The Church At Pergamos

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

The Church At Pergamos

Text: Revelation 2:12-17 IBCSS October 15, 2006

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

There’s always a tendency for people to be more interested with the world’s current and future events than with the past events because they think that yesterday’s occurrences are just vanishing shadows of things in the past and sometimes they are counted as not so relevant in the so called “Modernized Society”.

In a deeper sense, we believe that recorded accounts of the past are not just fading part of human history, but messages-filled narratives that could contribute to man’s needed solution to contemporary problems. They could also stir up our moral and spiritual consciousness so we may be led to a better and God-pleasing life.

If we are looking for insight-giving stories, the Bible is an excellent Book that could offer us amazing lessons to be considered. It will not only widen our knowledge concerning the significance of the past, but will also deepen our spiritual understanding as we grow in the Lord. Truly, the Bible is a needful Book for every generation.

Many may not be aware, but the Bible account of “The Message to the Church at Pergamus” conveys an important warning to compromising believers in this flesh-friendly world. Christians are the lights of the world shining for Christ and they should not be in fellowship with people of darkness. True Christians should not become men pleaser but pleasing God at all times. The Lord knows His people’s activities and He expects them to walk in the way of truth.

In Revelation 2:12-16, it is written, And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (KJV) Jesus is the Truth and that’s simply the reason why He rebukes His followers every time He sees them not in line with the principles of Truth.

A careful study on the Lord’s message to the Church at Pergamos will give us understanding on the importance of being watched and warned by the Lord especially when His Church is being threatened by the wiles of the devil. We really need the Word of God in our churches today to guard us from the roaring waves of worldliness which drown weak believers in a tragic way.

(I) Their Works And Faith

Revelation 2:12-13

-Known before the Lord

-Stood in the midst of spiritual darkness

The Church at Pergamos depicts a strong and faithful congregation in the midst of Satan’s stronghold. Even the Lord was aware of their remarkable testimony during beyond-normal situation. They did not deny the Lord, neither were they intimidated by severe persecution from satanic people. A faithful Christian living in a free country is good, but a strong and faithful believer fighting in the enemies’ territory is surely an amazing thing.

One notable Christian in Pergamos was Antipas, a faithful martyr of the Lord Jesus Christ who was commended by the Lord because of his exemplary and inspiring faith. How we wish we have Antipas-like Christians in our local churches today who could endure cruel persecutions and possess the courage to give their lives for the sake of the Truth. We really need to pray for men of faith and courage. Their visible presence in the church is an exceptional jewel to be treasured.

(II) Their Worldly Compromise

Revelation 2:14-15 (Numbers 25)

-Displeased the Lord

-Threatened the Church

When a fruitful and faithful congregation displays its strength for the glory of God, the devil will surely be displeased. That’s precisely what happened to the people of God in the wilderness. Israel was so powerful during the leadership of Moses that even Balak could not prevent them from conquering nations; but through Balaam counsel, Israel was defeated in a crafty way. The sin of compromise kindled the anger of the Lord and many of them lost their lives.

Obviously, many strong Christian ministries in the past lost their credibility and power to proclaim the Truth because they were ensnared by the doctrine of Balaam. Balaam has long been dead, but his presence in another form is still well alive today, destroying Christians’ lives through compromise, questionable beliefs and practices. In Romans 12:1-2, it is written, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) These passages warn us not to conform to the ways of the world, but to have a Bible-based mindset so we could prove what is right and fulfill the will of God in a marvelous way.

In Revelation 2:15, it is written, So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (KJV) The believers in Pergamos not only embraced the doctrine of Balaam, but also followed the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. This wicked manner of leadership threatened the Church in Pergamos and the Lord hated it because it was not the kind of doctrine He taught to His early followers. Christians today should guard themselves from this heresy so they may not be trapped by its evil principles.

Remembering what the Apostle Peter wrote in his epistle will protect us from worldly philosophies especially when it comes to church leadership and lifestyle. In I Peter 5:2-4, it is written, Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (KJV) These are relevant passages that should be applied in the ministry of the Lord. True servants of the Lord must live a Christ-like life and must guard their hearts from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life.

(III) Their Ultimate Warning

Revelation 2:16-17

-The needed repentance

-The rewarding challenge

Apparently, a lot of people have little knowledge about the place called Pergamos. It is recorded in the Bible, but its spiritual significance is unknown to many. It’s high time to consider God’s Word because we believe that the Lord’s warning to the believers in Pergamos is still the same warning we need to hear and take heed today.

In Revelation 2:16-17, it is written, Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (KJV) These verses teach the importance and blessing of true repentance. The devil wants to destroy our God-given ministry and he is trying to trap us by his enticing and deceitful offers. We really need the help of the Lord. We must be faithful to Him and be reliant to His Word so we could overcome the world by using the power of God. Let us therefore, stay pleasing before the Lord till He comes, and surely, we will be rewarded.

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