116. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 11: Church #3 - Pergamos

Revelation 2:12-17

 

In some ways, persecution is easier to bear than the invitation to join the world because persecution is direct opposition, whereas compromise can seem inviting. One of the greatest dangers of the Pergamos mentality is the subtle lie that if you live your life totally devoted to God, it will be a waste. But if we follow after Christ, find clarity in His World, and look at the godly role models around us, we can have the right perspective. Don’t believe the lies and propaganda of the idolatrous world, let God’s Word divide out the truth.

Pergamos: the Lax church

  I. The Location (literal local church)

• • The capital of Asia Minor, seat of authority
  • In the course of the world and of geopolitics
  • The church was prone to be mixed with the world
  • Many compromised to join the culture’s welcome (verse)
  • One of the greatest dangers of the Pergamos mentality is the subtle lie that if you live your life totally devoted to God, it will be a waste
  • In some ways, persecution is easier to bear because it is direct opposition, whereas the tendency to compromise and give into a welcoming environment can be harder in some cases I really think

 II. The Likeness of Christ

• • God’s Word discerns our hearts

III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings)

• • The good, after Christ and good examples
    • Holding fast the name of Christ
    • Not denying the faith
    • Antipas, the faithful martyr - look at him, he was all-in for the Lord and look where it got him, it cost him his life… what a waste… but God praises him and uses his example as a model and a mentor that we should follow. It is good to have godly role models and be 1