Follow the Lamb - 21 Day Study on the Book of RevelationSample

Day 5: Babylon’s Characteristics

Scripture Reading:

‘By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’

- Galatians 5.22-23 (NRSV )

Paul lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but we are not perfect, as we all know. There is a process of sanctification; with the help of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can grow in the fruits of the Spirit. Each year, we should look back and reflect on if I’m a bit ‘fruitier’ in each area than I was last year. We all start from a different place, with different struggles and personalities, but we can all open ourselves to the Spirit’s transforming power in our lives. If we want to be at our intellectual best when we sit an exam or our physical best when we head to the gym, we surely want to be at our spiritual best as we prepare to meet God! Plus, they are not called the fruits of the Spirit for nothing. Our fruit provides nutrition for those around us, benefitting our family, friends, and colleagues.

Not so the fruits of Babylon. McKnight lists the characteristics of being Babylon-ish as being Anti-God, Opulent, Murderous, Image, Militaristic, Economically exploitative and Arrogant (p61). These are all aspects that can seem attractive; opulence can mean a materially beautiful environment; many young people were attracted to Hitler Youth and similar groups as a way of feeling included, powerful, and having comrades. A lot of these characteristics involve having authority and wealth, very sought after goals in our society. Often good intentions are led astray. Not only political groups and businesses may display Babylon-ish qualities, but Christians and Churches as well. The genuine desire to evangelise may degenerate into an obsession with image; the intention to give only the very best to God may be warped into opulently decorated churches and objects used in worship. We are to be on the lookout to perceive Babylon around us, and also within us.

Some things to think about:

1. If you could improve in one fruit of the Spirit, what would it be?
2. There is an awareness in the media of companies that exploit workers and the environment. Do you think we should avoid some products? Should we take more active action?
3. Do you think societies will always have some of the characteristics of Babylon; do you think the world is becoming a better or worse place?

Prayer:

Life-giving God, thank you for sending your Spirit to renew the face of the earth. Thank you for allowing me to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Help me to nurture your world and your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.