Study Guide

Exposing the Lie: The Second Angel’s Message (Revelation 14:8)

How to Use This Study Guide

This guide is designed for individual study, small groups, or Sabbath School classes. Each section includes:

Key Scripture passages to read
Summary of the main points from the sermon
Discussion Questions for reflection and conversation
Practical Application steps to implement
Prayer Focus to guide your time with God

Session 1: Understanding the Three Angels’ Messages

Key Scripture: Revelation 14:6-12

Summary:

The three angels’ messages form God’s final warning to the world. They can be summarized simply:

First Angel’s Message: God is revealed as Creator and Redeemer
Second Angel’s Message: Satan is exposed as a liar, deceiver, killer, and cheat
Third Angel’s Message: We are called to make a choice—for God or for Satan

These messages are not just for a select few. They go to “every nation, tribe, language, and people” (Revelation 14:6). Wherever Satan’s deception has reached, God’s grace reaches further.

The second angel’s message is the shortest but carries profound weight: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8).

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think God sends three specific messages rather than just one?
The sermon states that “a lack of a choice for God is a de facto choice for Satan.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
How does understanding that these messages go to “every nation, tribe, language, and people” change your perspective on your role in sharing them?
Why is it significant that Satan is exposed as a “liar, deceiver, killer, and cheat” rather than just a vague enemy?
In what ways do you see the three angels’ messages being relevant to our world today?

Practical Application:

This week, write out the three angels’ messages in your own words. Post them somewhere you’ll see daily as a reminder of God’s final appeal to humanity.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for understanding of these messages and for the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you have been deceived by the enemy.

Session 2: Babylon in the Old Testament – The Origin of Rebellion

Key Scriptures: Genesis 10:8-10; Genesis 11:1-9; Isaiah 14:4, 12-15; Jeremiah 51:6-8

Summary:

Babylon first appears in Scripture shortly after the flood with a man named Nimrod. He was “a mighty hunter before the Lord”—a phrase that can also be translated “against the Lord.” His kingdom began at Babel (Babylon).

The Tower of Babel represents humanity’s first organized rebellion against God. The name “Babel” means “Gate of God,” but it was actually a monument to human pride—a declaration that humanity was sovereign and God was no longer needed. This was the birth of humanism.

Key characteristics of Old Testament Babylon:

A religious and political power (union of church and state)
Opposed God personally
Promoted satanic doctrines and pagan demon worship
Persecuted the people of God
Yet God called His people out of Babylon before judgment fell

Isaiah connects the king of Babylon directly to Lucifer (Isaiah 14), showing that Babylon’s rebellion mirrors Satan’s rebellion in heaven.

Discussion Questions:

Nimrod built Babylon as “a monument to humanism.” What are the “monuments to humanism” in our society today?
The sermon states that monarchy implies “you are no longer answering to God.” How does this principle apply to human government and authority structures today?
Read Genesis 11:4. The people said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” Why is making a name for ourselves so opposed to God’s design?
How does the Tower of Babel story demonstrate distrust in God’s promises (see Genesis 9:11)?
Jeremiah 51:6 says “Flee from the midst of Babylon.” Why does God always issue a warning before judgment?
The sermon mentions that the first lie—”You shall not surely die”—became the foundation of paganism. How do you see this lie operating in modern culture?

Practical Application:

Examine your life for any “towers” you’re building—areas where you’re trying to make a name for yourself rather than glorifying God. Write down one area and commit it to prayer this week.

Prayer Focus:

Ask God to reveal any hidden pride in your heart and to give you a humble spirit that acknowledges His sovereignty in all things.

Session 3: The Original Lie – Immortality of the Soul

Key Scriptures: Genesis 3:1-5; Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; John 11:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Summary:

Satan is the first theologian recorded in Scripture. He questioned God’s words and then directly contradicted them: “You shall not surely die.”

This lie—the immortality of the soul—has infected almost every major religion:

Paganism and Spiritualism: Consulting the dead as if they were alive
Hinduism and Buddhism: Reincarnation—endless cycles of life and death
Islam: Eternal paradise or hellfire immediately after death
Catholicism: Purgatory, prayers for the dead, veneration of saints
Secular culture: Hollywood superheroes who never truly die

If you don’t really die, you don’t really need a Savior. If the wages of sin aren’t death, then the gift of eternal life loses its meaning.

The good news of the gospel is that death is a sleep, and the next waking moment for the believer is the resurrection when Christ returns—eternal life with no more cycles of death, suffering, or pain.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is so universally appealing to human beings?
The sermon calls Satan “the first theologian.” What does this tell us about the importance of sound doctrine?
How does belief in the immortality of the soul affect one’s view of:
- The need for a Savior?
- The nature of death?
- The second coming of Christ?
Read Ecclesiastes 9:5-6. How does this passage challenge popular beliefs about the state of the dead?
The sermon mentions that sharing the gospel with a Hindu or Buddhist who believes in reincarnation presents unique challenges. What would be the “good news” for someone trapped in cycles of rebirth?
How does the occult—astrology, horoscopes, spiritism—reflect the original lie of Satan in our culture today?

