SEP 26

Revelation 2:12-17
Memorise James 4:4
“But I have a few things against thee…”

Similar to Smyrna, Pergamos was also a center of great religious idolatry. Pergamos had an immense altar of the Greek god Zeus, a temple to the goddess Athena, and also a temple of the Caesar Cult. In fact, the imperial cult of Caesar dominated the religious scene in Pergamos, and was known as the capitol of Caesar worship. In the midst of all this heathen worship, the church at Pergamos was actually not doing too badly. Despite dwelling in ‘satan’s seat’ – referring to the fact that they were in the midst of such idolatry and wickedness, they continued to hold fast to the name of Christ and had not denied His name. The church of Pergamos was also known for the heroic martyr Antipas, who stood firm against persecution, and died for the faith.

However, there were some things that were not right about this church. Despite their strong resistance to attacks from the outside, for refusing to yield to the influences of idolatry and pagan worship, yet they had a problem with compromise from within. There were certain false doctrines that had arisen from within the church, and they were not doing anything about it. The Lord was displeased, for they were harboring known apostates within their midst – namely those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. What were these doctrines? The error of Balaam is elaborated in verse 14, whereby it was out of greed and selfish ambition that Balaam sought to curse the children of Israel (Numbers 22-24). When that failed, he taught Balak to send women into their camp to seduce them, to cause them to commit fornication and worship their false idols. Such a mindset is one that promotes compromise, sin and friendship with the world. It is our modern day equivalent of liberal antinomianism, which teaches that we should not be so concerned about keeping the law and having high holy standards. The Nicolaitans were similar, teaching them to have lives of unrestrained indulgence.

To such, Jesus warns them to repent, or else He will come to judge them, to fight against them with the sword of His mouth! Realise that the Lord cares about every aspect of our church. Just because they were doing fine in one area (for standing fast and not denying the name of Christ), does not mean they are perfect in every aspect. Because they tolerated these false doctrines, the Lord warns that they too will be judged!

Thought: Friendship of the world is enmity with God!
Prayer: Lord, may I never be tempted to compromise with the world.