CENTRAL THOUGHT
There is a promise of great favor to all who will live victorious lives in Christ Jesus.
Hymn: “O God Our Help in Ages Past”.
TEXT: REV. 2:12-17
INTRODUCTION:
The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the Head, while the church is His body. Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches, of which the church in Pergamos was one. All seven letters are similar in pattern, but the contents were designed to address the peculiarities of each church. They were intended to serve as a reminder of the allegiance of each church to God and were specially addressed to the “Angel” (Guardian, Pastor, Overseer) of the church.
Pergamos was the capital city of the province of Asia. The city was known for her many temples and shrines dedicated to different idols. It was also the first city to introduce Emperor worship. The Lord termed it the “seat of satan”. Despite all these, the church in Pergamos showed exceptional commitment to God, but were complacent towards some false doctrines.
In this study, we intend to examine and learn from the experiences of this church.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
1.) Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction
2.) Identify points of commendation for this church
3.) State points of complaint against this church
4.) Discuss the instructions and promises to this church
5.) Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT?
Rev. 2:12
To the church in Pergamos, Jesus Christ introduced Himself as “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges”. The church in Pergamos was infested with people of corrupt minds and Christ was resolved to fight against them with the sword of His mouth. The sword refers to the word of God. It is sharp because it penetrates flesh as well as spirit and soul. It has two edges because the word of God as a weapon is both offensive and defensive. It is an embodiment of both law and grace.
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:13
While commending this church, Christ graciously noted the circumstance of the place as one where satan’s seat was based. This city must have been infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Christ took notice of the trials and difficulties faced by this church, commended them for their steadfastness in upholding the faith and the name of the Lord. Mention was made of a worthy and faithful member by name, Antipas, who was killed for his faith in JesusChrist. This church was ready to seal their faith and fidelity with their own blood so that the saving grace of Jesus Christ could be made more manifest. They were neither discouraged nor drawn away from their steadfastness by reason of satanic onslaught.
QUESTION 3) WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS? Rev. 2:14-15
The points of complaint by the Lord Jesus Christ against the church in Pergamos centered around the corrupt practices of a few members which had affected their fellowship with God. There were those who held onto the doctrine of Balaam. This doctrine had three prongs namely:
Teach an enemy how to cast a stumbling block before the children of God through ungodly company. Trivialized eating of things sacrificed to idols and Encouraged sexual immorality
There were also those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitians- a doctrine of a compromised and weak version of Christianity which encouraged worldly indulgence and lowered godly standards.
The Lord strongly resented the filthiness of the flesh and spirit that held sway in this church and He commanded them to repent and distance themselves from such doctrines.
QUESTION 4) WHAT WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PROMISES OF THE LORD TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS? Rev. 2:16
The major instruction given by the Lord to this church was a call for true repentance. The command was to them as a church, a community, and as individuals. He threatened them that if they did not repent, He would come quickly without further delay, and fight against them with the sword of His mouth.
There is a promise of great favor to all who will live victorious lives. They will partake in the meal of the hidden manna. They will also receive a white stone representing total absolution from the guilt of sin with a new name engraved on it.
QUESTION 5) HOW DO WE RELATE THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS TO PRESENT DAY CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE?
Between now and then, there are similar experiences. The church is now operating in a society of extreme evil everywhere. The earth has become the seat of satan and nations are concurring. There are still believers who have not denied the name of Christ and the faith. Faithful believers are being displaced or eliminated from the scheme of things all around the globe. There is a prevalence and upsurge of the doctrine of compromise, permissiveness, and ungodly indulgence in today’s church. Idolatrous activities and festivals are being modernized and dangled before believers, and many have capitulated. Today, the same points of complaint against the church in Pergamos are still applicable to present day churches.
The same call to repentance from He that hath the sharp sword with two edges applies to the present-day church. He still resents and hates the doctrines of compromise and crass materialism. Overcomers are also needed in our present generation.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The church in Pergamos operated in an environment that was hostile to the faith in Christ. However, brethren there persevered and refused to deny their faith even when threatened with violence. They also had to contend with grace – abusers who had no restraint of spirit in their indulgences. The warning from Christ was stern and direct: Repent or face terrifying judgement! The present-day church has a lot to learn from the experiences of this church.
MEMORY VERSE:
REV. 2:17 B
“To him that over cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone: and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
MON: Dangers of compromise. (Numbers 25:1; 31:16)
TUE: The way of Balaam. (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11)
WED: Abstain from meats offered to idols. (Acts 15:29)
THU: Liberty should not be a stumbling block. (1 Corinthians 8:9-10)
FRI: All things are lawful to me. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
SAT: The wicked one. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)