Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
12/27 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 32; Revelation 18; Zechariah 14; John 17
Revelation 18:4
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;”
WORLDLINESS
Just as there is a common grace from God that allows blessings to be bestowed upon unbelievers (Psa 145:9; Matt 5:45), God’s common judgment also falls upon His saints while we wander in worldliness and fail to crucify the flesh. The unbelieving world, as reflected by the city of Babylon, will fall (Rev 18:1-3). When you and I entertain worldliness and fleshly lusts, the Holy Spirit commands us to come out of Babylon. It is the same command that the Lord Jesus gave (and still gives) to unbelievers during His earthly ministry:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
While the Lord Jesus gives an authoritative command as King of kings, and while it is also an urgent plea as Prophet of prophets, it is filled with meekness and gentleness because it is full of the Father’s love, for Jesus further said,
“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Likewise, is the Spirit’s command and plea to you and me as believers— it’s authoritative, urgent, and full of love. The voice from heaven is that of the Lord Jesus, but the ministering influence is that work of the Holy Spirit.
American churches aren’t filled with fleshly gimmicks, worldly methods, and strange unscriptural worship because the pastors of those churches are more sinful than you and me. Mostly, it’s because pastors, teachers, and preachers who should know better haven’t told them that the battle itself is with our own flesh. For the Christian, every day we have breath in our nostrils is so we may subdue and crucify the flesh through consciously exalting Christ, submitting to His will (Luke 9:23). Truly, we have met the enemy; and it is us. Yet Christ as called to save us (Matt 11:28-30), and the Holy Spirit continues to call to sanctify us (Rev 18:4). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
The Holy Spirit calls us to
Come out of worldliness;
His plea is from a love that’s true
And meekness that doth bless.
