THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
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THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight 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 him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
13 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, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.
15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
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.’
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 ‘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.
16 ‘Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make 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 him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’
12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword:
13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16 So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword:
13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16 So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
For many people in today’s church, the term worldliness sounds old-fashioned…In fact, many of today’s user-friendly, seeker-sensitive, market driven churches don’t preach much against worldliness...
But the bible doesn’t hesitate to condemn worldliness for the sin that it is...
And the bible instructs us as God’s people to guard ourselves against worldliness.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
15 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.
16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
15 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.
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
15 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.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
15 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.
16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.
NOTE: We are in the world but we aren’t of the world...
We can’t call ourselves Christians & be worldly at the same time...
A church can’t be called a church & be worldly at the same time...
The church at Pergamum, had failed to obey the bible’s warnings against worldliness & drifted into compromise.
Unlike Ephesus that had forsaken their love for Christ and Smyrna that had suffered for their devotion to Christ, Pergamum compromised the truth of God and embraced the cultural norms of their day.
And sadly, compromise is still a problem within the church today.
It was a city where religion and religious ideas seemed to thrive.
It had many religious institutions and organizations and was given over almost entirely to wealth and foolishness.
It had many religious institutions and organizations and was given over almost entirely to wealth and foolishness.
Many churches to no longer hold to sound doctrine & teaching…but they are teaching a different gospel or what the apostle Paul called “another gospel...”
Compromise has been a cancer in the church from its inception.
3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
NOTE: That verse describes the day in which we are living…
People don’t want sound biblical preaching & teaching...
People don’t want to hear what the Word of God has to say...
In many pulpits across America, preachers are preaching self-help sermons rather than solid bible sermons.
In some churches/denominations, things that God has clearly defined as sin is being accepted as normal.
For example, homosexual marriages are being accepted & performed in many churches.
Homosexual ministers have been ordained as bishops in some organizations.
NOTE: We are living in day when the world is telling the church that we need to compromise & be accepting of people & tolerate sin…but we must stand with God and what His Word says...
Anyone is welcome here but we will not compromise the truth of God’s Word...
Sin is still sin...
So tonight, we are going to study the church at Pergamos & see what we can learn about this church that compromised.
I) WORDS OF COMMENDATION (v 13)
I) WORDS OF COMMENDATION (v 13)
13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
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.
13 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, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Jesus knew all about this church, where it was, what it was doing and what it was facing...
He knew them intimately...and He begins by giving them words of commendation.
A. He Knows Their Dwelling – “where Satan’s seat is… where Satan dwelleth” - This church operated right in the middle of a city chosen by Satan as his headquarters on earth. Regardless of what some people think, some preachers preach and some songs say, Satan is not now, nor has he ever been in Hell. He dreads that place more than any lost man ever has. When he is sent to Hell, it will spell his eternal doom, and he knows it, Rev. 20:10.
He Knows Their Location – “where Satan’s throne is… where Satan dwells”
This church operated in a hostile environment.
They worshiped in a city where Satan’s throne was.
Pergamos was like Satan’s headquarters on earth…This city was a stronghold of Satan.
NOTE: Many today think Satan is just a figment of men’s imagination, a cartoon character in a fairy tale…but I want to remind you that Satan is real.
He is working in our world today!
He is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
The Bible refers to him as the “god of this world” and the “prince of the power of the air.”
We must never be deceived, Satan is at work & he wants nothing more than to destroy the lives and testimony of every Christian he can.
Satan is active in our world and he has a seat of power somewhere.
He Knows Their Loyalty
(Note: He knows your situation too! He knows it when you are in a difficult marriage. He knows it when you face persecution on your job, at school, at home, or even at church. He knows the pressures society places on the dedicated child of God. He knows, He cares, He is there and He will help you, Heb. 13:5; 4:15-16! That is what we need to remember!)
We are told that they “dwelled” in Pergamos...There are two words translated “dwell” in the New Testament.
One means “to take up a temporary dwelling.”
