Rev. Johnson V.
11th April 2010

The third church that God addresses in the Book of Revelations chapter 2 and verses 12 to 17 is the church of Pergamum.

The Lord Jesus is introduced as One which “hath the sharp sword with two edges”. Praise God that He is much bigger than we can ever imagine and that we can learn more about Him everyday. We can never grow tired or bored when we have a proper relationship with Him!

The sword is described in Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 17, as the Word of God. In Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is likened to a double edged sword. The Word of God is quick, sharp and piercing, even unto the dividing of spirit and soul, of joints and marrow, of actions and intentions. The Word of God is a pierces through and divides all that is fake, from all that is real. If a knife is blunt, we will need to use a lot of our own strength to cut something. However if the knife is sharp, we need not exert that much force. We will be able to cut it effortlessly. Similarly, unless the Word of God dwells richly in us, all our attempts to defeat the evil one, will be based on our strength. But when the Word is in us abundantly, we will be more aware that our God seeks to carry our problems, to sustain us, for we are co-laborers with Christ.

The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1000 feet above the surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a sophisticated city, a center of Greek culture and education. But it was also the center of 4 idolatrous cults, and therefore considered to be satan’s throne. The Lord tells the church of Pergamum, that He knows, that even though they dwell where satan rules, they are still faithful to His Name. 

But the church has a problem. Some from the church hold unto the doctrine of Balaam. The story of Balaam is found in the Book of Numbers chapter 22 onwards. Turning a child of God, away from the Saviour, is not an easy task. Very few people will make a complete about-turn suddenly and go in the opposite direction, away from God. But as Balaam did with the children of Israel, a little shifting of focus, a little sin at a time, can slowly and eventually lead a person far away from God. Balaam could not curse God’s people, so little by little, one incident at a time, he caused them to sin and thereby made them curse-able. The devil puts traps and landmines in our future. These are hidden and not visible with the naked eye. But we can ask God to reveal it to us and He will warn us. Only the Spirit of God knows where the traps lie. And we must trust Him to reveal it to us.

The church also allowed fleshly things to get in their way. Our flesh is always at odds with the Holy Spirit. The Bible warns us make no room for the flesh (Romans 13:14). The excitement of sin, will cause us to be broken (not whole) later on. We need to live the life that God wants us to and not compromise in anyway. That’s the only way to position ourselves for victory.