Intoxicated by the Lie
Matthew Maher
Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." — Revelation 14:6-7
• A gospel that doesn't confront sinners does not convert sinners.
And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." — Revelation 14:8
• The spirit of the age invites us to condone what God condemns.
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. — Revelation 14:9-10
• Following the crowd does not excuse anyone from the consequences that follow.
• God's patience must never be mistaken for God's permission.
And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." — Revelation 14:11
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. — Revelation 14:12
• In a sea of compromise and conformity, be an island of integrity.
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." — Revelation 14:13
• What we gain by compromise does not compare with what Christ has promised.
Additional Scriptures Referenced: Mark 1:14-15; Romans 1:18-32; Genesis 11; Luke 16:15; Psalm 49:20; Psalm 73:22; Daniel 4:28-37; Matthew 16:26; Jeremiah 51:7; Revelation 16:19; Philippians 1:21
Discussion Questions
1. Read Revelation 14:6–13. What stands out about the three angels' announcements? How do they both warn unbelievers and encourage believers?
2. Why is warning about judgment an expression of mercy? How can we communicate both the seriousness of sin and the hope of salvation through Christ?
3. Babylon's influence is pictured as intoxicating wine. How can comfort, acceptance, pleasure, or profit cloud our spiritual judgment? (Mark 8:36–37)
4. "The spirit of the age invites us to condone what God condemns." How can we recognize when cultural acceptance is shaping our convictions more than Scripture? (Luke 16:15)
5. The deception is worldwide, but accountability is individual. Why doesn't following the crowd excuse our choices?
6. Contrast the absence of rest in verse 11 with the promised rest in verse 13. How does an eternal perspective strengthen us when obedience becomes costly? (Philippians 1:21)
7. What compromise do you need to refuse, or what step of obedience have you been postponing? How can the group support you in responding this week?