Drip, Drip, Drip Series

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP

Revelation 2.12-17

S: Compromise

C: Tolerance of sin

Th: God Speaks to the Church

Pr: BE AN OBSTRUCTIONIST WHEN IT COMES TO SIN.

CV: “We will passionately pursue full devotion to Jesus Christ.”

I. THE CORRESPONDENT

II. THE CHURCH

III. THE COMMENDATION

IV. THE CONCERN

V. THE COMMAND

VI. THE COUNSEL

PA: How is the change to be observed?

• Realize that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are essential partners.

• Say “no” to sin, no matter how small it seems.

• Live with purity.

Version: ESV

RMBC 8 February 09 AM

INTRODUCTION:

ILL Purpose (S)

Frank Sosienski was a postman in Louisville, Kentucky, who didn’t want to deliver some of his mail. Perhaps he was tired of being chased by dogs. Perhaps it was the cold weather he disliked or the hot summertimes. Maybe the mail was heavy; maybe he wanted to quit his route just a little early each day. In any case, there were eventually complaints about mail not arriving, and they traced the problem back to Frank. When the postal authorities investigated, they found the mail that was missing. Most of it was in Frank’s attic. You see, over a six-year period he stashed away tons of other people’s mail. They discovered over 1200 bags of undelivered mail in Frank Sosienski’s attic.

Question: a mail carrier is supposed to… what?

Answer: To deliver the mail.

Truth is, a mail carrier who doesn’t deliver the mail hasn’t done a very good job of being what they’re supposed to be or doing what they’re supposed to do.

This story makes me ask another question…

What’s a Christian supposed to do?

A Christian is supposed to… what?

Well, there are many ways to talk about what a Christian is – what we are called to be and do.

One good definition is that that a Christian is someone whose faith is in Jesus Christ and is faithful in following Him.

A few weeks ago, we narrowed the responsibilities of a Christian down to four words: Love God, Love People.

We have been studying what Jesus has to say to the seven churches in Revelation.

So far, we have connected with the churches in Ephesus and Smyrna.

Today, we go north to Pergamum.

We study these churches in the realization that God is speaking to the church, even today.

You see, the question is not whether God is speaking, but rather, are we listening?

Alongside of that, we need to ask…

If God was talking directly to Randall, what would He say?

I consider that an intriguing question.

Would we want to hear what He has to say?

Or would we be ashamed to hear?

OUR STUDY:

Let’s note now what He says to the church in Pergamum:

(12) “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.”

I. THE CORRESPONDENT

Jesus is once again speaking.

But right from the very start, this does not sound like it is going to be a complimentary word, does it?

Because we end up asking the question…

Whose sword do you fear?

The text tells of a double-edged sword.

It is a sharp-biting sword.

And they represent Jesus’ words.

His words are full of potency and power.

Here is the thing, when Jesus speaks, He never wields a dull edge.

When God speaks, what He says happens.

He accomplishes what He intends to.

Therefore, it is important to note this…

It is more important to fear Christ’s sword than the sword of Rome.

It is more important for us to fear the words of Jesus than what man has to say, no matter how powerful they may seem.

II. THE CHURCH

The city of Pergamum was the capital of Asia.