(TAB -video) Most hear of the book of (TAB) Revelation and think “end times”. But Revelation is more than that. It prepares US – the church - individual Christians, to be what the world need as the end times approach.
Before Jesus reveals all the details of “His wrath to come”, He commands John, the last of the 12 original disciples, to write (TAB) 7 letters to 7 churches.
We need to hear these letters. We’re not ready to hear the details of the coming judgment until we first examine & align our lives with these letters.
We’ve looked at the letter to the church in Ephesus and the church of Smyrna. Today, the church of (TAB) Pergamum. Please open your Bibles to Rev. 2.
The name, Pergamum is where we get the word (TAB) parchment from. And in fact, it’s here in Pergamum that parchment was invented in the 2nd century B.C.
Pergamum was called the (TAB) “greatest city in Asia minor”. For awhile it was the capitol of Asia Minor. And it was a religious center. (TAB) Look with me read Rev. 2 beginning with v. 12 (Read v.12-17).
Notice how Jesus describes Himself, “Him who has the sharp double-edged sword.” We’re told elsewhere in scripture what this means: (TAB) “God’s word is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
So the sword, is God’s Word… It’s depicted that way because of its use: to judge. Swords are used in combat, right? God’s word is also powerful! In Genesis, God spoke, it was so and it was good. If His words are powerful in creation how powerful they must be in judging sin. So we see Jesus as a mighty judge here.
This isn’t the way we normally think of Jesus. We know He’s powerful, but we think of His grace, love, and how he came to rescue us from sin. The truth is, He’s all that and more.
It reminds me of C.S. Lewis’, (TAB) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. All 4 of the children have entered Narnia. (TAB)They meet Mr. & Mrs. Beaver, who tells them that the King of the land is Aslan, the great lion. (Aslan is also the Jesus character in the story). Susan responds by saying, “Aslan is a lion- thee Lion, thee great Lion." "Ooh" "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
We tend to associate Jesus with His first coming (TAB) a rescue mission of love, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. But it’s important for us to know that’s not a full picture of Jesus. In Revelation, we have His 2nd coming, where He’s (TAB)righteous judge coming to war. His eyes are like flames of fire, and He’s clothed in a robe dipped in blood. And on his thigh, YES HIS THIGH it is written: KING of kings & LORD of lords. And with a mighty army He comes to strike the nations. As Mr. Beaver said, “SAFE? Course He isn’t SAFE. But He’s good. He’s the KING”
THIS is the one we worship. (TAB) And if we were in His physical presence, we would fall on our faces, in fear and trembling. Just like John did in cht.1
(TAB) 2 Cor. 7:1 say “…beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Yes, Jesus is a God of love! Yes, He’s a God of grace!…. But He’s also Holy, and He call us to holiness. He has a double edged sword and will judge the earth. We worship and adore Him but we are also to fear Him… with reverent awe.
And he wants the church of Pergamum (and us) to understand this. We need to see the full picture of Jesus. We don’t want to make Him out to be something He’s not.
This brings us to vs. 13 - Jesus’ words of commendation:
“I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives.”
Pergamum was the first city in Asia to have a temple dedicated to Caesar worship… But it’s not the only temple and altar of worship. There’s also the temple to (TAB) Athena (the goddess of wisdom), (TAB) Asklepios (the god of healing – part of healing ritual including giving the sick a potion, and when unconscious, drop them down into a den of snakes – it’s where we get the (TAB) medical symbol of the rod and snakes for healing. (TAB) Dionysus could also be worshiped in Pergamum (the god of wine and ecstasy –imagine his worship practices), (TAB) Demeter (goddess of agriculture), (TAB) Serapis (the god of the underworld), (TAB) Zues (The sky god, the father of the greek gods and the all powerful one), all these along with worshipping dead Roman Caesars made people travel here from miles around.
This is why Jesus says throne is here. Still, the church of Pergamum has remained true, they haven’t renounced their faith in Christ, even with the cultural pressures. EVEN when one of their own, Antipas, was martyred. (Tradition says he was martyred under Nero’s reign several decades earlier. (TAB) he was burned in a brazen bull for casting out demons that local people worshipped).
Jesus says he’s a “faithful witness”, the word (TAB) “witness” in Greek is “martus” it’s where the word martyr comes from.
So… in-spite of the satanic influences, in-spite of the persecution, in-spite of death itself, Jesus commends them for being faithful and true. But he also condemns v. 14. “Nevertheless, I have a few words against you: you have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” And what does Jesus say v. 16 “Repent”
Although the church as a whole was faithful, it had some who were (TAB) compromising. We see the references to (TAB) Balaam. He was a corrupt prophet in the Old Testament. He heard from God but also other believed in other gods. A local king, Balak, hired him to curse a new group of people in the region – the Israelites. God intervened and told Balaam not to curse tehm. Balaam obeyed. But later it he suggested to this king that they be-friend the Israelite to corrupt them. They did, and over time Israel compromised as the men began sleeping with these women and worshipping their false gods. God judged Israel for their compromising ways & 24,000 died.
