In this sermon, the speaker discusses the wicked system described in the book of Revelation. The system is characterized by the rulers of the nations making alliances with it and the merchants profiting from it. The speaker emphasizes how this system has corrupted religion and made it a financial matter. The sermon also touches on the importance of putting Christ first in one's life and the potential conflicts that may arise, as mentioned in Matthew 10:34-36.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to fulfill the prophecy of the return of the Jewish captives from Babylon, as foretold by Jeremiah and Isaiah. He highlights the importance of prayer, as exemplified by Daniel, in influencing leaders and initiating divine movements. Meyer notes that while God can stir hearts, obedience is essential, and sadly, only a few of the Jewish captives responded to the call to return. He encourages believers to rise up and act whenever they feel a divine stirring in their lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls for faith and responsiveness to God's leading.

F.B. Meyer addresses the dangers of compromising our faith by aligning too closely with the ungodly, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab. He warns that wealth and worldly success can weaken our character and lead us to adopt the values of those who oppose God. Meyer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as followers of Christ, urging believers to cultivate a deep love for Jesus that will protect them from worldly influences. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives and relationships, questioning whether they are inadvertently saying, 'I am as thou art' to the world. Ultimately, Meyer reminds us that true engagement with Christ is essential to avoid the pitfalls of worldly alliances and the resulting divine discipline.