THE BOOK OF REVELATION

INTRODUCTION - The letters which Christ writes to the churches of Revelation prove to be not only pertinent and helpful to the people of God in those days, but they continue to teach and instruct the bride of Christ through every generation. As we listen carefully to what the Spirit says to the churches, we are able to examine our own church life both individually and collectively, in light of the Christ who walks in our midst. The Ephesian church teaches us to be orthodox, but to also watch our love for God and others. Love can grow cold in the midst of solid orthodoxy. The church at Smyrna teaches us how to persevere in the midst of tribulation. Both the Romans and the Jews had become enemies of the church, yet Smyrna is told to be faithful till death, for eternal life was their reward. This morning we shall turn our attention to the Church at Pergamos, and learn from their example that it is possible to hold to the faith of Christ, and yet to compromise.

1) THE GREETINGS TO THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:12 - Pergamos was the Roman capital of Asia, located on a huge rocky mountain, and filled with pagan idol worship. The god of healing, Zeus, and the Roman emperors were all worshipped at Pergamos. Thus, it would become a difficult city for Christians who refused to call Caesar "lord" and who refused to bow before man-made idols.

2) THE DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST - Revelation 2:12 - Here we see Christ pictured with the sharp two-edged sword which comes forth from His mouth (Revelation 1:16). This sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) which is able to divide soul and spirit, conquering the hearts and minds of men. Thus, we are shown Christ ready for battle. Yet let us realize that in this letter the war is not against the enemies of Christianity - the Jews or Romans. Instead, as we shall see, Christ has come to discipline and refine His church by the sword of the Word of God. We must remember that Christ wants a holy church, and certainly He is in our midst today to discipline and chasten us into His holy people. How will you stand up this morning as the sword of Christ examines and refines you? Will paganism and immorality be found in our midst?

3) THE PRAISE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:13 - The Christians living in Pergamos found the city to be the "throne" of Satan. One of their own had already been martyred in the city. Again, this was probably due to the fierce loyalty which the city held to the Roman government. Christians would refuse to bow to the emperor or worship at his temples. Through all of this tribulation and persecution, we find that the church of Pergamos remained faithful to the Lord. They did not deny Christ before the pagan multitudes.

4) THE REBUKE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:14, 15 - Yet, despite their loyalty to the name of Christ, there is still compromise in the midst of this church as some in their congregation "ate things offered to idols and committed sexual immorality." Here is a church which may faithfully stand for the name of Christ, while at the same time turn to pagan practices and immorality. This might seem incredible to us, and yet idolatry and immorality can easily be found today within the ranks of those who profess themselves to be Christians. A double-standard Christianity certainly exists, where men find themselves professing Christ with one hand while fellowshipping with the world with the other In the description of Pergamos' sin, we find Christ referring to the Old Testament incident of God's people in the wilderness, as they faced Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22-24; 31:16). When Balak could not destroy the children of Israel through outright war, he followed the plans of Balaam by introducing pagan idolatry and pagan women into their midst. So it is with the devil and the church. If he cannot destroy us through outright persecution, he will turn to the means of idolatry and immorality. By introducing them into the church in the form of worldliness and immorality, the devil can try to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. We should note that it would be these two areas which the Council at Jerusalem would warn the churches about (Acts 15:28,29). The people of God are not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:1,2). Many believers profess to reject the world, profess to reject worldly things, but secretly they are drinking from paganism and immorality. Thus, this morning we must truly examine our profession of faith and the actions which come from that profession. Are we saying we love Christ while at the same time living immoral and idolatrous lives in the world? What will Christ do to such people?

5) CHRIST'S WARNING TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:16 -These people are in need of a sharp rebuke, and it will come from the sword which proceeds from the mouth of Christ. If the church does not repent, if it does not turn from paganism and immorality, Christ will judge them with the Word of God. He will come to those who are compromising and they will have to fight against God. Who do you think will win in such a contest? Idolatry and immorality will not go unchecked in Christ's church. Either repent and put the evil away from you, or face the Son of God. How many have been removed from the church because they were not willing to repent, but were judged by Christ? Let us not take His warning lightly, but let us seriously examine our lives this morning, asking God for forgiveness and grace, mercy and cleansing, if we have committed idolatry or immorality against His holiness. To not do so will bring the wrath of the Son against us and the church.

6) CHRIST'S EXHORTATION TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:17 As in the other letters, we are called to listen attentively to what the Spirit of God says to the churches. Are we listening carefully? Are we examining ourselves for idolatry and immorality? A church which takes these letters seriously will find great blessing given to them from the Lord.

7) CHRIST'S PROMISES GIVEN TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS - Revelation 2:17 - "Hidden manna" and "a white stone with a new name" are the gifts given to those who overcome in Christ's name. It is unclear what Christ means absolutely in these gifts, yet we can find parallels in the Scriptures which may be used in giving us an idea of what is meant here. Manna was the bread given to God's people in the wilderness. The Christians in Pergamos were feeding from pagan idolatry and immorality, and were called to return to the food of God. Certainly the bread of the Christian is Christ Himself (John 6:32-35) and as manna was for the support and nourishment of God's people in the wilderness, so the Lord continues to feed us with His Son. It is "hidden" for it is only known to the people of God. No one else has the right to enjoy this but God's overcoming people. Here is the promise given to those who overcome. The "white stone with a new name" is a little more difficult to interpret. At best we may say that the "white" represents the holiness of God's people. In the Old Testament there were stones inscribed with the names of God's people set into the clothing of the high priest. In both Old and New Testaments, Christians are promised to be called by a new name (Isaiah 62:2; 65:15; Revelation 3:12; 14:1; 22:4), that is, the name of their God. So we see from Pergamos that we are not to identify ourselves with the world, for God's name is upon us. We are not to find our nourishment from the world, for the Lord feeds us with His Christ. Let us beware of mixing our faith with immorality and paganism. Such things are still possible for the church today! Let us repent of these evils, or else we shall find ourselves fighting with the Christ of Revelation!