B. He Knows Their Devotion– We are told that they “dwelled” in Pergamos. There are two words translated “dwell” in the New Testament. One means “to take up a temporary dwelling”. The other one, the one used here, means “to settle down to stay; to take up a permanent residence”. These people had settled down in Pergamos and they were not running away from the trouble around them. They set a good example for churches existing in this day. Far too often, we allow the world to cause us to run and hide in fear. They are trying their best to drive the church away into oblivion. We must make our stand in this world and be willing to stand up and speak up against the evils and wickedness that mark our society, whatever the cost!
The other one, the one used here, means “to settle down to stay...to take up a permanent residence.”
These people had settled down in Pergamos and they weren’t running away from the trouble around them.
They set a good example for churches existing in this day…Too often, we allow the world to cause us to run and hide in fear…But we must make our stand in this world and be willing to stand up and speak up against the evil and wickedness that mark our society.
NOTE: The church in Pergamos was doing a couple of things right and Jesus commends them for it.
NOTE: The church in Pergamos was doing a couple of things right and Jesus commends them for it.
First of all, they “held fast to His name.”
· First, they “held fast to His name.” This church was not ashamed of the name of Jesus. His name is the most divisive name in history, yet His name is the only name “whereby men must be saved”, Acts 4:12. There are some churches you can go to and you can sit through an entire service and never hear the name Jesus mentioned. That is sad and it is an abomination. We need to make much of that name! We need to sing it, shout it, preach it and tell it! Calvary Baptist Church ought to be marked as a “Jesus” church. When folks come here, they ought to hear about Jesus! We are not here to promote the Baptists, this church, this preacher, or anything else you want to name; we are here to exalt Jesus! We need to be in the business of lifting up the name of Jesus, John 12:32!
This church wasn’t ashamed of the name of Jesus.
This church had been established in a cesspool of worldliness…and in a city of people who were consumed with the pleasures, possessions, and comforts of the world.
However, the believers refused to deny JC…They held fast to the only name that could save them - the name of JC...
NOTE: His name is the most divisive name in history, yet His name is the only name that brings salvation...
We need to make much of the name of Jesus...We need to sing it, shout it, preach it and tell it!
We need to make much of the name of Jesus...We need to sing it, shout it, preach it and tell it!
Jefferson COG ought to be marked as a “Jesus” church.
When people come here, they ought to hear about Jesus!
We aren’t here to promote the Church of God, this preacher, or anything else you want to name…We are here to exalt Jesus!
We need to be in the business of lifting up the name of Jesus, !
Secondly, they were commended because they didn’t “deny their faith in Christ...”
This church was faithful to Jesus & to His doctrine.
They held on to the fundamentals of the faith, and Jesus praised them for it.
They believed the Word of God & studied & taught it.
The Word of of God was being preached & taught every week.
NOTE: The Word of God must be a priority in the church…Sound doctrine must be a priority in the church...
We can’t compromise what we teach & believe to suit the world around us.
The truth can’t be compromised b/c it’s the truth that sets people free.
NOTE: We need to take a stand for the Word of God…
There are some things we could call non-essentials…and we may disagree on them.
However, there are some things that are non-negotiable…and if you don’t hold these certain things to be true, then you’re not a Christian, no matter what you say!
What are these fundamentals?
· The Verbal, Plenary Inspiration of the Scriptures
The Inspiration of the Scriptures
· The Virgin Birth of the Savior
The Virgin Birth of Jesus
· The Vicarious Death of the Savior
The Substitutionary Death of Jesus
· The Victorious Resurrection of the Savior
The Resurrection of Jesus
NOTE: We need to take our stand on these truths…These truths can’t be changed or compromised.
Far too many groups are turning away from the fundamental doctrines of the faith and are swiftly sliding into apostasy. Regardless of what anyone else does, or even what our denomination does, we must take our stand on the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God.
He Knows Their Sacrifices
Their stand for Jesus had been costly.
Even when this church was undergoing severe persecution, they stood for the Lord and for His Word.
Jesus mentions a man by the name of Antipas...He is called a “faithful witness/martyr...”
History tells us that Antipas refused to offer the pinch of incense and say “Caesar is god.”
And b/c of his refusal to worship Caesar, Antipas was placed inside of a brass bull...A fire was built under the bull and Antipas was roasted to death.
