Sermon: Church at Pergamum
Series: The Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation
Bible Passage: Revelation 2:12-1

I. Jesus introduces Himself as superior than the Roman governor of Asia
1. The phrase “the One Who has the Sharp Double-Edged Sword” contrast the Roman title Ius Gladii meaning “the One Who has the Supreme Jurisdiction”
2. The one who has the power to absolve and the power to condemn to death

II. There seems to be a reason why God has placed the believers in Pergamum
1. It had a seat of Satan (2:13)
2. It killed God’s faithful witness, Antipas (2:13)
3. It had teachers who turned believers away from sound doctrines (2:13-14)

III. Jesus praised Christians for:
1. Living in Pergamum despite Satan’s throne (verse 13)
2. Remaining true to His name (verse 13)
3. Not renouncing their faith in Jesus in the midst of early persecution (verse 13)

IV. Jesus points something which needs immediate correction
1. They were influenced by wrong teachers (2:14-15)

a. Compromise for the sake of monetary benefits (Balaam type—proverbial)
b. Life-style consistent with the culture but inconsistent with the Gospel—Nicolaitans
c. Toleration of sinful (ungodly) behaviors

2. Repentance of those who compromised and tolerated (2:16)
3. Failure to repent is Jesus’ exercise of His Sovereign punishment (2:16) —Jesus’ pronouncement of judgment upon the church
4. Those who repent receive

a. Hidden Manna (2:17)
b. A White Stone with a new name (2:17) —a vote of acquittal or favor

V. Theology of the passage
1. Jesus is pleased when believers persevere for their faith and live missional
2. Jesus is not pleased when believers do not persevere but compromised with the society and tolerate sins
3. Jesus rewards when believers repent

TAKE AWAY
Repent from compromises with the world and tolerance towards sins and enjoy provisions from God