The letter to the church at Pergamos

The Hidden Blessings of Faithfulness

Bible Passage: Revelation 2:12–17

In a nutshell:

True faithfulness to Christ, especially when we are under pressure, reveals hidden blessings that feeds the soul and reassures us of our identity in Him. This is God’s way of dealing with the temptation to compromise with what is going on around us in our culture.

God is the One who sees.

God is the rewarder of our faithfulness.

Introduction

In this letter to the Pergamum church, we see Jesus acknowledging their faithfulness in the middle of persecution and hardship.

He warns them of the dangers of falling victim to

false teachings,

heresies, Sidenote: Explain what ‘heresy’ is, linking it to the Creeds.

moral compromise,

Some of it had crept it’s way into the church already.

We see the culture of their environment pressing in on them, providing the temptation to abandon their beliefs. (the deceptive journey from compromise to abandonment)

?Why do we need to focus so much on these issues. Is it just to be hard-line, inflexible, uncompromising for the sake of being ‘right’ or better than others, or part of some sort of ‘exclusive club’?

No, it’s because if we allow compromise on the core beliefs of our faith, the essence of what not only Christianity is, but who Christ Himself is and the very nature of God, then we have nothing to hold on to.

If anything goes, inevitably, nothing stands.

Explain that this has nothing do with how we treat people, how we minister to people, how we love people.

In answer to this, Jesus calls them to repent of compromise within the church and reassures them of the blessings that are the reward of their faithfulness - even when the path is difficult and filled with challenges.

He encourages them to develop strong spiritual resilience, making sure to seek God’s wisdom when faced with cultural challenges.

The rewards that He talks about are not always immediate or visible, but He assures them that their faithfulness will bring God’s sustaining power, and that God is the ‘One who sees’.

This ‘hidden blessing’ symbolised by the hidden manna is not the worldy type of blessing, easily measured by material wealth and position. He is the ‘true bread’ that came down from heaven (John 6)

1. Recognition Of Strengths and Weaknesses

Revelation 2:12-13

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny Myt faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr , who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.’

What is the significance of the ‘sharp, two-edged sword’?

Jesus' identification as the "sharp two-edged sword" in Revelation symbolizes

the power and

authority of God's Word.

He emphasises that He is the One who has authority over earthly powers, particularly in the context of the church in Pergamum, which faced strong cultural pressure to conform to the world.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The "sharp two-edged sword" is a metaphor for the Word of God, as described in the Bible.

It is characterized as "sharp" and "two-edged," indicating its ability to penetrate deeply and judge the innermost thoughts of the human heart.

The image of Christ wielding this sword portrays him as a judge, particularly in the context of his second coming and final judgment.

This sword isn’t a physical weapon, but rather represents the spiritual power of truth to convict, judge, and transform.

What are your works, where you live, where Satan’s throne is and where Satan dwells (contrast)

He knew the circumstances they were living in, the struggles they were facing.

In other places we can see evil. We can surmise that there is significant demonic activity in places. But how many of them can say that a place is the seat of satan’s reign.

But consider this - this word ‘dwell’ is the same word used to describe Christ living in us. That He dwells in us.

So, perhaps the important thing to consider here, is that they were able to continue to dwell in the midst of that evil city, because Christ was dwelling in them.

Relate that to what we need to flourish in this generation.

Satan’s throne

whatever it means, it symbolised a place of entrenched evil. It serves as a reminder that ‘we do not battle with flesh and blood, but with principalities, evil spiritual powers, etc.’ What was happening in the physical realm was a reflection of the spiritual realm over that city.

A throne is a seat of power. And we see in Revelation 13:2 that Satan gives this ‘throne’ to the beast that comes out of the sea (antichrist). ‘The dragon gave him his power, throne and authority.’

Satan dwells there - in what way was he ‘dwelling’ there? In the worship of people - intheir hearts?

He knew they were in the midst of perversity, that their city was the centre of satanic activity. More so than other places as He doesn’t say this to any other church.

False gods - Zeus, Asclepius, Athena, Dionysus, etc.

Emperor worship

Eating meat sacrificed to idols

They have done this themselves, or turned a blind eye to others in their group that did.

Remember Polycarp? He refused to accept the freedom that was offered in exchange for saying that Caesar is Lord.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament 2:12–17—Oracle to the Church in Pergamum

All citizens were expected to participate in civil religion or they would be suspected of disloyalty against the state; but Christians could not participate in imperial festivals or eat the meat doled out there, and as a group would thus naturally be suspected.

Hold Fast My Name

During this time of severe persecution when Anitpas was martyred, the chuch didn’t give in. They remained faithful to Christ in the face of extreme pressure, and what would have been great personal cost to themselves.

They continured to say, ‘Christ is Lord’. They refused to say, ‘Caesar is Lord’. They didn’t deny His name.

Who was Antipas?

Not a lot is known about Antipas or who he was, but one thing we do know - Jesus called him, ‘my faithful witness’.

He was killed for his faith in Pergamum. There is one report that he was burned alive by placing him inside a metal bull and a fire was lit underneath.

Whatever the case, many more martyrs were to follow.

A Pentecostal Commentary on Revelation 2:12–17 The Church in Pergamum

The implication seems to me that Antipas was killed because Satan no longer felt safe on his throne of pagan worship due to the progress of the gospel (compare

Relate this to modern culture, where we live.

How would it be if we were such a threat to satan’s reign in our city? Where the work of the gospel is flourishing, that’s where you’ll find the strongest opposition.

