Sermon Notes:
LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES
III. PERGAMUM: TRUTH
Revelation 2:12-17.
August 27, 2006
Introduction.
Pergamum-the Washington, DC of Asia. The Lord Jesus is saying that He knows their works and their suffering in a culture of paganism. The struggle in Pergamum was between Truth and error.
I. Christ’s concern for the Truth.
The Lord Jesus is deeply concerned for the preservation and propagation of The Truth. They tolerated heretics in their midst. The Lord Jesus is looking for believers who are committed heart, mind, strength and soul to The Truth. Love (Ephesus) and Truth (Pergamum) are held in perfect balance in the Word of God. Love becomes sentimental if not strengthened by Truth, and Truth becomes hard if not softened by Biblical Love. The Lord Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John14:6). “I bear witness to the Truth” (John 19:37). Notice the Lord Jesus’ concern for those who had wandered away from the Truth. “In essentials Unity; In non-essentials Liberty; In all things Charity,” Saint Augustine. We look at Christ the Rock…fully God and fully man. To be a Christian means that I believe the Truths of the Word of God, not simply in an academic manner, but, so much so that I act on those Truths. There is a personal commitment to Christ as Lord and God and I submit myself to Him. We cannot compromise on the issue of holiness in the Christian life. Christianity exalts Christ and living a life of righteousness. The entire first Epistle of John teaches this fact.
II. Christ’s recognition of the source of error.
The Lord Jesus tells them that satan rules in Pergamum. Notice, He believes in the existence of satan. The kingdom of satan retreats only as the Kingdom of God advances.
III. Christ’s resolve that Truth shall triumph over error.
He calls them to repentance for allowing false teaching. The he speaks of conquest by His Word. Our only weapon for defeating falsehood is God’s Word.
The reward Christ promises is the “hidden manna,” Christ Himself.
Are you holding the Truth in Love?
