2012.08.19.Sermon. Pergamos
William Akehurst, HSWC
No Compromise Faith. Keep pure and to God’s Word.
The message to the 7 churches of Revelation are as pertinent today as it was when it was written. We all should learn as the LORD points out the flaws in the Church that needs attention. Pray for our nation, as we desperately need the LORD!
Revelation 2:11-17
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 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.
14 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.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 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.
-We live in a corrupt world (Satan’s seat) Pergamos was the place of Zeus
-Live above the Temptation
-Don’t be a hindrance or stumblingblock to others, corrupting others.
-Keep the faith, pure and simple.
-There is reward
Each address to the 7 churches follows a simple pattern:
Introduction, Commendation, Reproof, Admonition, Warning, Application
INTRODUCTION - The sharp sword with two edges is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The 2 edged sword cuts two ways. One way is for conviction, the other is for destruction. With one edge Christ fights for us, with the other against us. The Church of Pergamos is threatened that unless it repents the sharp sword with two edges will be turned against it.
COMMENDATION – I know your works
You’ve held fast to my name and have not denied the faith
I know where you live. It’s a bad place.
Heralded by Jesus Himself in this Revelation, Antipas was the first martyr of the Christians by the Romans. Jesus commends Anitpas as one who overcame, even unto death.
Anipas’ testimony did not reach the thousands as Paul’s did, Anitpas’ testimony was only in Pergamos. (be effective where you are)
Illustration:
What would you do if you were the only Christian in your circle of influence?
If you are the only Christian in the shop, the store, or the office where you work, a peculiar: responsibility rests upon you, a responsibility which no other one shares with you. You are Christ's only witness in your place. If you do not testify there for Him, there is no other one who will do it.
A young lady, Miss Havergal, tells of her experience in the girls' school at Dusseldorf Germany. She went there soon after she had become a Christian and had confessed Christ. Her heart was very warm with love for her Saviour, and she was eager to speak for Him. To her amazement, however, she soon learned that among the hundred girls in the school she was the only Christian. Her first thought was one of dismay — she could not confess Christ in that great company of worldly, unchristian companions. Her gentle, sensitive heart shrank from a duty so hard. Her second thought, however, was that she could not refrain from confessing Christ. She was the only one Christ had there, and she must be faithful. "This was very bracing," she writes. "I felt I must try to walk worthy of my calling for Christ's sake. It brought a new and strong desire to bear witness for my Master. It made me more watchful and earnest than ever before, for I knew that any slip in word or deed would bring discredit on my Master." She realised that she had a mission in that school, that she was Christ's witness there, His only witness, and that she dare not fail.
REPROOF – “But I have a few things against thee.” They are only two, but they are both of a serious nature. The one is compliance with idolatrous practices, the other the encouragement they had given to heretical sentiments.
The doctrine of Balaam
The "doctrine of Balaam" is spoken of in Revelation 2:14, in allusion to the fact that it was through the teaching of Balaam that Balak learned the way by which the Israelites might be led into sin. Balaam was constrained to utter prophecies regarding the future of Israel of wonderful magnificence and beauty of expression (Numbers 24:5-9, 17).
Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans
The church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:6) is commended for hating the "deeds" of the Nicolaitanes, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for having them who hold their "doctrines" (15). They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul's doctrine of grace (Comp. 2 Peter 2:15, 16, 19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine of Baalam, Revelation 2:14.
ADMONITION – “Repent”
Turn, Change, Get Right
WARNING – “Or else I will come unto thee quickly”
Judgment, Correction, Consequence
APPLICATION – “To him that overcometh” there is reward.
I give to eat of the hidden manna
I will give him a white stone,
and in the stone a new name written
Hidden Manna, A White Stone (Clean Slate), New Name – Treasures of Heaven
HIDDEN MANNA
The secret substance and nourishment for spiritual life. Come down from heaven.
As the manna came for sustenance to the Israel journey through the wilderness to the promised land.
This is the real hidden manna for all who overcome the journey to the promised land.
Instead of feasting on things offered to idols (things of the world), Christ will satisfy us with the true Bread of heaven.
Jesus said, John 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Christ is the soul’s Bread, Portion, and in HIM the soul has everything it needs.
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Psalms 119:57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
A WHITE STONE
A clean slate, a stone of acquittal.
A Precious Stone, as a trophy of the highest degree.
A NEW NAME
In the stone a new name written. The Ephod Stones on the Breastplate contained the names of each of the Tribes of Jacob.
The white stone with the new name, Christ’s personal assurance of membership in God’s Family.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Example of a stone and a new name:
Zacharias asked for a stone at the naming of his son – John (the Baptist)
Luke 1:62-64 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
A name given by the FATHER, being called by the LORD Himself. Knowing HIS DIVINE NAME for us.
When a child is born into a family, it is given a name, and inherits the name of it’s father. The same in the Family of the LORD GOD.
To be the children of the world would invoke Jesus’ words, “I never knew you”. Matt 7.23
But a new name is given
Admission to higher privilege and favor.
Abraham, Sarah, Israel, Peter, Paul and others
New names of new grace and favor from God.
This is a promise to the Church.
We must overcome the things of this world, and it is only possible through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
