Revelation 2:12-17

1. Intro.
1. Pergamos represents the period when the church was infiltrated by the world (315-600 A.D.)
2. during this time period the world moved into the church and moved away from Christ
3. Pergamos means "marriage"
1. Satan found that he could not stop the church by persecution
2. he set out to destroy it by uniting the world and the church together (Constantine and the state church)
4. despite much good in the church, evil influences had gained a real foothold in the church
2. Christ identified – 12
1. the sword is the Word of God
2. His words cut and penetrate deep (two edges, it cuts both ways)
3. God’s Word has the answer to man’s needs and man’s sin
1. Pergamos was a city that emphasized religion (false religion)
2. the only way it could be reach was by the Word of God
3. God’s Word has a sharp edge for Christians also
1. reproof is a deep cut
2. He is implying that He has the power to punish
3. Christ commends them for keeping the faith under extremely trying circumstances – 13
1. Christ takes notice of their circumstances [where thou dwellest]
1. He knew that these believers were living in a very difficult place
2. they were living in the satanic headquarters of the world [where Satan’s seat is][where Satan dwelleth]
1. Aesculapius was one of the major gods worshipped at Pergamos
2. men came from all parts of the world for a cure of their diseases
3. the symbol for this god was a serpent rapt around a pole (medical symbol today)
4. to dwell where such an one has his seat, or throne, must be very uncomfortable, and dangerous
3. many people think that Satan is in hell, and reigns supreme there
1. nothing could be further from the truth, Satan is not reigning triumphant in hell
2. he is the prince of the powers of the air; he is the god of this world
3. Satan is a powerful person--but his overthrow is determined, and the moment of his eternal imprisonment is fixed
2. Jesus noticed that they were never ashamed of being called by His name [thou holdest fast my name]
3. Jesus commends them for maintaining the true faith [hast not denied my faith]
1. even when they were under extremely trying circumstances
2. even when there was much temptation to compromise
3. even when some of them were being killed [Antipas was my faithful martyr]
4. they boldly professed the name of Christ, and they steadfastly adhered to Him and His cause
4. some problems that Jesus was aware of and concerned about in the church – 14-15
1. the doctrine of Balaam – 14
1. the church at Pergamos failed to keep out the false teachers
1. they did not embraced the their teachings, but they allowed them in their church
2. the leaven was beginning to work
3. a believer cannot do business with the devil in any form, regardless of how insignificant it may seem
4. if we give the devil an inch he will take a mile
2. what was the doctrine of Balaam
1. to gain control over God’s people by seducing them to compromise with the world, especially in sexual sins
2. the spirit of compromise has been the greatest evil in the church ever since the days of the church at Pergamos
3. to be friends with the enemies of God is adultery
4. when a believer participates in the things of the world, that participation is spiritual fornication
2. the doctrine of the Nicolaitans – 15 (to conquer the people)
1. these heretics sprung up in the time of the apostolic church, but their doctrines were not received, and their deeds were hated
2. there was a difference between the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes and the doctrine of Balaam
3. the result of both doctrines was the same--moral ruin to all who participated in such unholy teachings
4. the outstanding sin in the church at Pergamos was the toleration of evil men and their teaching in the church
5. the sin of Pergamos is still with us today
5. the course of action that the church needed to take – 16 [repent]
1. their minds needed to be changed: from compromise to insistence on doctrinal and moral purity
2. if they did not repent, they would face the fearful prospect of judgment
3. there is more here than just judgment, there is a declaration of war [will fight]
4. a big mistake is made when we think that the church has the right to decide what is right and wrong
5. if we are going to be the a light in this dark world, then the Word of God is our authority and not the church
6. a promise to those that overcome – 17
1. God promises two things for those that overcome
1. the hidden manna
2. a white stone with a new name written on it
2. the hidden manna
1. in the Old Testament, manna is declared to be "angels' food"
2. John 6:33 speaks of manna as "the bread of God"
3. this reward will be given in the future when the final struggle is over
4. the manna of old was rained down from Heaven for a blessing and to satisfy the hunger of God’s people on earth
5. the hidden manna referred to here will be given to the overcomers in Heaven
3. the white stone with a new name written on it
1. this is a bit difficult to understand, but social custom of that day may help us
2. during the time in which John wrote, a white stone was used in social life and judicial customs
3. social custom
1. if a host had a special guest whom he greatly appreciated, the guest was given a white stone with a name or a message written on it
2. the message was directed only to the guest--not to be shared by any other
4. judicial custom
1. in the courts, a white stone meant acquittal, and a black stone meant condemnation
2. in our Scripture, Christ promises a white stone to the overcomer, which means victory and final acquittal
3. we will enter God's glory without anything at all against us, completely free from any and all sin
5. a new name written on it
1. in this expression Jesus is pointing out His interest in each and every individual overcomer
2. there are those who say if God is as great as we say He is, He would have no time for poor, finite creatures such as we are; but they are dead wrong
3. the Lord is concerned about each of His children, and He has time for each of us
4. He will personally present each overcomer with a white stone, with a message on the stone that no one can appreciate but the one who receives it