Sermon Outline

The Fall of Babylon and the Spirit of the Age

Text: Isaiah 13

Pastor Tom Zimbelman

1. Proclaim the Day of the LORD (Isaiah 13:1–8)

God summons nations to execute judgment

Babylon is identified as the future oppressor, though not yet dominant

The Day of the Lord reveals the fear and collapse of those who oppose God

God encourages His people: even the instrument of their discipline will be judged

2. Picture of Wrath (Isaiah 13:9–16)

Cosmic signs accompany divine judgment

God strikes not just a nation but all human pride and idolatry

Nature responds—sun and moon go dark, just as at the cross

God’s wrath distinguishes between the arrogant and the faithful

3. Permanence of Divine Justice (Isaiah 13:17–22)

God foretells the exact nation—Media—that will initially overthrow Babylon

The eventual fall is complete and irreversible—Babylon becomes a desolate ruin

The spirit of Babylon continues even after the city is gone

Babylon is more than a city—it’s a system: humanism, globalism, rebellion against God

4. Stand Against the Spirit of Babylon

Modern expressions of Babylon: false spirituality, syncretism, economic and moral compromise

God’s people must remain sober, alert, discerning

There is a scale of judgment—and only those clothed in Christ are found weighty

Time is short. The invitation is urgent. Judgment is real. Christ is enough.

Scripture Cross References

Luke 21:25–27 (NKJV)

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Luke 21:28 (NKJV)

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Psalm 139:7 (NKJV)

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

Jeremiah 23:24 (NKJV)

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Revelation 6:15–16 (NKJV)

“And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’”