“Jesus’ Assessment of the Church at Pergamos” 3/02/08
Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamos- means thoroughly married or mixed marriage.
Economic – City of decent wealth,
but not as eminent as Ephesus or Smyrna
Political
– Historical
greatness and first Capital City of Asia in Roman period.
Religious – Zeus, Dionysus,
Asklepios, Caesar Worship.
A.
The
letter to the church contains the CORRESPONDENT’S TITLE
(Rev 1:16; Hebrews 4:12-13; the sword, the two-edged
one, the sharp one)
B.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ COMMENDATION
He knows their works:
1)
THEIR DWELLING- permanent dwelling (John 17:15; Phil 3:20)
What is your Dwelling like?
How bad is it? Are you
faithful? Mecca?
2)
HOLD FAST TO HIS NAME- they testified
about Jesus (Matthew 28:20)
3)
DID NOT DENY HIS FAITH- Jesus’ one way of Salv. (John 14:6)
C.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ CRITICISM
1) They
welcomed the false teachers and example of Balaam
(Numbers
22-25; 31:16; 25:1-2)
Religious compromise; Sexual Immorality Satan wins through marriage
“Do
not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John
2:15 World has different
standard. Self.
2) They
welcomed the false teachers of the Nicolatians.
Story of MANDY- is story of COMPROMISE
D.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ COUNSEL
1) REPENT- means to Recognize
what sin is, Confess that Sin, Change our Mind, and Turn
from that sin. 16 out 28 in NT is
Jesus’ call.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to
salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
E.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ CLOSURE
(Promises to the Overcomer: Hidden Manna, White
Stone, New Name!)
Eat of Tree of Life, No Second Death
“Who
is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God?” 1 John 5:5
Deeper continue to be separate from
the ways of the world!