In spite of this, the Christians in Pergamos held fast to their witness…and Jesus applauds them for their stand.
NOTE: This is a sharp rebuke to us today.
Think about this - The word witness and martyr mean the same thing...The early believers knew exactly what it meant to become a follower of Christ: it meant the commitment of all they were and had...It meant the possibility of death.
William Barclay says in his commentary:
In the early Church to be a martyr and to be a witness were one and the same thing. Witness meant so often martyrdom.
An early Christian knew quite well what he was doing; as soon as he became a Christian he had made himself liable to death.
Here is a rebuke to us. There are so many who are prepared to demonstrate their Christianity in Christian circles, but who are equally prepared to play down their Christianity in circles where Christianity is met with ridicule, with contempt, with indifference or with opposition.
It is still costly to be a fundamental believer. If you hold to the right doctrine and live the right kind of life, you are going to offend some people and you are going to be persecuted, 2 Tim. 3:12. Be sure, when that happens, your Lord sees, knows and He will reward your faithful service in His time.
The Christian must remember that the word martus means equally martyr and witness, and that Christian witness can be, and often must be, a costly thing (The Revelation of John, Vol.1, p.113f).
NOTE: Most of us don’t know what it’s like to suffer or be persecuted for our faith…but in all honesty, how many of us visibly & vocally let our faith be known to others...
It’s still costly to be a fundamental believer.
NOTE: If you hold to the right doctrine and live the right kind of life, you are going to offend some people and you are going to be persecuted, .
I. He Comes With Words Of Commendation
But rest assured, when that happens, Jesus sees, knows and He will reward you for your faithful service in His time.
II) WORDS OF CONFRONTATION (v 14-16)
II) WORDS OF CONFRONTATION (v 14-16)
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.
15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16 So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
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.
(Ill. When the Savior looks at this church, He finds some things that please Him; but not everything is to His liking. Having offered them some Words of Commendation, He now gives them some Words of Confrontation.)
When Jesus looks at this church, He finds some things that please Him...but not everything is to His liking.
Having offered them some Words of Commendation, He now gives them some Words of Confrontation.
In v. 14-15, we see that the church was guilty of false doctrine & of worldliness.
The church was guilty of the doctrine of Balaam.
The name Pergamos means “married...”
As we look at what Jesus points out about this church we are given a glimpse of a church that has fallen into a state of compromise with the world.
This church has held onto pure doctrine with one hand and with the other, they have embraced the world...
They are literally in an unequal yoke with unbelievers and Jesus confronts them about it in these verses.
Here is what He says is wrong with this church.
1. v. 14 There Is Corruption In The Membership – He tells them that some of their number “hold the doctrine of Balaam”. Balaam is one of the strangest characters on the pages of the Bible. He is an enigma, a real mystery. On the one hand, he was a man intimately acquainted with God. He knew about God, about God’s character and he even talked with God. On the other hand, he was motivated by greed and he was guilty of leading the people of God into immorality and idolatry. His story can be found in Numbers 22-25.
He tells them there are those who “hold to the teaching of Balaam...”
Balaam is one of the strangest characters on the pages of the Bible...
He tells them that some of their number “hold the doctrine of Balaam...”
Balaam is one of the strangest characters on the pages of the Bible...He is an enigma, a real mystery.
On the one hand, he was a man intimately acquainted with God...He knew about God, about God’s character and he even talked with God.
But on the other hand, he was motivated by greed and was guilty of leading the people of God into immorality and idolatry....
His story is found in .
In those verses, Balak, the king of Moab wanted to curse the nation of Israel, so he called for Balaam to come do the dirty work.
He promises him wealth and promotion for his services...
Four times Balaam tries to curse Israel, but each time God turns his curses into blessings.
When he sees that his attempts to curse Israel have failed, Balaam apparently suggests that since they can’t curse Israel, they should corrupt them.
And this is accomplished by leading them off into immorality and idolatry and thus bringing the wrath of God upon them, ; .
So basically, the “doctrine of Balaam” is wickedness and worldliness.
The church at Pergamos was tolerating people in their midst who claimed to be Christians, but who lived like the world around them.
