Overcoming Babylon

Breaking the Code
Overcoming Babylon

I. Introduction

A. Every human society, every culture, every system, and even our own desires are being shaped by one of two competing kingdoms.

B. Revelation 18:1 (NLT) After all this I saw another angel come down from heaven with great authority, and the earth grew bright with his splendor.

1. Babylon is the symbol of every human society that builds itself on pride, power, wealth, and self-glory while pushing God to the margins.

2. The good news is this: every human system, every empire, every power, every structure built on pride, fear, or corruption will one day crumble, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.

C. At its core, Revelation asks one central question: “Who has your ?”

1. Who gets your ultimate ?

a. Everyday decisions that reveal our loyalties:

i. Loyalty in

ii. Loyalty in

iii. Loyalty in

iv. Loyalty in

D. Revelation 18:1-8 (NLT)

1. Where does Babylon show up in our lives?

II. Allurements That Lead Us Away from Jesus (Modern expressions of Babylon’s pull)

A. The allure of

Babylon offers a spiritual atmosphere that normalizes compromise.

1. Babylon wins our before she ever wins our .

2. Babylon never asks for your , only a small piece of your .

B. The allure of idolatry

1. Idolatry is that gets our “yes.”

2. Idolatry is not primarily a issue, it’s a issue.

C. The allure of without

1. Revelation 18:11 (NLT) The merchants of the world will weep and mourn for her, for there is no one left to buy their goods.

2. Revelation 18:14 (NLT) “The fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again.”

a. Comfort is a great , but a terrible .

b. When comfort becomes , calling becomes .

D. The allure of

1. A soul cannot skim forever!

III. Practices That Overcome Babylon

A. Self-examination

1. Self-examination is about regularly asking hard questions:

Where is my heart drifting?

What am I pursuing more than God?

Where am I tempted to compromise?

2. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) ²³Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

a. We are not always aware of what’s us.

B. Invite

1. “We are to be watching over one another in love.” (John Wesley)

C. Learn the practice of

1. Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

2. The higher your level, the less likely “Babylon” is going to be able to tempt you.

D. Begin with the end in mind

IV. Conclusion