“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2:12-17
A. The Head of the Church in Pergamum
1. He judges His church: Rev. 2:12; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 19:15
2. He judges by His Word: Rev. 2:12; Hebrews 4:12
3. He protects by His Word: Ps. 119:9, 24, 76, 98, 114; Eph. 6:17
B. His commendations to the church at Pergamum
1. Perseverance for Christ’s Name: Rev. 2:13b; Acts 4:8-12
2. Perseverance for Christ’s faith: Rev. 2:13c; Acts 4:13-20
C. His condemnations to the church at Pergamum
1. Tolerance of false teaching
– Teaching of Balaam: Revelation 2:14
– Teaching of the Nicolaitans: Revelation 2:15
2. Lack of discernment
– Satan’s presence: Rev. 2:13, John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:3-4
– Satan’s activity: Rev. 2:13
D. His warnings to the church at Pergamum
1. His warfare against false teachers: Rev. 2:16
2. His correction of passive believers: Rev. 2:16
E. His rewards to the overcomers in Pergamum
1. White manna: Rev. 2:17
– The Word of God: Matthew 4:4
– The Lord Jesus: John 6:48-51; Col. 3:1-4
2. White stone: Rev. 2:17
3. New name: Rev. 2:17; Rev. 3:12
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
1. Be on guard against a compromising life.
2. Elect discerning leaders who fear God more than people.
3. We must endure suffering for truth.
4. Study to know the wiles and methods of Satan.
5. Keep our eyes on the prize – fellowship with Christ in heaven