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Past Ponderings

Sunday, December 4, 2016

PONDERING: Constant or Compromising?: A Lesson from Pergamum (Rev 2:12:17)

Constant or Compromising?: A Lesson from Pergamum

GIST: Stand strong in the faith; do not compromise or tolerate sin, and there will be provision this world could never offer. 
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 2:12-17

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.
13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’


BACKGROUND: THE THRONE OF SATAN
     Again, we come to a prominent city in Asia Minor. In fact, Pergamum, once a kingdom in itself, saw Rome as its best chance of survival, and in 133 BC turned itself over to Roman control. Physically, it was centered around a large hill, about 1,000 feet above a plain (John MacArthur). Though it was not a port city like Ephesus, it's prestige was such that it became the capital of Asia Minor. At the time of this letter, it had been enjoying that status for around two hundred years.
     Like the previous cities, Pergamum was also a cultural center. It was known for its sciences, and boasted a 200,000 volume library, second only to the Library of Alexandria (John MacArthur).     However, also like the other cities, it was the seat of much pagan worship. Jesus calls it 'where Satan's throne is'. There has been much speculation about what exactly this refers to, but I do not know that it needs to be any one thing in particular. Yes, there was a massive idol to Zeus on his throne. Yes, there were thrones to Ascelpius, the healer, whose symbol was the snake and who's healing practices sometimes involved letting snakes crawl all over your body to 'infuse you with their power'. Yes, several other false gods had temples in Pergamum (like Athena, worldly wisdom, and Dionysus, drunkenness). Yes, there was a massive altar for Caesar worship (possibly even the first of its kind). So, again, it doesn't need to be one specific area of sin which marked this town as Satan's Throne; it was prevailing.

MESSAGE: BE CONSTANT AND COMPROMISE NOT 
1. Stand strong in the faith/the truth
     This letter starts by identifying it's sender: him who has the sharp two-edged sword. Therefore, the letter starts with a tone of judgement. There is some heart piercing which needs to be done. However, it's starts on a positive note. This church, though surrounded by the work of Satan (sin), and having witnessed the martyrdom of Antipas (of whom we really only know this one, great truth--he was a faithful witness to Christ), held fast to Jesus (the name, His truth) and did not deny His faith.
     This is no small deed. These Christians are surrounded by lies, but have not yet rejected the truth. We must be like this. No matter the pressure or persecution, we must stand firm on the truth of Jesus.
     AND, like Pergamum, we also need to remember that in this standing-->

2. Do not compromise or tolerate sin     Maybe I should just summarize this whole point by quoting Paul's letter to the Corinthians: "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”- 1 Corinthians 15:33. What was going on in Pergamum that this message gets paired with the previous, 'good job standing firm'? There are two references here. One is to the Old Testament account of Balaam, who after not cursing Israel, and having a nice chat with his donkey (Numbers 22) ends up leading the people astray anyway (Numbers 31:15). The second reference is again to the Nicolaitans of whom we know little. However, it is very likely these groups are one in the same. What are they doing? They are teaching compromise. Urging the people to get close to the sacrificing made to false gods and engage in sexual immorality. Why? This is the throne of Satan. This city is surrounded by sin. It is easier to compromise than to confront--especially when you're out numbered.
     And notice this, the whole church isn't following these teachings. Jesus even says, "Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth." There are still those of the you who are not part of the them. BUT, they know about it and are just letting it happen. And the more you "turn a blind eye" to sin, the more likely you to start embracing it yourself.
     Oh, please hear this warning. This church is still claiming the truths of Jesus. This church has not stopped believing. BUT, this church is compromising with the sinful world around it and allowing the wrong that is happening outside seep in. AND because of this, is inviting Jesus to come war against them! Jesus died to bring us peace. We were haters of God at war with Him, but if we have given Him our lives, we're new. So, can we be at peace and war simultaneously? No. That's the point.
     Pause. Where are you compromising? How are you spending your time? What are you "ok" with that you know Jesus is not? It is so tempting to compromise, but if we don't-->

3. And there will be provision this world could never offer.
     Again, this letter ends with awesome promises for those who listen:
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’
     Manna: This is what God used to feed His people in the wilderness. It came down from Heaven and took care of their daily needs. The promise? Provision that none of the compromise of Pergamum could ever afford. It might seem like giving in is the only option. Don't forget the God you serve.
     White Stone: There is, of course, speculation about this. However, there are two ancient traditions which seem most prominent. First, a white stone was sometimes used as a sign of victory in athletic competitions. Like a trophy, the name of the winner was chiseled into the stone. Another was connected the the legal system. Guilty parties were given black stones; the innocent were given white. So, which is it? ... Yes.
     New Name: What is this name? He just said we wouldn't know. :D. Like many of the far more intelligent commentators I have read, I believe this is a reference to our adoption by Christ. "17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17. This is a personal change. We cannot see the hearts of others. It is only between us and Jesus.

Conclusion?
Stand strong in the faith; do not compromise or tolerate sin, and there will be provision this world could never offer.

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