What would it be like to live in a city it which almost everyone else worshipped other gods?
Pergamum
i) The good
- Rev 1:17
- they had remained true to the name of Jesus
ii) And the Bad
- some who hold to the teaching of Balaam.
Numbers 22-24, 31:8-6
Joshua 24:9-10 – “When Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.”
Numbers 25:3 – how to turn the hearts of God’s people away from him
2 Peter 2:15 – loved the way of wickedness
Jude 1:11 – his desire to rush into error for profit. - some among them who hold the practices of the Nicolaitans
The choice is theirs
… hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
- God’s gracious provision
- guidance from God (see Ex 28:30).
Thyatira
i) The good
ii) The Bad
Jezebel – see 1 Kings 16 – 2 Kings 9
They tolerate her.
BUT for those who do not follow the ways of the false teacher …
verse 27… see Psalm 2:9,
Psalm 2:11 & 12 … serve him and celebrate his rule with trembling
For us today
1) Be encouraged
How should we be encouraged as a church with what we are doing well?
2) Be warned
False teachers today are all around us …