Seven, Pergamum – David Nasser

Overview:
Just as the church at Ephesus and Smyrna, the church at Pergamum was guilty of allowing the world to come into the church instead of allowing the Lord to use them as a means to influence the world around them. Known as “the city of thrones”, they were notorious for having many idols including alters to Zeus, Athena, and the first alter of cult emperor worship dedicated to Emperor Augustus. As a result, Jesus gave Pergamum the title “throne of Satan.” Pergamum was a conservative church who found every step of their mission to reach their community to be an uphill battle. This struggle (just as with the other 6 churches) came because of the church’s propensity to allow other gods to occupy the throne that only Jesus deserved. As the church, Christ requires 100% dedication from his bride and nothing less.

Each letter has a common pattern:

• Description of Christ
• Description of the Church
• Decree for the Church
• Declaration of Hope

Jesus is saying:

• Dedication Matters
• Declaration Matters
• Doctrine Matters

These three complement each other not contradict and should play out into the decisions that we make and how we live our lives.

Verses:
Revelation 2:12-17

12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Quotes:
“Discernment is the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.” (John MacArthur)
“Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity”

– Charles Spurgeon

Questions:
1. As you think about your life, what god(s) can draw you away from serving the true God while you outwardly look enthusiastic for the things of God? Explain how this happens when you start out so strong for God?

2. How does the “two-edged sword” both cut and heal in your life?

3. According to tonight’s Scripture, Dedication, Declaration, Doctrine, and Discernment are necessary to live the Victorious life. Unpack each of these, and how they should shape Your life?

4. How does doctrine and declaration complement your faith?

5. What part of tonight’s Scripture is God calling you to go deeper in? How are you going to flesh it out?

6. Tonight, what declaration of faith is God calling you to proclaim out loud?