THE CHURCH WHERE SATAN'S THRONE IS

INTRODUCTION

We have in previous sermons studied letters written to the church in Ephesus and Smyrna.

Ephesus was the church who had left her first love

Smyrna was the rich poor church

In Revelation 2:12-17, a third letter is addressed to the church in Pergamum (ASV; ESV) or Pergamos (KJV; NKJ)

The Romans made Pergamum the capitol of the province of Asia

The city of Pergamum was a worshipper of many gods; e.g. Zeus, Dionysus, and Athena

It was also the center of administration for emperor worship…

It should little wonder to us, then, that Pergamum is described as “where Satan’s throne (seat – KJV) is” (v. 13)

Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum, and describes Himself as the One “that hath the sharp two-edged sword” (v. 12)

The sword is a symbol of the discerning, convicting, and the punishing power of the word of God

Ephesians 6:17 ASV 1901

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Hebrews 4:12 ASV 1901

12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Revelation 1:16 ASV 1901

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

God’s word cuts all who come in contact with it – but the reactions are different

Acts 2:37 ASV 1901

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 7:54 ASV 1901

54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

God’s word is as a two-edged sword because of its duel purpose:

It convicts and converts those who will heed its call

It condemns those who will not heed its call

Notice, again, that in the letter we find a commendation, a condemnation, counsel, and a promise.

DISCUSSION

A. COMMENDATION (Revelation 2:13)

1. The Lord’s commendation of the saints in Pergamos is accentuated by the fact that they followed Christ in an environment where it was very difficult

a. Pergamos is described as the place where “Satan’s throne is” and as “where Satan dwelleth”

b. This suggests the moral and religious corruption that prevailed there – It exceeded all other cities of that time in corruption

c. Today, it seems, that the USA is now where Satan’s throne is ©

2. In all this, the Lord commends them by saying, “thou holdest fast my name”

a. Christ’s name is the symbol of His person

b. The church in Pergamos had not denied the person of Christ – but in fact, acknowledged Him

c. Romans 10:8-10

3. Next the Lord praises the church in Pergamos by saying, “and didst not deny my faith”

a. They stood strong for the doctrine of the Lord

b. Paul spoke of a people with a different mentality in Galatians 1:6-10 … these denied the faith teaching another gospel

c. But, we need the mentality of those in Pergamos

1) Titus 2:1

2) Jude 3 ©

4. The Lord also portrays a wonderful example of loyalty

a. “Even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you”

b. This man gave his life for the cause of Christ – what are we willing to give for the cause of Christ?

5. Every Christian in every age is surrounded by evil, and will be confronted by persecution because of their loyalty to Christ

a. John 15:18-20

b. Acts 14:22

c. 2 Timothy 3:12 ©

B. CONDEMNATION (Revelation 2:14-15)

1. In the Lord’s complaint against the church in Pergamos, He does not direct His condemnation at those who were guilty of false teaching, though they were condemned, but toward those who had fellowship with them

a. Error is never pleasing to the Lord

b. Here the Lord shows great displeasure in these Christians for allowing these false teachers to stay in their midst

2. This is a lesson the church needs to learn today

a. Those who tolerate error are sorely displeasing to God

b. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 … Why? verse 5 ©

3. What was the false teaching that was being tolerated by Pergamos?

a. “The teaching of Balaam” (v. 14)

1) Balaam taught Balak how to seduce Israel to commit false worship and fornication, and as a result, Israel drifted from God

2) It seems, then, there were those in the church in Pergamos who were teaching that they should “rub elbows” with evil doers – causing some to drift from God

3) 1 Corinthians 15:33

4) “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 The. 5:22)

b. “The teaching of the Nicolaitans” (v. 15)

1) Little is known of this doctrine other than it was wicked

2) Some, though, believe they were a sect of the Gnostics, who taught Christians they were under no obligation to morality

c. The church in Pergamos was putting up with evil, and God was sorely displeased. ©

C. COUNSEL (Revelation 2:16)

1. They were told to repent of the sin of being tolerant toward false teaching

2. The urgency of this command is seen in the words, “or else I come to thee quickly”

a. It is dangerous to procrastinate concerning God’s commands

b. Procrastination only causes trouble

3. A failure to obey God will be hazardous to our spiritual welfare

a. To those who do not repent, God will “will make war against them with the sword of my mouth”

b. In other words they will be condemned by God’s word ©

D. PROMISE (Revelation 2:17)

1. God promises “hidden manna” to those who “overcometh”

a. This symbolizes the heavenly sustaining bread from heaven

b. John 6:35

c. This manna is “hidden” from the world, but is revealed to obedient followers of Christ

2. God promises a “white stone” with a “new name” written on it

a. This “new name” is Christ’s (Rev. 3:12)

b. This refers to the new relationship that Christ and the saved will have

c. This relationship can only be comprehended by those who posses it – those who are obedient to the Lord ©

CONCLUSION

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches”