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Christ’s Letters to the Churches-3 Revelation 2:12-17

Christ’s Letters to the Churches-3 Revelation 2:12-17. General Characteristics of Christ’s Seven Letters-1. They are addressed to the seven churches in Asia (Asia Minor)- V4 Located in what is now Turkey

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Christ’s Letters to the Churches-3 Revelation 2:12-17

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  1. Christ’s Letters to the Churches-3Revelation 2:12-17

  2. General Characteristics of Christ’s Seven Letters-1 • They are addressed to the seven churches in Asia (Asia Minor)- V4 • Located in what is now Turkey • All were facing strong pressure and persecution from the Jews, the Romans and their idolatrous neighbors • They struggled against the same sins that christians face today • General outline of the letters: 1. Each letter begins with an address

  3. General Characteristics of Christ’s Seven Letters-2 2. Each contains a description of Christ its author 3. These are followed by a commendation for their good works • There are none mentioned for the churches in Sardis and Laodicea 4.Jesus then rebuked them for the sins common among them • The churches at Philadelphia and Smyrna received no rebuke 5. Then those guilty of sin are urged to repent and warned of the consequences if they do not 6. Each letter ends with a promise for the faithful

  4. Asia Minor in the First Century

  5. The City of Pergamos • Chief city of Mysia in the Caicus valley northeast of Smyrna • A city of culture with a large library • Parchment was invented in Pergamos • It contained an altar to Zeus • Asklepios was also worshipped there • A temple to Augustus Caesar was built there in 29 B.C. • Later a shrine there was dedicated to the emperor Trajan • Christians there were pressured to engage in pagan worship

  6. Christ’s Description of Himself • He who has the sharp two-edged sword- V12 • Associated with Christ in other places in this book- 1:16 & 19:15 • A sword is a weapon of war used to kill the enemy • God’s word is compared to a two-edged sword- Heb 4:12 • Paul called it the “sword of the Spirit”- Eph. 6:17 • It is the christian’sonly offensive spiritual weapon • The Lord is emphasizing the importance of His word and their need to abide by it

  7. Christ’s Commendation of those in Pergamos-1 • “I know your works”- V13 • Christ’s words to each of the seven churches • He knows our works also- Heb. 4:13 • They dwelled “where Satan’s throne is” • Among people zealous for their pagan idols and for Caesar worship • Satan approves any worship but true worship • Paul said that the Gentiles worshipped demons - I Cor. 10:20

  8. Christ’s Commendation of those in Pergamos-2 • The held fast to Christ’s name and had not denied His faith • They continued to worship and serve the Lord • They had not denied Him with their lips or their lives- I Tim. 5:8 & Tit. 1:16 • Even though they were bearing strong persecution • Antipas, who was one of their number, had been put to death rather than deny Christ

  9. Christ’s Rebuke of those in Pergamos-1 • “But I have a few things against you”- V14 • They had false teachers among them and were allowing them to teach their sinful errors • They held the doctrine of Balaam • A greedy prophet who informed the King of Moab how to weaken the Israelites- II Pet. 2:15 & Num. 31:16 • False teachers must be identified and rejected- Rom. 16:17

  10. Christ’s Rebuke of those in Pergamos-2 • If false teachers are not stopped, they will lead some christians into error and eternal destruction and divide the church • They also had some in the church who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans • Gnostics who taught that immorality and idol worship would not harm one’s soul • Christ hates false teaching and so should we- Psa. 119:128

  11. Christ’s Call to Repentance • The Lord told them to repent- V16 • Change their mind about and their tolerance for false teachers which would cause them to reject those teachers • There is no forgiveness without repentance- Acts 8:22 • Christ said that if they did not repent He would come to them quickly and fight against them with the sword of His mouth • His word will be the destruction of those who reject it and continue in sin- Rev. 19:21

  12. Christ’s Promise to the Faithful • The promise is to “To him who overcomes”- V17 • Those who overcome opposition and temptations from without and evil desires from within • The hidden manna • Eternal life supplied by the Christ • A new name written on a white stone • Indicates entrance into and participation in all the blessing to be enjoyed in Heaven- Rev. 22:14

  13. In Conclusion • We need to hear and remember the words of the Spirit to the church at Pergamos • Faithful christians will face persecution- II Tim. 3:12 • We can remain faithful no matter where we live • Every christian must reject false teachers and oppose false teaching • We must also overcome temptation and sin • Our reward will be far greater than any loss or sacrifice we must bear in this life- II Cor. 4:17

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