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.
OPEN IT:
When is tolerance a good thing? When is it a bad thing?
DIG INTO IT:
1. Read Revelation 2:12 (compare with Heb 4:12-13 & John 1:1) and answer the following questions:
Rev 2:12.
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
Heb 4:12-13
12. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
John 1:1
1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
a) How is the Word of God like a sword? What specific things can you do with both?
b) Why does Jesus begin with this particular description of Himself?
2. Read Revelation 2:13 and answer the following questions:
Rev 2:13.
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.
a) Does it comfort you to know that Jesus knows where you live? Why or why not?
b) What does it mean to say that “Satan has his throne” in their city? Where is Satan’s throne today?
c) What does Jesus commend the Church for?
3. Read Revelation 2:14-16 and answer the following questions:
Rev 2:14.
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.
a) What specific sins does Jesus rebuke the Church for?
b) Did the church actually commit sin; just tolerate sin, or both?
4. Read Revelation 2:17 and answer the following questions:
Rev 2:17
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.
a) What two gifts are given to the person who overcomes?
b) Based on this verse, does it appear that Jesus is confident some will repent?
REFLECT ON IT:
1. Would it be accurate to describe our town as a place where “Satan has his throne”? Why or why not?
2. How can the church be loving to those with whom we disagree, yet also take a stand on biblical principles?
3. Do you look more to the Word of God for direction, or to the culture around you? Which is more effective?
4. What impact does Jesus being a “double-edged sword” have on your life?
5. If you could pick the “new name” that Jesus will give you as an over comer, what name would you choose and why?
6. How can we pray for you today?
PRAY ABOUT IT:
“There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.” ~ D.A.T. Pierson
Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (pp. 32-34). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.