How can we avoid the spiritual pitfalls described in Revelation 11:8? Setting the Scene in Revelation 11:8 “Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also crucified.” The verse points to a future moment when God’s two witnesses are slain in a city that, by its actions and character, resembles three places at once: • Sodom—moral corruption and shameless sin (Genesis 19) • Egypt—idolatry and bondage (Exodus 1–14) • Jerusalem—religious privilege yet rejection of Christ (John 19:16–18) What Spiritual Pitfalls Do We See? 1. Moral decadence that dulls the conscience 2. Idolatrous slavery to the world’s systems 3. Religious familiarity that still rejects Christ’s authority 4. Hostility toward faithful witnesses Key Marks of Sodom to Reject • Pride and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 16:49) • Sexual immorality celebrated, not mourned (Jude 7) • Callous disregard for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:10–17) Key Marks of Egypt to Leave Behind • Trust in human power rather than God (Isaiah 31:1) • Idols that promise security but enslave (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21) • Persecution of God’s people (Exodus 1:8–14) Rejecting the Spirit that Crucified the Lord • Religious form without repentant faith (Matthew 23:27–28) • Preference for political peace over truth (John 11:48–50) • Fear of losing status when Christ confronts sin (John 12:42–43) Safe Paths the Word Sets Before Us • Separate from worldliness: “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) • Pursue holiness: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15) • Renew the mind: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Walk in the Spirit: “If you live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) • Endure rejection: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Hold fast to testimony: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) Daily Habits That Keep a Witness Alive • Unhurried Scripture reading—feeding faith, shaping desires • Confession and repentance—keeping the heart tender • Corporate worship—re-centering on the throne of God (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Christ-centered fellowship—mutual exhortation against deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13) • Regular fasting—training the body to serve the spirit • Active service to the needy—guarding against Sodom-like apathy • Bold evangelism—refusing the silence that the world demands Living alert to these pitfalls and practicing these safeguards enables believers to shine as faithful witnesses, standing ready for the day when every city—and every heart—must answer to the Lord who was crucified yet lives forever. |
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