September 4, 2016
Evening Service

Revelation 1:10-11  I came to be in the Spirit in the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,  (11)  saying, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.” Also, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

·         We have made it through the first two letters to Ephesus and Smyrna.  Ephesus was encouraged to return to their first love.  Smyrna was praised for their works and for enduring tribulations.  They were also warned that the tribulation was not over, and to be “faithful until death.”

 

Pergamos- The name of the city means “high tower” or “thoroughly married.”  It is a city in the Roman province of Asia which is now Turkey just north of Smyrna.  It held a commanding position seaward and overlooked the broad valley of Caicus.  The first imperial temple was built there in 29 BC which worshiped the emperor of Rome as divine.  It was also home to many other pagan cults that worshipped Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and many others.  

 

Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: He who has the sharp sword with two edges says these things.

·         Jesus here describes Himself as the bearer of a “sharp sword with two edges.”  The Roman proconsul always used the term of “the power of the sword” as the one exercising judgement.  

·         The Hebrew writer referred to God’s Word as a two-edged sword.

 

Hebrews 4:12  For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

·         Either view of this fits perfectly in regards to our Lord.  He is our Judge and His Word is the truth that cuts away all false teachings.

 

Revelation 2:13 I know your works, and where you live, even where Satan's throne is . And you hold fast My name and have not denied My faith, even in those days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

·         First the good news; He knows their good works and their faithfulness to hold fast their faith. God is very aware of what we do and why we do it.

·          It is believed Antipas was the first martyr in Asia.  He was killed for refusing to deny his faith and worship the emperor.

·         The reference to Satan’s throne no doubt referred to the many cults based there.  Despite being surrounded by paganism the church remained loyal.

 

Are we being faithful even in the face of persecution? 

Are there actions in our lives that could actually deny our faith?

Will we have enough faith to remain faithful even unto death?

Revelation 2:14-15  But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.  (15)  So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

 

·         The church was rebuked for allowing (or tolerating) those who were false teachers to continue in Christian fellowship.  The text explains their teaching well as they allowed idol worship and sexual immorality to be part of their Christian teachings.

·         We have discussed the Nicolaitans earlier and their teaching was quite similar.  One commentary explained their teachings as one that instituted a separation of the clergy and the common people.  “Niko” means conqueror referring to the clergy and “laity” means the people.  The false teaching placed the church leaders at a higher level coming between God and the people.  This eventually led to the establishment of the leadership structure in the Catholic Church.

·         Notice that in verse 15, Jesus says He “hates” their doctrine.  We must confront false teachers, but we must do it in love.

 

Are we “tolerant” of false teaching in our midst?

Do we “hate” the false doctrines or the people who speak them?

 

Revelation 2:16 Repent! But if not I will come to you quickly, and will fight with them by the sword of My mouth.

·         Here again there is a strong cry to repent.  Turn from the evil path we are walking and begin in a new direction.  This is the answer we are given anytime we find ourselves on the wrong path.  Admit we are wrong, ask for God’s forgiveness, and choose a new direction that pleases our Savior.

·         It is through God’s Word that we are able to see the need for repentance. 

·         If they choose not to the Lord Himself will fight them.

 

Are we too proud to admit when we are wrong and repent?

Are we willing to make changes in our lives that the Word clearly shows us that need to be made?

 

Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it .

·         He closes the letter again with a cry to listen to what is being said, listen and act.

·         He promises for the overcomers to eat of the hidden manna.  It may refer to the “sweet, secret communion” a believer enjoys with his Savior.  The deep peace of knowing Jesus personally.  The type of relationship that spiritually nurtures a Christian’s soul with the fuel we need to carry on.

 

 

·         He also promises that the overcomer will be given a “white stone with a new name written on it.”  The explanations vary here, but all seem to fit.

·          A white stone was used as a symbol of acquittal in a legal case.   It is through the blood of Christ that we are ourselves forgiven or found “not guilty.”

·         A stone also was a symbol of victory in an athletic event.  We have won the battle against sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord.

·         It was also used as a welcome symbol a host would give to a guest.  Jesus is welcoming His faithful followers to a place that will be our eternal home.

 

Are we doing our best to be overcomers?

Are we enjoying the “hidden manna” of a close relationship with Him?

Do we consider ourselves as victors or do we act like we are defeated?

Does the fact that we will be welcome in heaven one day fuel you to be able to endure tribulation?

 

Lord, may we hear Your Word and allow it to work in our lives to bring about the changes that will please You.