Springs Of Life Bible Church - Pergamum

Audio of Sermon
Press > to Listen
Right-Click Here to Download

<a href="http://pl.b5z.net/i/u/6046325/m/2009-03-15.mp3">Play the media using the stand alone Player</a>

		Pergamum - Part 2

LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM Part 2
Revelation 2:12-17

REVIEW
I. CHRIST'S GREETING TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM 2:12a

II. CHRIST'S SELF-DESIGNATION 2:12b

III. CHRIST'S COMMENDATION OF THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM 2:13

IV. CHRIST'S CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM 2:14-16
In the Pergamum church there were those holding fast to Christ's name and not denying the faith, and there were those who were caving in to the worldly influences around them.

Refusing to partake in eating meats sacrificed to idols and refusing to attend the heathen festivals meant withdrawal from a great part of the whole social life of that time.

The social pressures for not fitting in with the world made it difficult to find work and support your family. You were literally considered an outcast by society.

A number of professing Christians at Pergamum were following the teachings of the Nicolaitans and were turning the grace of God into a license to sin.

The teaching and reasoning of the Nicolaitans was completely counter to Scripture. The Bible makes it clear that grace motivates and leads to righteousness, not sin. Romans 5:21-6:2

V. CHRIST'S COMMAND TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM 2:16
The only remedy for sinful behavior is to repent. "Repent" is from a Greek word used to describe a change of mind that results in a change of behavior.

Two things are in view here. First, there will be judgment for those compromising with the world and practicing sin who refuse to repent. Secondly, there will be severe discipline for the rest of the church for tolerating it.

Like many churches today, the church at Pergamum failed to obey the biblical mandate to practice church discipline. Matthew 18:15-17

The goal of the church is not to provide an environment where unbelievers can just feel comfortable. It is to be a place where they can hear the truth, be convicted of their sins, and get right with God.

VI. CHRIST'S COUNSEL TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM 2:17
Christ concludes His letter with words of encouragement. By saying, he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, Jesus is stressing the vital importance of His words to the church and their responsibility to hear and obey them.

Christ promises three things to the faithful members of the church at Pergamum
First, to those who overcome, Jesus promises to give them some of the hidden manna.

The hidden manna represents Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, who came down from heaven. John 6:48-50

Christ is the "hidden manna" in that He is hidden from the world but revealed to those the Father has given Him. "I know my sheep and my sheep know Me." John 10:14

Second, to those who overcome, Jesus promises to give a white stone

The stone represents the person who receives it, just as in Israel the twelve tribes were represented by twelve precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest.

The stone which is given to those who overcome is white, symbolizing the holiness, beauty, and glory that are his in Christ. The stone itself symbolizes durability and imperishability.

Third , to those who overcome, Jesus promises a new name which no one knows but he that receives it.

The Greek word here translated "new" does not mean new in contrast to old, but new in the sense of a different quality. Thus the new name has to do with a new relation to Jesus, revealed in a glorious transformed character. 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 10:3

The new name will serve as each believer's admission pass into eternal glory. It will uniquely reflect God's special love for every one of His true children.

The opposite of this truth is horrifying when we read Matthew 7:22-23