Revelation 17 series – That Great City #1

July 27, 2024

Introduction

The video presents a Bible study on Revelation Chapter 17, focusing on the concept of judgment, the symbolism of Babylon, and the relationship between the church and its unfaithfulness to God.

Key Themes

The Gift of Time

  • The speaker begins with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of time as a precious gift from God.
  • Time is described as an opportunity for decision-making, listening to God, and making changes in life.

Revelation 17 Overview

  • The speaker introduces Revelation 17, noting that it discusses two primary themes: the judgment of Babylon and the characteristics of the unfaithful church.
  • The chapter opens with the appearance of seven angels who have seven vials that represent God’s judgment on the earth.

Symbolism of Babylon

  • Babylon symbolizes an unfaithful church, drawing parallels to the relationship between Christ and His church.
  • The image of a woman represents the church, and her unfaithfulness is likened to adultery against God.
  • The speaker references Ephesians 5 to illustrate the relationship between Christ (the husband) and the church (the wife), highlighting the consequences of unfaithfulness.

Judgment Explained

  • The term “judgment” is defined in Greek as a decision regarding a crime.
  • The speaker connects this to biblical references that discuss judgment against unfaithful practices.
  • The concept of “fornication” in the biblical context refers to spiritual unfaithfulness to God.

Unfaithfulness to God

  • The inhabitants of the earth are described as being “drunk” with the wine of Babylon’s fornication, indicating a loss of moral clarity and obedience to God.
  • The speaker emphasizes that true faithfulness requires obedience to God’s commandments.

Characteristics of Babylon

  • The woman in Revelation 17 is depicted as sitting on a scarlet beast, symbolizing her influence over earthly kingdoms.
  • The beast is identified as a representation of Satan’s kingdom, linking back to previous chapters in Revelation.

Contrasting Women

  • A contrast is drawn between two women: the unfaithful woman in Revelation 17 and the faithful woman in Revelation 12.
  • The unfaithful woman is adorned with purple and scarlet, symbols of royalty and wealth, while the faithful woman is clothed with light.

Final Thoughts

  • The speaker warns that modern society may be unaware of their own unfaithfulness to God.
  • There is a call for individuals to return to true obedience and faithfulness, separating themselves from Babylonian influences.
  • The study invites reflection on personal faith and the importance of understanding biblical prophecies concerning judgment.

Conclusion

  • The session ends with a prayer asking for guidance and understanding of the truths presented in Scripture.
  • The speaker encourages viewers to engage deeply with these themes, preparing for further discussions in future studies on Revelation.

This summary encapsulates the main points discussed in the video regarding Revelation Chapter 17, emphasizing judgment, faithfulness, and the symbolism found within the text.