Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

As we move through the book of Revelation (and if you have made it this far - congratulations!), we might forget that it was written to the Church. The opening chapters contain seven letters, each addressed to different churches in Asia Minor that are undergoing various levels of persecution and temptation from the world around them. The message of warning, woe, and criticism is certainly meant for the world and for those who oppose God and His people. We must remember, however, that the Church is not immune to the seduction, persuasion, and influence of the world. The visions of God's wrath, the war of the Lamb, and the rise of the Beast are all meant to awaken the Church and exhort them to faithfulness, holiness, and endurance.  

Richard Bauckham writes, "Revelation's prophetic critique is of the churches as much as of the world. It recognizes that there is a false religion not only in the blatant idolatries of power and prosperity, but also in the constant danger that true religion falsifies itself in compromise with such idolatries and betrayal of the truth of God." 

Revelation 18 serves as a great reminder of this truth. As promised, Babylon has been thrown down. All the wealth, luxury, decadence, immorality, power, and glory were thrown down "in a single hour" (18:10). What took years to build and accumulate is lost in a matter of minutes. This is the nature of worldly power and pleasure! The saints, prophets, and apostles are called to rejoice that God has secured a great victory over his enemies (18:20). However, we must not overlook the warning to God's people in the midst of this song of victory:  

"Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; or her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities'" (18:4–5). 

Once again, the churches are reminded to remain sober, awake, and on guard against the seduction of worldly powers, comforts, and anything that would distract them from their allegiance to Jesus. This is no less true for us today. Each day, we have multiple options to draw from as our source of life. We can look to our financial status and success, we can revel in earthly comforts and luxuries, or we can chase the dreams the world says will lead to success and happiness. However, the call remains "Come out of her, my people…" This will look different for each of us, no doubt, but we all must hear the sobering reminder to guard ourselves "lest you take part in her sins" (18:4).  

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Be Generous 2025

On Be Generous Sunday, November 30th, through Tuesday, December 2nd, 100% of all financial gifts will go toward funding three special projects to ignite ministry and lead more people to know, love, and follow Jesus! For more information, visit venturechurch.org/begenerous.