Pray for Your Church
Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamum was the city that housed the Temple of Zeus, king of all gods, with mandatory worship, which Jesus called the ‘throne of Satan’. That was a problem for this church, however, He’s the true King reminding them of the Word of God to be spoken out of their mouths acting like a doubled-edged sword in their refusal to comply. With that said, Jesus corrected some in two areas: the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.
Balaam used stumbling blocks to entice the Jewish nation into sexual immorality and idolatry which are clearly contrary to Scripture and faith in the One, true God (Num. 31:13-16). That slow seduction says things like sex outside of marriage is ‘no big deal’, God understands our world today, it’s fine. Even finances, cheat or lie ‘just a little’ to get ahead, the Bible says you deserve to be rich and powerful, that’s what’ll make you happy. Or does that sound more like the idolatry of money and sexual freedom? God is never OK with using your free will or liberty you have in Christ as freedom to sin and this is a sharp rebuke.
Nicolaitans liked to slip in watered-down theology with no absolute truth and lack of emphasis on holy living. The church in Pergamum was battling against these teachings trying to stop the flow of toleration, inclusiveness, and compromise. We are also called to reject those attitudes and live within the bounds of His Word.
What was Jesus’ solution to this rebuke? It’s the same message from the beginning of His ministry: repent and believe. Our church leaders have the same mission to their congregations confronting what’s called ‘open-mindedness’, semi-Scriptural watered-down doctrine, or ‘feel good’ and politically correct messages. If the Pergamum Church could succeed in the midst of their pagan culture and persecution so can we in our world that’s also focused on sex and money for power and happiness. It’s a tall order, but the Holy Spirit promises guidance and power to stand in holiness unashamed and unafraid receiving daily manna from heaven for strength (vs. 17). Keeping our eyes on the prize of eternity with Him, like the white stone of victory, that conquerors or a Nike Church will receive an intimate, new name from the Lord is His promise.
Lord Jesus, in the midst of a world that’s full of seduction to idolatry and sexual immorality I ask for my church to stand strong in the truth of Your Word. May any words of deception be recognized and quashed so that Your Truth is clearly heard in every Sunday message, every small group, every prayer time, and every teaching. I repent for my church in areas where we’ve missed Your mark, and ask for your daily manna to feed our church leaders as the Scriptures are preached, taught, and prayed. We are Your Nike, overcoming Church, who are strengthened by Your Spirit to boldly declare truth to our people. In the power of Your Name I pray.
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