Dear Church…: Week 3 June 28, 2020 Revelation 2:12-17

Warming Up

1. Share with the group a time when you were able to stand up for Christ and your faith in Him. What were the circumstances? How did that experience impact you?

Knowing the Gospel…

2. What do you think Christ was referring to in verse 12 when he mentions the “sharp two-edged sword”? See Rev. 1:16, Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12. Why do you think this is mentioned specifically in the letter to Pergamum? What does Hebrews 4:12 tell us about the working of Scripture in a person’s life? How does it do the things described? (judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow)? How has it done that in your life?

3. In verse 13 we are introduced to a person named Antipas. What was significant about him? What is significant about the way Jesus described him? (See Rev. 1:5). In Heb. 11:36-39, how does the author describe believers such as Antipas?

4. Read Rev. 2:6 and then 2:14-15. Compare the attitude in Ephesus to the attitude in Pergamum towards the Nicolaitan teaching (living with license especially in the areas of sexual immorality). What was the difference? What was Jesus’ response to both churches? How does a church remain vigilant like Ephesus? How does a church become lax like Pergamum in this area?

Living the Gospel…

5. Jesus warned that he warned in Rev. 2:16 that he will come to Pergamum as the judge. What do we learn from these verses about Jesus as Judge? 1 Cor. 4:5, 11:30- 32, James 4:12, 5:9. How do these verses impact your life personally?

6. In verse 13, Jesus commends the church at Pergamum. What did he commend them for? How would you summarize this commendation? How can we stand firm as followers of Christ in the face of opposition? Read Eph. 6:10-18. How do we actually live out “putting on the armor of God”?

7. Jesus called Pergamum the place where Satan dwells and has his throne. Pretty strong words. What are areas of our society where we have allowed Satan to rule, gain power, and have influence? What are some examples of how we might subtly deny Christ—as individuals—as a church?

Telling the Gospel…

8. How, as a Christian, can a person maintain a good testimony during times of persecution?

9. How does a person overcome fear of “persecution” when sharing the gospel?

Next Week: Dear Church….Thyatira Rev. 2:18-29