Revelation - Endurance (Sermon)

 Certain hope for uncertain times.

Where is it written?

Read Revelation 2:12-17

* What attribute of Jesus is highlighted?

* What is the church commended for?

* What persecution have they experienced?

* What is the church chastised for? (See Numbers 22-25 for background on Balaam)

* What is the church promised if they endure?

Read Revelation 2:18-29

* What attribute of Jesus is highlighted?

* What is the church commended for?

* What is the church chastised for? (See 1 Kings 16-22 for background on Jezebel)

* What is the church promised if they endure?

How goes your walk?

* What “pressures to compromise” do you see the Church today facing?

* How are our pressures similar to the pressures the early church experienced?

* What does it mean to you to build an enduring faith?

Historical and Biblical Background

Pergamum was known for the raised area at the center of the city where the Roman temples on it could be seen for miles around. It was a major center for the Roman Imperial cult and had a shrine for the Roman god Asclepius - whose symbol was a serpent. The local stones were black, so all buildings would be black. Imported white stones were only used for special signage.

See Numbers 22-25 for the story of King Balak of Moab and the Israelite prophet Balaam. Balaam was hired by Balak to pronounce a curse on Isreal, but God prevented Balaam from doing so. After multiple attempts at cursing Isreal failed, the nation was compromised by seduction.

Thyatira was known in the region for its smelting of bronze and producing purple dye (See Acts 16:14). Its patron Roman deity was Apollo Tyrinaeus.

See 1 Kings 16-22 for the story of Jezebel, known in the Old Testament as a wicked queen who influenced the nation of Israel to compromise their faith and act like the Canaanite nations around them - including sexual excesses and child sacrifice.

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Values Throughout Our Study of Revelation:

* Expect literal future fulfillment. But be careful about predictions!

* Look for past fulfillment.

* Look for timeless biblical symbols, truths, and principles.

* Be teachable.

Series Challenges:

* Read Revelation (Bonus - Read Daniel 7-12)

* Develop and Deepen a Christian Worldview

* Focus on the Finish Line (Memorize Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5)