Some of their members were living immoral lives and participating in pagan worship…and Jesus isn’t pleased...
NOTE: The same problem is rampant in the church today.
There are many who believe that since you are saved by grace and kept by grace, you can live any way you please.
It’s no wonder that society has no respect for the church!
It’s no wonder that there is no power in the church.
NOTE: If you are saved, you will not be like the world around you.
Here is the fact of the matter: if you are saved, you will not be like the world around you. If you are saved, you will walk differently, talk differently, and you will have a different set of standards than the world. If you can adopt this world’s attitude about substance abuse, sex, music, etc, you are most likely not saved. When Jesus saves a soul, He creates a new creature, 2 Cor. 5:17. His changes everything about that saved person’s life. They are different and they live like it!
If you are saved, you will walk differently, talk differently, and you will have a different set of standards than the world.
If you can adopt this world’s attitude about substance abuse, sex, music, etc, most likely you are not saved.
When Jesus saves a person, He creates a new creature, .
Whether you like it or not there are some clear standards for living in this book! We can either do them and prove we are of the truth; or we can ignore them and prove we are of the darkness. But, you can’t have it both ways. If you are saved, live like. If you are not, then do as you please!)
And whether we like it or not there are some clear standards for living found in the Word of God.
We can either do them and prove we are of the truth...or we can ignore them and prove we are still in darkness...But, you can’t have it both ways.
NOTE: Those who are saved, should live like they are saved...
The other problem with this church is that there were those who held “the teaching/doctrine of the Nicolaitans...”
Others there held “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans...”
The word “Nicolaitans” means “to conquer the people” and probably refers to a priestly class that had developed within the church.
What was merely “practices/deeds” in verse 6 has become a “doctrine” in verse 15.
It started out with the leadership in the church elevating themselves above everyone else and it has turned into a doctrine in that fellowship.
NOTE: No one in the church is to be worshipped or placed on a pedestal of honor.
I am the Pastor of this church. When I preach the Word of God, and preach it correctly, you would do well to listen to the message and adjust your life to it. Not because I am preaching, but because this office is mandated by the Lord. In this church, I am the leader, but I am not the Lord.
We’re all under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and we’re all accountable to Him!
I have been called to pastor here, but I am not Lord here, and neither are you.
I don’t think we have a problem with leadership trying to dominate the people, but we must always be on the look out for the “little dictators” that try to get a grip on power from time to time.
No one in the church is to be worshipped or place on a high pedestal of honor. We are all under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and we are all accountable to Him! I don’t think we have a problem with leadership trying to dominate the people, but we must always be on the look out for the “little dictators” that try to get a grip on power from time to time.
But sadly many churches are run by individuals and God is left out.
I have been called to pastor here, but I am not Lord here, and neither are you. Sadly many churches are run by individuals and God is left out. It is His church and we are to exalt Him, not man!
We must remember that it’s His church and we are to exalt Him, not man!
He tells them to “repent...”
This word means “to change the mind.”
Repentance is really “a change of mind that results in a change of direction.”
If they refuse to repent and deal with the corruption and confusion in their midst, He’s going to come to His church and fight against those who trouble it.
Notice the change of pronouns in verse 16: from “thee” to “them...”
NOTE: Jesus knows those who belong to Him and those who don’t.
He will come to His church and afflict those who aren’t really His people.
Those who will not repent are going to have to face the Lord in judgment.
NOTE: It’s a fearful thing to be found on the wrong side of Jesus.
It’s dangerous business to be found fighting against and causing trouble in the church.
Jesus loves His church...He loves her so much that He died to redeem her and He will not stand idly by while she is attacked.
Jesus Christ will not tolerate those who attack His Bride!
I. He Comes With Words Of Commendation
II. He Comes With Words Of Confrontation
III) WORDS OF CONSOLATION (v 17)
III) WORDS OF CONSOLATION (v 17)
17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
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.’
Jesus makes some precious promises to the overcomers in the church...
Those who walk with Him in spite of the dangers and defections have several promises from Jesus.
He promises them “hidden manna...”
He promises them “hidden manna...”
In the Old Testament, when the children of Israel wandered through the wilderness, God fed them by sending Manna down from Heaven.
