Seven Churches(3): Message to Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17 I. Introduction. A. Pergamum: A city of beauty(buildings). 1. Large library(parchment). 2. Statue of Zeus(Ruler of sky; ruler of all gods): 40 feet high.(One of wonders of ancient world). 3. Other temples to gods and Roman emperors; a religious center. 4. A school of medicine located here; also, a "famous health resort." 5. Commerce: Noted for "ointments, pottery, and parchment." 6. Renowned also for a school of sculpture. B. A city of idolatry and licentiousness. 1. Worshipped one god(God of healing) that had the symbol of a serpent(remember this). 2. Zeus, already mentioned, had a great altar. 3. Would be unpleasant for Christians who rejected human gods and the iniquity that comes with such worship. 4. One called the city, "Hell's headquarters." II. Body. A. "The one who speaks": v. 12. 1. Many had been involved in idolatry: yet no idol ever spoke. 2. Power of speech influences humans. 3. "A sharp two-edged sword." a. Power of bringing judgment without prejudice. b. Also: Provides protection. 4. First mention of sword: Genesis 3:24. 5. Jesus used the figure in Matthew 10:34. B. The knowledge of God: v. 13. 1. The extent of God's knowledge: Psalm 139:8. 2. He knew what they faced: He knows what we face. a. "Satan's throne" was here: idolatry abounded(center of Emperor worship). b. Affected them in everyday life, occupations, etc. c. "Caesar is Lord" confessed escaped persecution; "Christ is Lord" caused one to be persecuted. d. Note also: "Where Satan dwells." 3. The Christians were "holding fast." a. To his name(power and authority): Colossians 3:17. b. Did not deny "my faith." (1 Word "faith" appears 245 times in 246 verses in NT (2 Note: Romans 5:1. 4. A martyr for Christ: Antipas. a. God's witness: a faithful one. b. Killed because of faith. C. Pergamum, like others had some problems: v. 14-15. 1. All churches have problems: how they are dealt with determines a congregation's strength. 2. Some were involved in idolatry and fornication(discuss the circumstances). a. Material gain at the expense of spiritual welfare, of truth and/or morals.(teachings of Balaam) b. Refusal to join in idolatrous practices would cause isolation from friends, neighbors and co-workers. c. Compromise of truth and/or morality always leads one away from faithfulness. d. They were not to tolerate this false teaching. e. Discipline is too often neglected. f. The church apparently was not awake to compromising attitudes. g. They are now warned: need to heed. 3. Also held "teaching of the Nicolaitans." a. Ephesus hated them; Pergamum tolerated them. b. Apparently akin to the "teaching of Balaam." (Teaching evil living is OK if motives are right?) 4. Lesson: There is a constant danger in adapting to the environment that surrounds Christians. 5. Discuss II Corinthians 6:17. 6. The procedure for correction: II Thessalonians 3:14. 7. One can be no more lenient than God or any more tolerant than God. D. What Pergamum needed: v. 16. 1. When a disciple is wrong, the remedy is repentance. 2. This church is offered only one alternative: change. 3. The Lord would deal with them "quickly." 4. The sword of the mouth of the Lord would be against those who were following false teaching. 5. The Lord expects the individual(and the church) to be faithful, whatever the environment. 6. Corinth took immediate action when Paul wrote to them(fornicator had been tolerated). a. They were "not to eat" with the unrepentant apostate. b. Paul's words: II Corinthians 2:6-7. E. The need for immediate attention: v. 17a. 1. When righteous changes need to take place, there should be no delay. 2. Putting off what is right is wrong. 3. A compromising attitude only makes things worse. 4. Christ will punish those who "persist in worldly practices." 5. The Lord forgives; the Lord punishes. F. The overcomers: v. 17b. 1. As God provided manna for the Jews, he will provide for his people today. 2. "A white stone." a. Such were mined in the area. b. Could signify: (1 One who was free of what was charged of him. (2 One who was freed from slavery. (3 Winner of a race or contest. (4 To a warrior returning from battle. c. Stones were used in breastplate of high priest under Moses. d. Does signify cleanness and purity. e. "The new name" is the recognition of the person as holy and right.(The name of Christ?)--only one who receives knows! f. They would receive the mark of Christ instead of the mark of Satan. III. Conclusion. A. The Lord promised to recognize the faithful at Pergamum. B. Will you be recognized by the Lord in the day of judgment?-jy