The Compromising Church

Intro

Chicken Integrity Story

Recap Series

Pergamum was committed in some areas, but compromising in others

Background of Pergamum

Present day Bergama, Turkey

Beautiful city on a hill constructed mostly of marble

Not a cultural center, but a political and religious center

Ephesus and Smyrna like NYC vibe

Pergamum like DC

133 BC after death of Alexander the Great, Attalus III gave his territory to Rome

It became like a second capital in the eastern part of the Roman empire

Also a religious center

Temples to about every God imaginable

Zeus (King of Gods) Demeter (Goddess of the Harvest) Athena (Goddess of Wisdom) Dionysus (God of Wine and Festivities) Asclepius (God of Medicine)

It was the hub of cult worship

Jesus Introduction

Revelation 2:12 NIV

12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.

Symbol of the sword means power and authority

Hebrews 4:12–13 NIV

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus is establishing his authority

Commendation

Revelation 2:13 NIV

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.

Where Satan has his throne

1 John 5:19 NIV

19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Hidden meaning

Temple of Asclepius (Sign was the Serpent)

When viewed from above looked like a throne

Antipas

Disciple and follower of Christ

Boiled alive in a brass bull under Emperor Domitan for not recognizing the emperor as Lord

1. Surroundings Matter

Who and what we are surrounded by has a way of influencing who or what we serve

You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. (Jim Rohn)

You embrace or adapt to your surroundings

Example (Florida negative people)

You can become a product of the environment in which you are placed

How many of us have been guilty of acting one way at church and another way at work or at home?

Compromise creates hypocrisy

We are called to stand out and not compromise our faith and purity despite our surroundings

Jesus commends them for their faith despite their surroundings and circumstances

Correction

Revelation 2:14–16 NIV

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.

2. Compromise is a result of lowering your standards

A compromise in ideas may help keep the peace, but a compromise in morals and purity causes devastation

Jesus is saying that they have committed “Spiritual Adultery”

“Per” means elevated or additional

“gamum” means marriage

Revelation 19:6–8 NIV

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Balak of Moab hired the pagan prophet Balaam to curse Israel

God prevented it from happening

So, Balaam advised the Midianite women to seduce the Israelite men into idolatry and fornication

Numbers 25:1–3 NIV

1 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, 2 who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. 3 So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them.

This new generation of believers were holding on to these acts

What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace. (John Wesley)

In what ways are we lowering our standards in our relationships? (Personal but more importantly with God?)

3. Strength and Purity are Necessary to Prevent Compromise

Revelation 2:17 NIV

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.

Hidden Manna

Jesus is the bread of life

When we are hungry, where do we go to eat?

What is really the source of our strength?

White Stone

Given by jurors to show innocence

Jesus is our precious white cornerstone

Are there any areas where we are compromising our purity?

Challenge

Are you becoming a product of your surroundings?

Are you lowering your standards in your relationships?

What really is your source of strength?

In what ways are you compromising your purity?