Some of this Manna was gathered and kept in a golden pot in the Ark of the Covenant.
Ancient Jewish tradition says that when Israel was taken into captivity by the Babylonians Jeremiah hid this pot of Manna, and when Messiah returns, He will feed the people of Israel again.
This Manna is a picture of God’s precious promise to feed & take care of His children.
You see, the people in Pergamos were idolaters. They worshipped in religions that thrived on “secrets and mysteries”. The early Christians were excluded from the secrets and mysteries. Jesus says, “You don’t need their secrets. Walk with me and I will take to into a special place and feed you something this world knows nothing about.” The saints of God might be excluded from many things in this world, but we have a place we can go. We can enter into His sanctuary and hide in His pavilion. When we are there, He will feed us with delicacies the world cannot imagine or duplicate! He has some secret things hidden away just for His children!
The world and those in it have to search for ever deepening experiences. They go to the table of sin and eat their fill. The true saint of God is content to be alone with His Lord in His tabernacle, feeding on His Word and His presence, Psa. 27:1-5. He promises His people a place of escape and refreshment, even during the most difficult of times.
He Promises “a white stone”
B. He Promises Special Privileges – Not only will He provide for the overcomers, He will grant them some special privileges not enjoyed by others.
Not only will He provide for the overcomers, He will grant them some special privileges not enjoyed by others.
Jesus promises to give His faithful ones a white stone...This doesn’t mean much to us, but it held special meaning to the people of that day...
“a white stone” – Jesus promises to give His faithful ones a white stone...This doesn’t mean much to us, but it held special meaning to the people of that day...There are several possible meanings attached to the white stone...I want to point out a few that speak to us.
1. A New Degree – “a white stone” – The Lord promises to give His faithful ones a white stone. This does not mean much to us, but it held special meaning to the people of that day. There are several possible meanings attached to the white stone. I want to point out a few that speak to us.
White and black stones were used to indicate judgment in ancient courts of law...When a judge rendered his verdict, he would place a stone in a container and at the appropriate time, he would roll the stone out, thus rendering his judgment...A black stone indicated a judgment of guilt, while a white stone indicated a judgment of innocence.
· White and black stones were used to indicate judgment in ancient courts of law. When a judge rendered his verdict, he would place a stone in a container and at the appropriate time, he would roll the stone out, thus rendering his judgment. A black stone indicated a judgment of guilt, while a white stone indicated a judgment of innocence.
White stones were used to signify citizenship...A white stone was often given to people who had proven their allegiance to the city.
Jesus is telling these people that they might be blackballed by the world, but they were innocent in His eyes. He had taken all the black stones that were against them and He had washed them white in His blood.
White stones were used to signify citizenship. A white stone was often given to people who had proven their allegiance to the city. Jesus honors those who live for Him.
· White stones were used to signify citizenship. A white stone was often given to people who had proven their allegiance to the city. Jesus honors those who live for Him.
White stones were used as a symbol of victory...They were given to those who had won a victory in one of the ancient games...These white stones were called “tessera” and they allowed the owner free access to all public entertainment.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Two: Christ and the Churches, Part 1 (Revelation 2)
In those days, a white stone was put into a vessel by a judge to vote acquittal for a person on trial. It was also used like a “ticket” to gain admission to a feast. Both would certainly apply to the believer in a spiritual sense: he has been declared righteous through faith in Christ, and he feasts with Christ today (Rev. 3:20) and will feast with Him in glory (Rev. 19:6–9).
· White stones were used as a symbol of victory. They were given to those who had won a victory in one of the ancient games. These white stones were called “tessera” and they allowed the owner free access to all public entertainment. Jesus allows His victors access to the glories of His heaven!
White stones were a symbol of friendship...Often two friends would take a white stone, break it in half and write the other friends name on their half...When they met, even after many years, they could place the halves of their stones together, signifying their lasting relationship.
· A courageous gladiator would be given a white stone with the initials “S.P.” on it. This stood for “spectatus”, and meant that “his valor had been proven beyond all doubt.” So, Jesus promises to honor those who take a stand for Him!
