Here we see 'permissive Pergamum'. Some of their number have given in to the worldliness and were known for compromise. This is Part one of a two part message. How we see this in the Church of Christ today. They failed to the keep the church pure by Church Discipline .
In Vv 12-15, We saw the startling greeting from Christ, a commendation for their faithfulness and then a stern rebuke. (Vv. 16-17 & additional application on the cure for worldliness will be taken up in the next sermon)
Christ describes Himself as the One who holds the double-edged sword, in contrast to the rulers of Pergamum, who believed themselves to be the supreme judges for the Roman Empire in the East. Pergamum then receives an encouragement and is commended for their faithfulness in holding fast to Christ. He reminds them of the faith of Antipas, who died a martyr's death for Christ.
In His stern rebuke, Christ reveals to them that He has a few things against them, that they tolerate some who hold to the teaching of Balaam and to the ways of the Nicolaitans. They both put stumbling blocks before the true people of God and abused Christian liberty. In this sermon, we are reminded to beware of worldliness and slipping away from the faith by degrees of compromise.
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