The reason Balaam is brought up here in Rev. is that some in the church have compromised. In this culture filled with different gods and goddesses and they thought, “What’s the big deal being friendly w/ Rome? So we put a pinch of incents on Caesar’s alter, no big deal. Our heart isn’t in it.” But the act was saying, “Caesar is Lord”. Perhaps they even compromise by participated in the worship practices of the false gods, eating the meat sacrificed to the gods. Why would they do this? Perhaps it made life easier. They’d be accepted more, get the job, sell their goods in the town square. It was the easy way out. But in being involved they were being unfaithful to Jesus.
Ladies, how many of you would be fine if your husband flirted a bit to get a favors at work? Or men, what if your wives turned a blind eye when the boss to kissed so she could secure the promotion. No way! RIGHT! God is the same! He wants spiritual faithfulness from His people – not fooling around with other gods.
Jesus also talks about the (TAB) Nicolaitans- they were a group of “so called Christians” that took it even farther, self-indulging and perhaps conveniently claiming, “God’s grace covers all our sins.” The Bible speaks clearly on that issue… we are never to sin simply because we’re forgiven. That’s an abuse of the gift that cost Jesus His life to secure. We look back at the Ephesian church letter and we see Jesus says, He hates the practices of the Nicholaitans.
We have to be so careful. Because we’ve grown up in a culture that customarily crosses the lines, speaking crude language, streaming explicit material, now days, if someone offends you – it’s nothing to offend back with words or a gesture. But as Christians we’re called to a higher standard: (TAB)to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, pray for those who mistreat us (you know - Jesus’ words). YES, we’re to live that way. We’re to be different. In the world - but not of the world.
And if we do mess up, the Bible tells us what to do, we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1) we’re to confess our sin, & He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). God is a God of grace but His grace doesn’t come cheaply (TAB) does it? And we’re never to sprinkle grace so heavily on everything that we begin looking, acting, talking like the world. We’re to be different. (TAB) 1 Peter 2:11-12 says:
“…friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep way from worldly desires… Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world.”
God calls us to faithfulness, character, truth. Speaking the truth in love. Not blending in with the world. We’re God’s people. CHRISTIANS! For those in the habit of compromising Jesus says, v. 16 “Repent otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight (with what?) the sword of my mouth.” Who wants to fight Jesus? He has a double edged sword.
Let’s look at the closing of this letter - v. 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (listen up, this is important) - He continues, “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Those who hear and heed Jesus words, and repent. Jesus says, “Instead of eating meat sacrificed to idols, you can feast on (TAB) manna”. He’s referencing Israel in the wilderness when God supernaturally provided food - bread from heaven. But in John chapter 6, Jesus also said HE was the true manna. He wants us to feed on His word, His truth, His presence, and allow that to strengthen us to live accordingly.
But He also says He’ll give a (TAB) white stone. In the ancient world, invites to festivals, and special events were sent to people on white marble with their name on it. If you had one – you could attend. But for the Christians at the church of Pergamum, they were never going to receive an invite like this - not in that culture. Jesus is saying, “You refuse to compromise and faithful follow me… I’ll invite you to my feast – a special event that this world can’t begin to hold a candle too.” (pause) And the new name? In the Bible that’s often a connection to a new nature and a reference to eternal inheritance. (pause)
So, we’ve now seen the church of (TAB) Ephesus - who did so many things right, but for the wrong reasons. They didn’t do them out of a heart of worship – Jesus being their 1st love. He calls them to repent or He will remove them as a light in the world, they will cease being a church. And we examine the priority of our love for Jesus with the way we spend our time, talents and resources.
Then last week it was the church of (TAB) Smyrna – a very poor, persecuted church. Jesus encouraged them to stand strong, to continue faithfully even in the face of persecution. We examined our own willingness to stand for the truth, to show and share the good news of Jesus when it’s not comfortable.
And today we meet the church of (TAB) Pergamum. In a world of false gods and goddesses, that continually work to lure them… Jesus says, you stay true to me. Don’t compromise… or you’ll be fighting with me.
Strong words, words we need to hear today. Examine yourselves. Do you need to repent? Or perhaps you need to double down as a follower of Jesus, so you can be a light in a world that’s growing darker and darker.
The world needs the church to shine brightly, it needs overcomers who take seriously the Word and life we’re called too. The church alone has the hope this world needs as it gets closer and closer to the end times.
Prayer: Jesus these are you words. Help each of us to take them to heart and to act accordingly. Thank you for your grace – extending the call for anyone to repent. You are so good and you want to use us for your good work in a world in real need. And Father, if there is anyone here or listening at home that’s never turned to you in faith and belief– draw them to Jesus right now. Let them know you are ready to forgive their sins, make them yours and give them a new life following after you. If I’m talking to you. talk to Jesus. Tell him that you turn from your sin… you believe & trust in Him & want Him to be your savior and Lord.
