Rev. 18:1-24 THE FALL OF COMMERCIAL BABYLON
Intro: In chapter 17, we witnessed the fall of the great worldwide religion that will
place the world in idolatry and cultism. In this chapter, we will witness the fall of
commercial Babylon. In the days of the tribulation period, men will build an economic
empire never equaled in this world. There will be astounding wealth and affluence.
However, it will all come to a violent end. In chp. 17, we saw the Babylonian system fall,
now we will see the city itself fall. God Himself will judge their wickedness. We will see
God put forth a demonstration of His great power and we will see four groups react to what
the Lord has done.
I. v.1-8 THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FALL OF BABYLON
A. v.1 The Heavenly Communicator - Filled with light and Glory. (Ill. The
contrast!)
B. v.2-3 Her Corruption - Ill. Religious corruption. (Ill Ancient Babylon
was the home of soothsayers, magicians and seerers - Dan. 2:2
1. Demonism - This city will be filled with evil and demon infestation. (Ill. A glimpse
at the way modern government is empowered, perhaps?)
2. Drunkenness - The entire world is smitten by her charms. They are made drunk by her
allurements. The world is held captive under her intoxicating spell. She offers them
immorality and sin without fear of religious oppression. Ill. Speaks of a time of
unbridled wickedness and lustful abandon. (Ill. God will deal with them!)
C. v.4-8 Her Condition
1. v.4 There is a call to God's people to separate. (Ill. Abraham and Lot - 2 Cor.
6:17)
2. v.5 Babel's tower did not reach Heaven, but her sins have! (Ill. God is patient and
longsuffering, but He has a limit. (Judgment must come!)
3. v.6 Double payment is required for her sins. Ill. Ancient Babylonian atrocities and
Jewish calls for punishment - Psa. 137:8-9; Ex. 21:22-25! God will require double payment!
4. v.7 Pride has filled her and she defiantly believes that she shall see no
punishment!
5. v.8 Judgment WILL fall and will fall swiftly! Her desolation will come in a single
day! God is powerful and He will dispense justice!
II. v.9-20 THE ATTITUDES TOWARD THE FALL OF BABYLON
(Ill. Alas, Alas - A cry of mourning rises for fallen Babylon - There are four
reactionsto the fall of the city.)
A. v.9-10 The Monarchs - The kings who have prospered because of Babylon.
B. v.11-16 The Merchants - They weep for all the money and business they
have lost. (Ill. All the items - Gold is first and souls are last!) (Ill. Depends on where
your treasure is! Matt. 6:20-21)(Ill. People will be trapped by materialism - Body and
soul - Ill. Modern politics;If a man promises prosterity and plenty he is elected. Where
is the moral vote?) Ill. v.14 A picture of Hell - ungratified desires!
C. v.17-19 The Mariners - Men will learn too late that materialism will
lead to nothing - Mark 8:36-37.
D. v.20 The Heavenly Multitude - There will be rejoicing in Heaven over
the fall of a God hating world! God has avenged the blood and the honor of His servants.
III. v.21-24 ACCOMPLISHING THE FALL OF BABYLON
(Ill. Millstone throne into the sea - A complete and catastrophic judgment. - Jer.
51:42) Ill. No mores!
A. v.21 Babylon and all she stood for is no more.
B. v.22a Music without God - No more!
C. v.22b All industry and craftsmen - No more!
D. v.23a All appearance of Habitation - No more!
E. v.23b All weddings - No more! (Ill. No joy and happiness!)
F. v.23c -24 Babylon represents all the sin and murder of all time. Judgment falls from
the Lord to ultimately destroy all those who have opposed God.