2. Rebuke Against Compromise

So where does Jesus’ warning for this church come from?

From that sneaky, dirty, devious and deceitful word - compromise.

Revelation 2:14-15

New American Standard Bible (1995) Chapter 2

‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.

15 ‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Logos AI

Tolerance involves accepting others' beliefs without necessarily agreeing, while compromise requires adjusting one's position to find middle ground

Compromise involves moving from one's original stance towards a half-truth or finding an arrangement that accommodates both sides14.

While compromise can be necessary in politics and ethics to deal with diverse viewpoints5, it can be problematic if it leads to diluting core convictions or truth34.

Balaam and Balaak

Just like the king of moab tried to get Balaam to curse the Israelites in the desert. Balaam knew that wouldn’t work. No, nothing so obvious.

His advise was to compromise them - send in temptation to the camp in the form of idol-worshiping women to lead the men astray. Jesus calls it putting stumbling blocks in front of the people.

Basically - to little by little, day by day, compromise after compromise, lead them down the road to rebellion against God.

It usually won’t be straight out heresy that trips you up.

No, it would be a lot more subtle than that.

What is your weakness? Is it drinking? Is it selfishness? Is it pornography?

The temptation comes up for whatever is your weakness, it pushes open the door of your resistance just a crack, then your defenses are weakened. You’ll stop being in God’s Word on any sort of a regular basis. Your taste for spiritual things will become dull. Your attendance at church will drop off. You’ll start avoiding your brothers and sisters in the faith.

When really, you should be drawing closer to them when the pressure is on, to strengthen you, to speak truth into you, to encourage and yes, even rebuke you!

Small compromises can lead to spiritual erosion. Believers today are urged to hold firmly to the truth, guarding against societal pressures to dilute or modify their faith practices.

Where the Church started off with the pure teachings and standards of Christ, passed on to the Apostles and then each generation of believers after that, there is a strong danger of accepting the beliefs and ideas of the culture around us as ‘the norm’, ‘acceptable’, and even ‘right’.

?What are some of the societal pressures of today that influence the church, that are would-be stumbling blocks and compromises.

Abortion

Sexualty

Pornography

Ideas around marriage.

As time goes on it gets harder and harder to stand up for the truth without society thinking that we are utter lunatics.

Funny how society often accuse the church of being intolerant, but Jesus warns the church that they are in danger of too much tolerance!

Compromise for an easier life.

Compromise to be liked and accepted.

How many of you have had to compromise to keep your job?

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s become a bit like the frog in the boiling pot lately. The water used to be cold, but we didn’t noticed things heating up, because it was bit by bit.

We used to be able to say ‘persecution happens in other far away countries’, but it’s getting a lot more close to home these days.

We are starting to see Christians in the west lose their lives for their faith.

If the church merges into the worldly culture - it has nothing, it can’t survive.

In fact, throughout history we see that the time the church has thrived the most, is through times of persecution.

Look at the underground church in China. It has persisted in growing in those circumstances.

3. Repentance Restores Righteousness

Revelation 2:16

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

Notice that they were called to repent not just if they had been taking part in the compromise but if they allowed it, or made concessions for it.

Maybe emphasize the call for repentance as a means of restoring and realigning one's life with God's truth. This verse provides an opportunity to stress the importance of self-examination and the readiness to turn away from error. By repenting, believers align with God's will, receiving His promise of redemption and protection against judgment.

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing[a] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

1 John 1:5–2:2 “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”

4. Reward of Hidden Riches

Revelation 2:17

Consider concluding with Christ's promise to the faithful who overcome societal pressures without compromise and still obeying the commands to love God and love others.

The promise of 'hidden manna' and a 'white stone with a new name' symbolizes divine provision and a unique identity in Christ. Emphasize that these blessings provide spiritual nourishment and personal acceptance from God, fortifying believers' commitment to their faith journey.

Hidden Manna

The bread in the wilderness - it never ran out. It could be relied upon to be there - just enough each day for what they needed. Never too much, never not enough.

There was no sickness among them.

God fed them with the manna (His provision) to test what was in their hearts.

To see if He really was foremost in their hearts.

But they grumbled and complained saying they would rather go back to Egpt, the land of their slavery and torture, so they could have a few comfort foods - leeks and onions. But before you jump to judgement on those ancient Israelites - what is your comfort? What is your weakness? Going back to what we know even if it isn’t the best thing for us, it’s familiar, it’s comfortable. We can retreat into that place. We have all been guilty of that in some way, going back to the familiar, the ingrained patterns of the flesh.

The word says that God would have fed them with honey from the rock and the finest of wheat, if they would only listen and not harden their hearts.

Ps 81:16

The true bread

In John 6:27-40 and John 6:47-58

Jesus is telling the Pergamum church that their blessings and reward for their faithfulness is hidden in Him, the true bread,

1 Peter 1:3-16

Our incorruptible inheritance is kept safe and secure for us in heaven, by God.

This is our reward.

13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

White Stone and a new name

The white stone signifies your pardon from judgement (reversal of your guilt) and your admission into His kingdom.

He is giving you a new name that is free from the weight of your past sin, free from the shame that many of you have lived with most of your lives.

Names mean something. In eternity, I don’t think He wants us to be reminded of who we used to be, the lives we used to live.

A new name is a new identity, its freedom from the past.

He changed Simon to Peter, Abram to Abraham, Saul to Paul, and He has changed your name to the potential that He has placed in you, wiped clean.