Pergemum

• Week 3 of Refocus Series: Focus on the church in Pergamum

• Key Question: How do we remain faithful to Christ when cultural pressures and temptations push us to compromise?

Revelation 2:12–17 “12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’”

Pergamum Details

Capital of Roman province of Asia

Political hot spot

Leading religious center of Asia (Had temples)

Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Asclepius

First city to build a temple to Augustus Caesar

Three temples making it the core of the Emperor worship

Read Text

Revelation 2:12 “12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

Exposit Text

Jesus let’s Pergamum know that he is writing the letter

“The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.”

Reference to a Thracian broadsword

Roman Symbol of authority and justice

Christ is indicating to the church in Pergamum

He is the ultimate authority that will carry out justice

Not the Roman governor

Jesus Affirms Pergamum

Read Text

Revelation 13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Exposit Text

In the center of the pagan environment the Pergamum church refused to renounce their faith.

Even when their pastor was killed

Jesus is

providing comfort by letting the church know that despite the difficulty they are experiencing he is above Caesar

He’s proud of them for holding tight to him despite their persecution

POINT ONE

Refocus by grounding our confidence in Christ’s authority and justice.

What helps us hold tight to Jesus is recognizing that he is above every earthly authority

When we recognize that Jesus is greater!

• Fear of others, allowing us to focus on pleasing Him, which deepens our affection for Him.

• Gratitude for His Sovereignty: Reflecting on how Jesus’ rule is perfect and steady amidst the flaws of earthly authorities fosters thankfulness and strengthens my love for Him.

• Identity in Christ: Recognizing that our worth is defined by Christ’s love, not the world’s standards, helps us remain affectionate toward Him.

• Worship in Hardship: Even in difficult times, Jesus’ authority assures us He is in control, which keeps our heart anchored in His love.

• Hope in His Return: Trusting that Jesus will return to set things right gives us hope and fuels my affection for Him as the ultimate judge.

• Response to His Love: Jesus’ sacrificial love as the highest authority inspires us to love and honor Him more deeply.

Read Text

Jesus’s Correction

Revelation 2:14-15 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Exposit Text

Pergamum had the opposite problem than Ephesus.

Ephesus stood up for correct teaching but lacked a love for Jesus

Pergamum had a love for Jesus but did not stand against bad teaching.

The Danger of False Teachers

• The church at Pergamum allowed false teachers to thrive, endangering the entire congregation.

• Jesus compares the false teaching to the “teaching of Balaam.”

• Balaam, was a hired prophet by Balak, king of Moabites to curse Israel

but Balaam could only bless them.

• Balaam advised Balak to use Moabite women to seduce Israelites into immorality and idolatry (Numbers 25:1–3; 31:16).

Parallels to the Church in Pergamum

• Just as Balaam led Israel into sin, false teachers were leading Christians into immorality and idolatry.

• These false teachings acted as stumbling blocks, drawing people toward apostasy.

POINT TWO

Refocus by examining how culture has shaped our understanding of the Gospel.

Jesus cares about our theology just as much as he cares about our affection for him

It’s a popular movement to value Jesus

But not let doctrine divide us

This is culture influence not scripture

If we are not careful culture can influence our beliefs which can lead to us walking away from our faith.

3 Ways Culture Has Shaped Our Understanding of the Gospel:

1. Individualism: The emphasis on personal, individual salvation leads to a “me and Jesus” approach, neglecting the communal and corporate aspects of the gospel,

the church as the body of Christ and we need community and mutual accountability.

2. Consumerism: The consumer-driven mindset has shaped the way we approach the gospel,

with the faith sometimes seen as a product to be consumed for personal satisfaction,

rather than a call to sacrificial discipleship and a transformed life.

3. Secularism:

We feel uncomfortable regarding Gods stance on secular social issues

Read Text

Revelation 2:16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

Jesus calls those who are compromising to repent

or he will wage war with those in the church “them” who pervert the gospel.

Jesus will cleanse his church

Revelation 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’”

Those who repent will overcome and receive two divine rewards.

Reward 1: The Hidden Manna

Refers to God’s provision of manna in the wilderness (Exod 16:4, 32–34).

Symbolizes Jesus as the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and eternal sustenance in God’s kingdom.

Reward 2: A White Stone with a New Name

Likely symbolizes entrance to the heavenly feast for victors in life’s race (Heb 12:1–3).

The New Name

May represent the name of God/Christ, reflecting believers’ union with Him (Rev 19:12).

Signifies a new identity linked to eternal victory and renewal in Christ (Rev 21:5).

POINT THREE

Refocus by standing firm in the Gospel and rejecting compromise.

Top 3 Ways to Reject Compromise When It Comes to the Gospel:

1. Hold Firm to Biblical Truth: Resist the temptation to water down the gospel to fit cultural preferences. Preach and live out the full counsel of Scripture, addressing both grace and the call to repentance.

2. Prioritize Discipleship Over Popularity: Focus on equipping believers to follow Christ authentically, even when it’s unpopular or counter-cultural, rather than conforming the message to attract more followers or gain approval.

3. Refuse to Align the Gospel with Political Ideologies: Keep the gospel distinct from political movements or parties. Reject the temptation to use the gospel as a tool for political agendas and instead emphasize allegiance to God’s kingdom above earthly kingdoms.

LANDING

Closing Challenge:

• Refocus by grounding your confidence in Christ’s authority.

• Examine how culture shapes your understanding of the gospel.

• Stand firm in the gospel, rejecting compromise and standing for truth.