Study Questions – Revelation #20

Kyle Bartholic   -   July 6, 2023

Revelation CGS – Week 20

True Satisfaction

Revelation 17:1-18:24

INTRODUCTION:

As we have been going through the book of Revelation, we have established that it is not about uncovering timelines and events or decoding secret messages and knowledge. It is a book of hope that is about uncovering timeless principles that spur the Christian on to faithful living. This continues to be an important focus to keep at the forefront of our reading. The middle of this letter continues to present images and events that leave us asking, who, how, and when? These aren’t wrong questions, but often they lead us to focus on the ”shiny objects” of the text and miss the main idea altogether. So, we must ask, how does this passage help me to see Jesus more clearly and live faithfully in righteousness, and declaring the gospel?

Coming out of chapter 16, we move to see the two “spiritual cities” contrasted in Revelation. One (Jerusalem) offers abundant and eternal life, the other (Babylon) will come under judgment. Why does Babylon come under judgment? Because it exemplifies all the excesses of our sin and rebellion. It offers satisfaction through those excesses but only delivers death and darkness. John addresses the dark side of this insatiable consumption in Revelation chapters 17 – 18. In contrast to the justice of God’s kingdom in Revelation 15 – 16, chapters 17 – 18 are an indictment against the injustice of Roman trade. Two Cities The final chapters of the book of Revelation describe two cities, both of which are likened to women: Babylon the Prostitute (17:5; 18:2, 10, 21; see also 14:8; 16:19) and Jerusalem the Bride (21:2, 9). They represents two communities, two sets of values, two futures. And the question John poses to us is: where do you belong? Are you seduced by the treasures of this earth or is your heart set on heavenly treasure? Do you feel at home in the world or do you belong to the empire of the Lamb? The Babylonian Empire had long gone so John is speaking figuratively. Babylon was founded in the region of the ancient city of Babel (Genesis 11), and in Hebrew “Babel” and “Babylon” are the same word. Babel was the first idolatrous empire, with humanity coming together in opposition to God, and this was repeated in the later city of Babylon. So in the Bible Babylon became the archetypal idolatrous empire. Some people believe John’s Babylon is Jerusalem (on the basis of Revelation 11:8). But there’s a much stronger case for identifying Babylon with first-century Rome. Rome had destroyed the Jerusalem Temple, just as Babylon had once done. Others in the early church referred to Rome as “Babylon” (1 Peter 5:13). Her seductions and rule involve “the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:2, 18; 19:2), which could be said of Rome but not Jerusalem. Her luxuries describe the trading activities of Rome (18:11-13) but not those of Jerusalem. And she sits on seven hills, as Rome does (17:9).^[1] Revelation again cuts through the clutter of our hearts and reminds us of the eternal reality and truth of Scripture, you are either aligned with Christ or you aren’t. There is only one kingdom that will last. There is only one king who offers life and true satisfaction. And, when I lean on my own inclination, I am easily deceived. In other words, what I think will satisfy rarely does.

GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, share about a time in your life when you thought something would bring satisfaction, but it fell woefully short. This could be anything from a food craving to the pursuit of a job or even a relationship.

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

Note: Revelation can be a tough book. Here are some questions that might help with discussion. [2]

1. If you had to pick a main idea from chapters 17-18, what would it be? What verse influences your answer? What response do you think John wants from chapters 17-18?
2. Read Galatians 5:16-26 and discuss the contrast between the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. How do these two lists of fruit offer different visions for life? How do those lists line up with what John is saying in chapters 17-18? I.e., If Jerusalem offers a vision for eternal life and Babylon as vision of excess and death, how do John and Paul’s words sync up?
3. Look at or think about some advertisements in a magazine or on television. What do they promise? Do any make false or idolatrous claims?
4. Is there anything in your life that could be considered an idol? Something that is a substitute for Jesus in your life. Consider the following idolatry inventory and ask the Lord to reveal any idols in your life.

What is an idol? – An idol is something that we look to for things that only God can give.^[3]

Idolatry inventory – Read the statements in the left hand column. Ask the Lord if that is true about you. If so, don’t be discouraged but rejoice that the Lord is clarifying for you an opportunity for growth.

Life only has meaning/I only have worth if:                                                          Corresponding Idol

How to confront your Idols

1. Name your idol(s) out loud
2. Confess your hearts dependence on your idol(s) to God and someone else.
3. Repent, or turn away from the idol(s) in your life
4. Rejoice, or take joy in knowing Jesus is Lord of your life
5. Replace your idol(s) with a renewed passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[1] Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective (pp. 121-122). The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.

[2] Some questions are from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.

^[3] Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters (New York: Riverhead Books, 2011), 131.