Pergamos-The Worldly Church

“Pergamos-The Worldly Church” Revelation 2:12-17 INTRO. Pergamos was located about 20 miles inland from Smyrna. Like Ephesus and Smyrna, it was a wealthy city, but it was also a very wicked one. Pergamos was noted for its pagan religions and many heathen temples. Among others, they worshipped Dionysaus, the god of vegetation, and Aesculapius, the god of healing. There was a medical school attached to Aesculapius worship. and the well-known medical symbol-a serpent twined around a staff-first appeared there. A great altar dedicated to the Greek god Zeus was located there; along with a altar to Athena, patron goddess of Athens. Roman emperor worship was also practiced there beginning in 29 B. C. The citizens were required to burn incense at the foot of Caesar's statue to honor him as god. Those who refused were imprisoned. Satan had a firm stronghold on this city, yet The Church of Pergamos was started right where “Satan's seat (throne)” v.13 was! The Church was taking a stand in the midst of Satan worship and a conflict would soon arise. The LORD addresses The Church at Pergamos, in v12, "He that hath a sharp sword with two edges." In other words, the LORD revealed Himself as the One who judges through His Word. In Hebrews 4:12, The Scripture says, "The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Let us see what the LORD says to the Church of Pergamos and what it means to us as one of His Churches. NOTICE THE LORD'S: (1) Commendation Text: Revelation 2:13 *He commends them for 3 things: A. They were holding fast His Name (v. 13a) *There was a remnant of believers that loved the LORD and remained faithful to Him. B. They had not denied the Faith (v. 13b)

*They expressed their faith even though it might bring them death.

C. Christ recognized Antipas (v. 13c) *The LORD called him, “My faithful martyr.” Antipas means “against all”, He died faithful to Christ, denying all against Christ! (2) Condemnation Text: Revelation 2:14-15

*He Condemns them for 2 Things:

A. They tolerated the doctrine of Balaam (v. 14) *Balaam was a gifted prophet who used his gift for financial and worldly gain. He was hired by Balak, King of Moab, to pronounce a curse on Israel. Three times he tried but God restrained him. When Balaam couldn't curse Israel, he tried to get the men of Israel to marry Moabite women, thus committing spiritual comprise. *Christ names 3 practices in Balaam's doctrine that corrupted the believers in Pergamos: 1. Satan tried to entice the Church with the World (v. 14a) *Possibly by mixed marriages thus corrupting their walk with Christ. 2. Satan attempted to entice the Church to eat things sacrificed to idols (v. 14b). Thus satan could bring in idolatry. 3. Satan tried to entice the Church into fornication (v. 14c) B. They tolerated the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans (v. 15) *The doctrine held by some professing believers in the Church, stated they had the liberty in Christ to: Living licentious, deny God as creator, and freed them to eat food offered to idols. *What was a deed in Ephesus had become a doctrine in Pergamos. *The Name Pergamos means “married” and is a picture of the Church married to the world. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (3) Counsel Text: Revelation 2:16 A. Repent *True Repentance:

--Contrition of heart --Confession of sin --Change in conduct B. Recompense *The LORD Himself would come and fight the heresy with the Word of His Mouth. The LORD will not tolerate comprise in His Church! (4) Conquerors Text: Revelation 2:17 *Christ promises 3 things to overcomers: A. Hidden manna *Christ, our bread of life, gives spiritual food so we may overcome in this world. B. A White stone *Christ’s assurance to us who believe of acceptability and favor with God. This brought great comfort to the Pergamos believers who were facing satanic persecution. C. And in the stone, "A new Name" *This individualized name provided for each believer the personal and intimate relationship we will have with Christ in Glory.

CLOSING: The Church at Pergamos was situated around all sorts of satanic influence and persecution. Christ counseled them to be separate to Him and keep out of this world! The same warning must be heeded by us today!