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Sermon Date: 16 February 2018 Text: Revelation 2:12-17   Pergamum the Incomplete Church.

Opening Discussion: Please click on the following link or share with your group members:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWDa_7Q9ryI

 Observation

What does God’s word say?

As you observe what Gods’ word says, answer the following questions from the text(s):

• What are the key words and phrases of the text? Is anything repeated?
•  What does this text reveal about human nature?
•  What does this text reveal about the character and purposes of God?

 Read:  Revelation 2:12-17

 What are your observations?

 Meaning

What does God’s word mean?

Christ’s message to Pergamum affirmed their commitment to the truth, but they had become tolerant of sin in their own camp. The Lord reveals here in this passage that there were some in the Pergamum church teaching that: “God loves you so much, it doesn’t really matter how you behave! He will never turn against you; therefore, live as you please.” Such antinomianism (lawlessness) was going to invite God’s judgment upon them unless they listened to God’s criticism and repented.
 

• Read the story of the Prophet Balaam as told in Numbers 22-24.

God judged Israel for succumbing to temptation and falling into sin of immorality. 24 000 Israelites were killed, because of this sin, which Balaam orchestrated. Why do we not see this type of judgment today…or do we?

Application

How must I change? Is there a Truth to be believed?

•  Question: - Is it true that we must not judge?

Answer: - (Matthew 7:1-6 is probably the most misused text in our day. More often than not, any ethical evaluation the church makes is countered with “judge not,” as if Jesus tells His people not to make any judgments whatsoever. There are many unbelievers and professing Christians alike who misinterpret this passage, which contributes to the moral and doctrinal decay in many cultures today. Jesus is actually warning us to be fair and humble when we make our evaluations. John Chrysostom says, “Jesus does not forbid judging but commands that one first remove the plank from one’s own eye” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 23.2). We must be harsher on ourselves than we are on others. Let us make sure our consciences are clear, so that we can come alongside our brothers and sister and gently confront them with their sin.)  Consider David’s reaction to Nathan after he slept with Bathsheba and had Uriah murdered (2 Sam.11:1-12:15a).

Passages for Further Study: Genesis 38, Romans 2:1-11

Is there an Attitude to be fostered?

Ask a question

• Understanding that we are saved in order to persevere, how does this then affect your resolve to NOT be a compromising Christian? Christ said in Rev 2:17b, “to the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna.” What attitude do we need in order to conquer the sin with which Satan tempts us with?

 Is there a Behavior to be changed?

 Ask a question

•  The saying goes ‘Belief affects your behaviour’. How will someone behave who does not believe that God is sovereign over their lives and circumstances, and how will someone behave who does believe God is sovereign?

 Closing Prayer: lead the groups to pray based upon the topic or theme of the study