Practical Application:

This week, study what the Bible teaches about death and the resurrection. Write down at least five verses that describe death as a sleep and the resurrection as the believer’s hope.

Prayer Focus:

Thank God for the blessed hope of the resurrection. Pray for those trapped in deception about the state of the dead, that they might come to know the truth that sets free.

Session 4: Babylon in the New Testament – The Apostate Church

Key Scriptures: Revelation 12:3-9; Revelation 13:1-8; Revelation 17:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Summary:

In Revelation, we encounter three significant beasts that help us understand end-time Babylon:

The Dragon (Revelation 12) – Satan himself, who persecutes the woman (God’s church) and her child (Christ). This persecution spans from imperial Rome through papal Rome to the remnant.
The Beast from the Sea (Revelation 13) – A composite beast (leopard, bear, lion) representing the papacy, which received authority from the dragon, persecuted the saints for 1260 years, and demands worldwide worship.
The Scarlet Beast and the Woman (Revelation 17) – A harlot woman (fallen church) riding the beast (political powers). She is dressed in purple and scarlet, holds a golden cup full of abominations, and is drunk with the blood of the saints.

This woman represents a global apostate religious system in union with the nations of the world. She is called “Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots.” She promotes false doctrines and persecutes those who remain faithful to God.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think God uses the symbol of a woman to represent a church? What does the contrast between a pure woman (Revelation 12) and a harlot (Revelation 17) teach us?
The beast of Revelation 13 received authority from the dragon (Satan). How does this help us understand the spiritual conflict behind earthly powers?
Revelation 17:6 says the woman is “drunk with the blood of the saints.” Why is persecution such a defining characteristic of end-time Babylon?
The sermon mentions historical persecutions like the Spanish Inquisition and St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Why is it important to remember church history?
How does the union of church and state (the woman riding the beast) threaten religious liberty?
The sermon identifies the papacy as the “man of sin” and the chief source of satanic doctrines. How should we approach this topic with love while still speaking truth?

Practical Application:

Research one period of church history where God’s people were persecuted. Write down what you learn and how it helps you understand the prophecy of Revelation.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for those who are suffering for their faith around the world today. Ask God to give you courage to stand firm should persecution come to your door.

Session 5: The Wine of Her Fornication – False Doctrines Exposed

Key Scriptures: Revelation 17:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; The Great Controversy, p. 595

Summary:

The “wine of the wrath of her fornication” represents false doctrines that corrupt the pure gospel. These teachings entered the church gradually over centuries, replacing Scripture with human tradition.

Some of these false teachings include:

The Mass replacing Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice
An earthly priesthood replacing Christ’s heavenly high priesthood
Mary as intercessor replacing Christ as the only mediator
Confession to men rather than directly to God
Penance (works) replacing a penitent heart
Sale of indulgences—forgiveness purchased with money
Canonization of dead saints (syncretism with paganism)
Immaculate conception of Mary
Mary’s bodily assumption to heaven
Allegorical interpretation replacing plain reading of Scripture
Church authority over Scripture
Transubstantiation
Salvation by grace plus works
Change of the Sabbath to Sunday
Purgatory and prayers for the dead
Doctrine of two swords (compulsion in religion)
Infallibility of the pope

The only safeguard against these deceptions is Scripture alone: “Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus says the Lord’ in its support.”

Discussion Questions:

Why is it important to know what you believe and be able to support it with Scripture? (See 1 Peter 3:15)
The sermon lists many false doctrines. Which of these have you encountered in conversations with others?
How does the doctrine of transubstantiation (the idea that the communion elements become the literal body and blood of Christ) differ from the biblical understanding of the Lord’s Supper?
Why is the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone so central to the gospel?
The sermon quotes The Great Controversy: “The Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines.” Why is this principle essential for spiritual safety?
How can we study the 28 Fundamental Beliefs in a way that prepares us for the challenges ahead?

Practical Application:

This week, take one of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs and study it thoroughly. Find at least three Bible verses that support it. Write them down and memorize one.

Prayer Focus:

Ask God to give you a love for His Word that surpasses all other knowledge. Pray for discernment to distinguish truth from error.

Session 6: God’s Final Appeal – “Come Out of Her, My People”

Key Scriptures: Revelation 18:1-5; Jeremiah 51:6-8; Isaiah 43:1-4

Summary:

In the darkest hour of earth’s history, God sends one final message of mercy. It echoes through the ages: “Come out of her, my people.”

