabling us to live differently. When we come together as a community of believers, we are strengthened and encouraged in our faith. We remind each other of God’s promises and His faithfulness, and we are equipped to face the challenges of the world with renewed strength and determination.
Corporate worship is not just a ritual; it is a strategic practice that fortifies our faith and aligns us with God’s purposes. It is a time to refocus our hearts and minds on God, to be reminded of His greatness and His love for us. As we worship together, we are united in our mission to live as faithful witnesses in a world that often opposes God’s kingdom. This unity and shared purpose empower us to stand strong against the influences of Babylon and to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. [50:56]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you make corporate worship a priority in your life, and how can you encourage others to join you in this strategic practice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "John's Revelation was not given for speculation. So we could predict the future. But so that we could live faithfully. Today. And any day. It was written to actual churches. Seven of them. And they're named in the first couple chapters of this book." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you live in a place. For long enough. You begin to be impacted. And you begin to absorb. The place where you live. I'll give you an example. Of a younger sister. Who like me grew up in the Midwest. Speaking Midwesternese. Whatever that happens to be. But she's lived in Texas for decades now. And when we get together for family reunions. I'm like. Oh you don't talk like the rest of us. Because she has a very pronounced deep Texas drawl. Where did that come from? It didn't come from growing up. In the Midwest. It came because she began to absorb. Part of the space that she was living in." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Worship is a whole body. Whole voice. Whole mind. And whole voice. Life lived in gratitude to God for redemption. And a whole life surrendered to the Lamb who was slain. So that we could have life. Right? It's a counter action to Babylon. Which is where we live. John's saying this is how you push back against the darkness and the dehumanization of Babylon. You have to come back to worship. You have to come back to a place where you're seeing God on his throne. Even while we live in Babylon." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Worship is our warfare. Worship is our warfare. This is how we combat Babylon, Babylon, not by taking up weapons, unless our weapon happens to be worship. You see how this works? This is why this is so important. This is a surprising strategy for how do we actually live different. We do it because we worship, and worship as a habit begins to change and form us into people who see the world with a different set of eyes." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Living in Babylon, it will always create problems and challenges for Jesus' team, but there is a way to counteract that, to overcome Babylon, and it's a lifestyle of worship. Worship is not just what happens for an hour on Sunday. Worship is how we live our lives." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Living in Babylon. Creates problems for people. Who are trying to follow Jesus. Who are part of team lamb. As we are calling it. Problems are identified. And John begins to relate some of those. In these letters. So I am going to just take a few snippets. Out of the letters. Because we are not going to read those whole two chapters. You can look them up later if you want. In Revelation 2 and 3. He is writing to these churches. That are spread throughout the region. Through what is now the area of Turkey. But was called Asia Minor." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Worship gets corrupted when the wrong things. Are put at the center of our lives. The Roman Empire. In the day that John wrote this. Was all about Rome. And all about the emperor. And if you wanted to be a good Roman citizen. You would pay homage. To the emperor. And you would have these idols. And you would worship. And you would pay. You know. Do all the things that good Roman citizens do. And essentially worshiping. The emperor. Now we're not likely to worship an emperor today. But we are susceptible. Catch this. To giving our first allegiance. To something other than God. It could be a nation. could be a party. It could be a leader. could be a cause. It could be an appetite. Or a desire. These things. When they get put at the center of our life. When they are first allegiance. They become idols. They become that thing. That defines our identity." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Worship involves a lot more than just singing. Right? It's crying out. It's speaking. It's shouting hallelujah. It's rejoicing. And even more. What's more. It's not just something passive that happens to me when I happen to sit in a place like this. It involves bowing down and tossing crowns to God. It involves encircling the throat of God. And standing. And holding palm branches. And using instruments to make music. And to make noise. And saying amen. As one writer put it. Worship is a whole body. Whole voice. Whole mind. And whole voice. Life lived in gratitude to God for redemption. And a whole life surrendered to the Lamb who was slain. So that we could have life." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How does worship help? Well. To quote a famous philosopher. A social imaginary is your reality. What does that mean? The things that you perceive and imagine in your mind begin to become your reality. So when you and I begin to focus on God on the throne. And the slain lamb next to him who overcame all this. That begins to become our reality. That's how we experience the world. As one author put it. The social imaginary is the creative and symbolic dimension. Through which humans create their way of living together. And of representing their collective life. What you imagine. And we talked about this already. It takes imagination to read John well. What you imagine is going to become your reality. How you interact with people around you. The decisions that you make. The values that you live out. Are all going to be shaped by what you imagine." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "John's readers. The first hearers of this message. Lived in the Roman Empire. Where Caesar was worshipped. And where his military might. And his opulence. And his exploitation of human bodies. And on and on. This was just the standard way of doing things. This is how business was done. To opt out of paying allegiance to Rome. And to the emperor. It came at a cost. To be a dissident in that day. As in any day. Comes with a price. You will be ostracized. You will be left out of certain circles. You will face consequences. And into that reality. This is another one of John's songs. So let me share this with you. Revelation 15 starting in verse 7. Revelation 11 starting in verse 15. I am sorry. The seventh angel. Again we don't have time to get into all the angels. And the bowls and the trumpets. We did a little bit of that last week. The seventh angel sounded the trumpet. And there were loud voices in heaven. Which said. The kingdom of this world. Remember this is a message going to people. Who lived under the kingdom of Rome. The kingdom of this world. Has become the kingdom of our Lord. And of his Messiah. And he will reign forever and ever." (84 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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