LifeGroup Discussion Guide

Let Them Hear Sermon Series 

Week Four: Pergamum

Pergamum was one of Rome’s chief cities and a leading religious center, a fortified acropolis. In the decades following the early missionary journeys, the church grew into one of the most famous congregations in Christian history. But as the 1st century closed, it fell into a dark state. 

Jesus referred to himself as having a two-edged sword twice in this letter (see Re 1:16; cf. He 4:12; Ep 6:17), a metaphor which held special significance for Pergamum as it had a special standing with Roman authorities regarding “the right of the sword” (i.e. the power of life and death) wielded by the proconsul. 

Nearly every major deity had a temple here: Zeus, Dionysus, Demeter, Asklepius, Athena, even the imperial cult of Roman rulers. These incredible strongholds of idolatry must be why Jesus said “Satan’s throne” was here. Antipas was a faithful witness martyred for his exclusive faith in Jesus. Civic participation in worship of these deities was not simply encouraged but demanded. So Jesus affirmed the believers there for holding fast and not denying His faith (v12-13). 

But Jesus admonished them for also holding to (or tolerating) the teaching of Balaam and Nicolaus (v14-15). He drew a clear connection: participation in worship events of these deities was tantamount to being unfaithful to God (Nu 22-25; 31:16; see also Je 3:7-9). Their faith was corrupted by mixture in their lifestyle. Some viewed this participation as permissible on the premise that believers are under the liberty of grace (1 Co 6:12; 1 Co 8:4, 7-8). They were self-deceived, interpreting scripture to justify their lack of separation, for their own gain (see also 2 Pe 2:15; Jude 11). 

While Jesus affirmed them, he did not excuse their compromise. It mattered that they were careless. Like Balaam and the seduction of the Israelites, our faith can be impure (unfaithful), even though we “hold fast”, when we neglect what corrupts from the inside. 

Worldliness is not just in our acts but in our attitudes and values. We can resist overt acts of worldliness while having hearts full of unforgiveness, criticism of others, selfishness, ingratitude, gossip, etc., or even so-called “holy” sins (“eusebeigenic sins”). When we allow little concessions and excuse our condition, we lose our pilgrim character (1 Pe 2:11; 2 Co 6:14-7:1). Yet Jesus’ heart for us is lives of fullness (Jn 10:10), to be less under the influence of distortions, appetites and egos which deform us while more under the influence of His Word and Spirit which form (counter-form) us.

Therefore Jesus said to repent (v16-17). He Who has the ultimate power of life and death calls us to live in overcoming faith amidst the pressures to compromise. An overcoming faith that is:

(1) Holy - By rendering wholly to God

(2) Humble - By repenting daily

(3) Hopeful - By recalling always

Then, as alluded to with the “hidden manna” and “white stone”, He will provide for those who overcome and preserve them to the end (Ex 16:14-15; Jn 6:48-51; Re 12:9-11). 

Discuss these questions.

• What were some of the challenges the Pergamum church faced in their time? How did these challenges lead to some of them compromising with idol worship? What are some modern-day pressures we encounter today that can lead us to compromise our faith? 

• Consider areas in your life where subtle compromises might have crept in. How do you look at these areas? How do you guard against duplicity, practically address them, and maintain allegiance to Jesus? 

• Explore the concept of “eusebeigenic sins” as described in the sermon. How do these subtle sins differ from overt acts of worldliness, and why are they important to address? 

• The sermon discusses the three aspects of overcoming faith – holy, humble, and hopeful. How can we cultivate a faith that is holy, humble and hopeful? Despite the pressures that seek to deform us, what regular habits or rhythms, if prioritised, help in our counter-formation? 

• Consider the importance of holding fast to the teachings of Christ and avoiding compromise. What encouragement or insight have you gained from this study of Revelation 2:12-17 that you can carry into your daily life?

• Personal challenge: Identify one area in your life where you sense compromise or a subtle departure from God's standards. Share with the group your plan to address this area and seek accountability as you pursue greater alignment with Christ's teachings.