Revelation 2:12

September 11, 2022

The Defiled Church #

Revelation 2:12-17

Introduction

We are going to look at one another state of the church. While these very well can represent ages, they very well could stand for stages or states in which a church may be.

Last week, we looked at Smyrna, as the Dependable Church, who stands through persecution. It was pointed out to me afterwards, that even now, the christians in Smyrna face persecution! So, while it is very popular to define these as ages, they also can be a status of current churches.

I. Christ’s Attribute #

A. The Word of God #

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • This attribute becomes very relevant throughout this entire passage!

II. Conditions or Circumstances - " I know where thou dwellest" (13) #

A. Surrounding Wickedness - “Satan’s seat " #

1. Wickedness without #

  • Satan is described as the god of this world, and as such, he certainly can move about this world, and setup strong holds.
  • These places will be full of wickedness!

2. Entered in! (we will note this later) #

  • It is a noted difference between Pergamos and Smyrna, Smyrna was persecuted, while Pergamos was infiltrated.

B. Stedfastness #

1. “Holdest fast my name” #

  • if you lived in a largely ‘christian’ area, holding fast the name of Christ, is not exactly praise worthy! Everyone does it!

2. “not denied the faith” #

  • Antipas - we know nothing more of Him!
  • God holds the records of the many name martyrs for the cause of Christ!

III. Corruption (14-15) #

A. Doctrine of Balaam “them that hold the doctrine of Balaam” #

1. Balaam allows the corruption of the flesh #

  • “If God looks at the heart, then what does it matter how we look on the outside.” - It sounds good, but leads to corruption!

2. Balaam walked with the World, and tried to live for God #

  • The merger of the worldly practices and godliness mix like water and oil! They don’t!
  • They are two different substances.

3. Causing others to stumble #

  • We desire to constantly push people to a higher standard towards God, not to a lower standard toward the world!

    • There are those who desire to push towards the world, they didn’t like the direction we are going, so they left. (not everyone, but many).

  • We want to hold fast, his Name, the Faith, and the DOCTRINE!

B. Doctrine of Nicolaitans #

  • While it isn’t clear, and not much is mentioned about the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, it is possible it is merging teachings with other relgious groups
  • We better be careful about taking the ideas from other churches, and incorporating them into our churches!
  • Our Doctrine, MUST come from the Word of God!

IV. Call to (16) #

A. Repent! #

  • Turn, with genuine sorrow, and regret, ask God to help you change!

B. Retribution #

  • Stubborn, hardhearted, stiff-necked people, don’t listen to God, don’t repent and turn, and suffer the consequences!

1. They will be held accountable for their actions! #

2. They will stand in judgement to the Word of God! #

3. Living in a wicked society, with wickedness surrounding us, does NOT EXCUSE living wrong! #

V. Conquerors Promise (17) #

1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

A. Hidden Manna #

  • God’s miraculous provision in a desert and barren land!

B. White stone #

  • White represents purity

C. New Name #

  • Change that takes place!
Tags: Preaching Outlines Revelation Wicked Church Repent Corrupt