Revelation 7. The Promise of a Reward (17b)
A white stone could be a ticket to a banquet, a sign of friendship, evidence of having been counted, or as a sign of acquittal in a court of law. Jesus may have any one of these meanings in mind, but at the very least we know that it has the assurance of blessing.
White stones were a symbol of friendship. Often two friends would take a white stone, break it in half and write the other friends name on their half. When they met, even after many years, they could place the halves of their stones together, signifying their lasting relationship.
· White stones were a symbol of friendship. Often two friends would take a white stone, break it in half and write the other friends name on their half. When they met, even after many years, they could place the halves of their stones together, signifying their lasting relationship.
White stones were used to gain access...When a wealthy person would throw a party, they sometimes gave their invited guests a white stone...When it came time for the celebration, the person who presented a white stone was granted access to the banquet...Jesus allows His people access to the greatest banquet of all times: the marriage supper of the Lamb, !
· White stones were used to gain access. When a wealthy person would throw a party, they sometimes gave their invited guests a white stone. When it came time for the celebration, the person who presented a white stone was granted access to the banquet. Jesus allows His people access to the greatest banquet of all times: the marriage supper of the Lamb, Rev. 19!
He promises “a new name” – Jesus promised His overcomers that their white stone would contain “a new name which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
This is a promise of intimacy…This speaks of our individual relationship with Jesus.
2. A New Designation – Jesus promised His overcomers that their white stone would contain “a new name which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” This is a promise of intimacy. It was customary in that day for guests at a dinner to have a white stone placed at their seat. When they were seated, they could look at the stone and underneath would be a private message from the host. It was a way for the host to share an intimate thought with each guest.
It was customary in that day for guests at a dinner to have a white stone placed at their seat...When they were seated, they could look at the stone and underneath would be a private message from the host...It was a way for the host to share an intimate thought with each guest.
Revelation 7. The Promise of a Reward (17b)
i. One idea behind this new, secret name is that it shows what an intimate relationship we have with God. When a couple is close, they often have “pet names” for each other. This is probably the same idea.
ii. Another idea associated with the new name is simply the assurance it gives of our heavenly destination. Your name is there, waiting for you. It is as if your “reservation” in heaven is made.
NOTE: Aren’t you glad for a new name?
Aren’t you glad that you’re no longer the person you used to be?
Aren’t you glad for a new name? I’m no longer the man I used to be. Jesus has given me a new name; I belong to Him! My name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, never to be removed. Every child of God shares an intimate relationship with Christ. Our names are different, but He knows us all.
Jesus has given each of us a new name - we belong to Him!
Our name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, never to be removed.
Every child of God shares an intimate relationship with Christ...
Our names are different, but He knows us all.
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
We have covered a lot of territory in these verses…but I want to ask you tonight - Is your relationship with Jesus all that it should be?
Conc: We have covered a lot of territory in these verses. I wonder; is your relationship with Jesus all that it should be? As you actively separating yourself from the world to love Him and Him alone? Or, has your life been invaded by the “doctrine of Balaam”?
Are you actively separating yourself from the world to love Him and Him alone? Or, has your life been invaded with worldliness?
Conc: We have covered a lot of territory in these verses. I wonder; is your relationship with Jesus all that it should be? As you actively separating yourself from the world to love Him and Him alone? Or, has your life been invaded by the “doctrine of Balaam”?
Do you profess to know Jesus even while you are living for the world? If so, you need to repent, or He will come and fight against you (v 16)…
· Do you profess to know Jesus even while you are living for the world? If so, you need to repent, or He will come and fight against you. He might already be doing that. It might explain why some people seem to have so much trouble all the time.
In fact, He might already be doing that...It might explain why some seem to have so much trouble all the time.
In a day when so many churches are abandoning the right path, we must have the will to stay the course for the glory of God.
· Maybe you would like to come to Jesus for salvation. He is still saving all those who come to Him by faith.
In a day when so many churches are abandoning the right path, we must have the will to stay the course for the glory of God.
· Maybe you would like to come pray for your church. In a day when so many churches are abandoning the right path, we must have the will to stay the course for the glory of God.
Let’s pray!!!
If He has spoken to your heart, you need to get before Him and do business with Him today.