The Kingdom of Darkness Destroyed Scripture

Sermon Series: Revelation – Jesus Revealed Sermon
Title: The Kingdom of Darkness Destroyed
Scripture: Revelation 18:1-24
Pastor Chris Fritz
Sunday, March 17, 2024

INTRODUCTION

Luke 12:13-21 and Revelation 18:1-3

Verses 1-3: Introduction: The destruction of Satan’s kingdom is an absolute certainty; we see a picture here of “coming-yet-already-established” ruin!

“For the earth WILL BE FILLED with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD

as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)

I. THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS DESTROYED

Revelation 18:4

Verse 4: Separation – Pursue holiness! Don’t be to the temptations you face!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Take care, and be on your guard against ALL COVETOUSNESS,

for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, YOUR THOUGHTS

will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Revelation 18:5-8

Verses 5-8: Condemnation – God is mighty; He is not mocked! In perfect righteousness and justice, God repays Babylon for all her sins, which are heaped as high as heaven itself!

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

For whoever would save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35)

“For I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

Revelation 18:9-19

Verses 9-19: Lamentation – Sadly, all the people described here are NOT lamenting over their sin and over the ways that they have offended God; they are sad because they have lost their of power, opportunity, business, luxury, and money.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For ALL that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is PASSING AWAY along with its desires, BUT whoever does the will of God ABIDES FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17)

Revelation 18:20

Verse 20: Celebration – Rejoice that God is working all things together for His glory and for the of His people!

Revelation 18:21-24

Verses 21-24: Illustration – The Kingdom of Darkness will soon disappear; it will become like a lifeless, joyless, dreary, dismal, miserable shell.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

For what can a man give in return for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37)

“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, BUT IT DID NOT FALL, because it had been FOUNDED ON THE ROCK.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

Questions for Further Study, Reflection, and Application…

1. What is “the real issue” in Luke 12:13-21? What is Jesus warning his hearers about?
2. What is “Babylon” in Revelation chapter 18? Why is it so important that God destroys it?
3. What necessary warning/command does God give to His people in verse 4? What does this mean?
4. Why do the king, merchants, and sailors lament in verses 9-19? What’s wrong with this picture?
5. According to verse 20, why should heaven and the people of God rejoice?