Revelation - Week 5

Day 1

Letter to Pergamum

READ

Revelation 2:12

12 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword.”

The church in Pergamum was about 45 miles north of Smyrna. This description of Jesus is found in Revelation 1:16. The two-edged sword was in His mouth, and by it He could speak the universe into existence and armies out of existence. As the “Word” in John 1:1, the Lord Jesus was the expression of God. John 1:14 tells us the “Word became human and made his home among us.”

REFLECT

Think of the power in the tongue of the Lord, described as a two-edged sword. No one else has such great power and authority.

RESPOND

With your disciple, read Revelation 19:15 to see how Jesus, at His Second Coming to earth, will strike down the nations with the sword that comes from His mouth.

Day 2

Satan's Throne

READ

Revelation 2:13

13 “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.”

Pergamum was a key center for cult worship, including emperor worship. No wonder it could be said that Satan had his throne there, because he was dominating the area. Those in the church had remained faithful to the Lord Jesus and had not denied their Lord and Savior. This was in spite of one of their own being martyred, perhaps for not being willing to worship the emperor.

REFLECT

Have the difficulties and persecution of other believers caused you to stand stronger for your faith? That is the testimony of some who have experienced such.

RESPOND

Talk with your friend about where you live today. Although not the same as Pergamum, there is the worship of other gods in your midst. It may only be the god of materialism, but that is an idol if it comes between you and God. Read Matthew 6:24 to see one cannot serve two masters.

Day 3

A Few Complaints

READ

Revelation 2:14-15

14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. 15 In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching.”

After commending the church of Pergamum, Jesus now had some complaints against them. The mention of the Nicolaitans gives additional insight into what their heresy was about, as they were also mentioned by name in the complaint against the church of Ephesus in 2:6. Balaam had taught Israel to compromise with immorality and idolatry. Hypocrisy and compromise should never be the characteristics of believers. You can read the full story in Numbers 22 – 24.

REFLECT

Have there been times you have compromised what you believe because of pressure from friends? What will you do the next time such temptation comes?

RESPOND

With your disciple, read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 to see Paul’s response to the Corinthian believers were also struggling with eating food offered to idols.

Day 4

Repent

READ

Revelation 2:16

16 “Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” 

Jesus exhorts those in Pergamum to repent (change their minds) about their sin. If not, He would come to them and bring judgment by the sword of His mouth. Believers have eternal life if they believe in Jesus for salvation (see John 3:16). God disciplines believers, however, for dishonoring Him. Discipline by an earthly parent is a sign of love and protection of a child; God also does this with His own.

REFLECT

Read Hebrews 12:7-11 and discuss with your friend what the passage says about God’s chastening.

RESPOND

Talk with your friend about any chastening experienced as a result of dishonoring God. Be honest with each other and gain strength by realizing it is a common experience and believers need to support each other at such times.

Day 5

Manna from Heaven

READ

Revelation 2:17

17 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.”

“Anyone” refers to everybody reading or hearing this message. The manna from heaven had to do with spiritual sustenance. Jesus referred to Himself as the “living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). It is doubtful what is meant by the white stone, but the main thing is it indicated approval. Sometimes used in legal cases; other times at athletic contests; even as an indication of welcoming guests. Jesus will someday welcome all believers to His home.

REFLECT

Is it your desire to please Jesus in all you do regardless of the cost? This will honor the One who gave His life for you.

RESPOND

Discuss with your friend what you have learned from the message to the church in Pergamum. What lessons for the Christian life does it give you?