Three beautiful truths emerge from this appeal:

God still has people in Babylon. Even in the most corrupt systems, God sees hearts loyal to Him. He knows them by name and calls them His people.
The call is personal. “Come out” requires a decision. We cannot be “sort of” in Babylon. Separation from false worship, from the occult, from persecution—this is the call.
Judgment is certain. “Fallen, fallen” is repeated twice. It is a done deal. The persecutors will face the justice of a righteous God. The blood of Abel cries from the ground, and God has not forgotten.

God’s appeal is rooted in His covenant: “If you will be My people, I will be your God.” He calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus—our sin-bearing Savior, sinner-loving Savior, guilt-forgiving Savior, and soon-coming King.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to “come out of Babylon” practically in our daily lives?
Revelation 18:4 says, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins.” What are the dangers of remaining connected to Babylon?
The sermon mentions that God “knows them by name” (Isaiah 43:1). How does this personal knowledge comfort you?
How does the promise of judgment (God making all things right) give you hope in a world filled with injustice?
The sermon applies Revelation 18 to modern evils like human trafficking and child abuse. How does knowing that God will bring justice affect your view of current events?
We were born “for such a time as this.” How does this realization change how you live each day?

Practical Application:

Write a personal covenant with God, committing to come out of any compromise with the world and to fix your eyes on Jesus. Sign and date it as a reminder of your decision.

Prayer Focus:

Make this your prayer: “Lord, I want You to write Your law upon my heart. I want no part in the moral filth of this world. My loyalty is to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Use me to shine for You in earth’s darkest hour.”

Session 7: Living in the Time of the End

Key Scriptures: Daniel 11:40; Matthew 25:1-13; Titus 2:11-14

Summary:

We are living in the “time of the end”—the period after papal supremacy ended and before Jesus returns. In God’s mysterious providence, He placed us here, not Abraham, Esther, Daniel, or Mary. We are His representatives in earth’s darkest hour.

When the announcement of the coming Bridegroom is made at midnight—the darkest hour—God calls us to be His light. There is no limit to what God can do through a man or woman wholly consecrated to Him.

The response to God’s appeal includes:

Kneeling in confession of sin
Standing to receive the righteousness of Christ
Stepping out to speak up and shine for Jesus

If we refuse to be His witnesses, God will find someone else. But the invitation stands: shine for Jesus, win souls for Christ, and when He comes again, receive a heavenly reward.

Discussion Questions:

The sermon says, “We weren’t just born in this time—we were born for this time.” How does this perspective affect your sense of purpose?
Read Matthew 25:1-13. What does it mean to be ready for the Bridegroom’s coming?
How can we “shine for Jesus” in practical ways in our families, workplaces, and communities?
The sermon mentions Whitney Houston’s song “One Moment in Time.” What does your “moment in time” look like for God’s kingdom?
How does knowing that God has placed you here specifically prepare you for challenges ahead?
What would it look like for you to be “wholly consecrated to God” starting today?

Practical Application:

This week, identify one person you can share the three angels’ messages with. Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to speak about your hope in Christ.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit to empower you for witness. Ask God to use you to reach someone with the everlasting gospel before it’s too late.

Summary Review

Session	Topic	Key Scripture
1	Understanding the Three Angels’ Messages	Revelation 14:6-12
2	Babylon in the Old Testament	Genesis 10:8-10
3	The Original Lie – Immortality of the Soul	Genesis 3:1-5
4	Babylon in the New Testament	Revelation 17:1-6
5	The Wine of Her Fornication – False Doctrines	2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
6	God’s Final Appeal – “Come Out of Her”	Revelation 18:1-5
7	Living in the Time of the End	Matthew 25:1-13

The Three Angels’ Messages Summarized:

First Angel: God is revealed (Creator and Redeemer)
Second Angel: Satan is exposed (liar, deceiver, killer, cheat)
Third Angel: Make a choice (for God or for Satan)

Key Characteristics of Babylon:

Union of church and state
Persecuting power
Promotes satanic doctrines (immortality of the soul, etc.)
Drunk with the blood of the saints
Under God’s judgment (“Fallen, fallen”)

God’s Appeal:
“Come out of her, My people, lest you take part in her sins, and lest you share in her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)

Our Response:
Fix our eyes on Jesus. Kneel in confession. Stand in His righteousness. Step out to shine. Win souls for Christ.

For Further Study

The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White (especially chapters 21-22)
The Empires of the Bible series by Alonzo T. Jones
My Escape from the Inquisition (historical testimony available on Amazon)
The 28 Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists (with supporting Scriptures)

“Kneel down today and confess your sins before God. And stand up and look up to heaven and receive the righteousness of our Lord and Savior and step out and speak up and shine for Jesus in these coming weeks, months, and years. If we’re not going to be His witnesses in earth’s dying hours, God will find somebody else. Shine for Jesus. Win souls for Christ. And when Jesus comes again, each one of us will receive a heavenly reward for His name’s sake. Amen.”