Revelation 2:12-17
From the looks of Revelation 2:12-17 the church in Pergamum was surrounded by sin and evil yet they didn't let this stop them from standing up for and proclaiming Christ. "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith..." (verse 13). Unfortunately, as the church was shining its light in this dark community, worldly thinking, practices and actions made their way right into the church body. Definitely not good. This is a serious offense and Jesus calls for repentance.
We're called to let our lights shine, as a church and individually. So what are some things we can do to help us hold our ground against the strong influences of the world as we're out there in it sharing Christ? Tami W.
P.S. For more on today's topic, tune in to Back to the Bible. Or, get the entire Revelation series on CD.
Acknowledging the that there is a "war" happening is essential. John talks about "Satan's throne" and a place "where Satan dwells" in Pergamum. This strong language is a warning for us to take seriously the spiritual fight we are in. We might recognize that only Christ can give us the victory.
It is also important to recognize that there are rewards for engaging in the battle or not. We will either be worn down by Satan's influence or be given the "hidden manna" and a "white stone" with a name on it only we will know.
Be always listening to what the Spirit says. We start first with God's revealed Word and ask the Spirit to use it to guide us in His will for our lives.
For me, I work at making sure I have on my whole armor (Eph 6) when I am spending time with those in the world....whether it be family, friends, whomever. I must hold fast to the truth...it's not enough to KNOW the Word, we have to be memorizing it and allowing it to grow deep in our spirit. To permeate every part of us. That is perhaps easier or different for me since I don't 'work' in the world, so I have more control over what I choose to hear, see,or am surrounded by.
I find the world's negative influence to be particularly challenging, so I hold fast to Matthew 7:13 and remember that the gate really is narrow; it's not my imagination or weakness. Hence, as the verse continues, there are few who find it. Sometimes it really is difficult to live this out. It comforts me to be reminded that God knows it can be difficult to resist the world's influence. But as long as my thoughts are directed toward doing His work and spreading His message, He strengthens me when I reach out to the world. I claim His promises every day!
Resolve . i also think having Godly accountability partners is good . 2 or 3 people in your life that you speak with and even maybe meet with at least once a week . staying grounded in Gods word and prayed up always . it almost sounds easy but it takes a lot of discipline ... p.s. thanks tami and others who prayed for me about the funeral i did . (24 year old who overdosed) i got to minister to one of his friends after the funeral . he actually got in and road with me to the cemetery and when we got back he gave his life to Christ . i want you to know this blog site has been a great inspiration and help to me... PRAISE THE LORD!!!
It is a hard road to travel but when we ponder on what Christ has done for us, we have to persevere because without Him we are nothing. We have to believe what the Bible says, He will never leave us nor forsake us. REMEMBER WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US.
Keep in His Word and surround ourselves with good and godly persons. Keep in touch daily with Powered by 4. Leo F. we praise God with you for the young man who accepted Jesus as his Saviour. May his light so shine that others may see his good works and glorify our Lord in heaven.
Thank you for explaining this passage.
I struggle on a daily basis working with and being close to people who are not christians. I want to share my life with them but often feel so worn out by the time I get home.
I hold fast to the belief that we need to try our best each day to live as Jesus would have us but that on days when we slip we need to repent and ask for forgiveness which God will give.
I am not saying that we should sin just becasue we know we will be forgiven if we ask but rather all humans are weak and even the most reglious will sin at some point and God expects this.
For years I though of God as someone who would punsih me for my sins but I now know he is a loving God who only wants the Best for me.
Thanks for your great comments everyone. I need to get into a plan to memorize Bible verses. Also, I need to be more sensitive and bold at work. Even making a comment like "I trust God....." for whatever in my life can open a door or plant a seed.
like the person earlier said, the full armor, especially the helment, thats were the battle begins at, in our minds. I have to take every thought captive. Just in the last few days when a bad thought comes up, i think to myself , God you know that thought, i am exposing you to that thought, please help me to take take that thought captive. I dont want to think like that please help me. I also believe if we fast on a regular basis that will help help us fix our minds on Christ and not the things of this world.
As Christians, we are "in" the world, but we are admonished NOT to be "of" the world. We must guard ourselves, examine ourselves daily that we do not become desirous of what the world offers. The best plan I know is still the basic one that has been mentioned here...(1)Read the Word, get it into our hearts, minds, and spirits...(2) Purpose in our hearts, minds, and spirits that we are going to OBEY the Word to the best of our abilities...(3) Seek out a Bible-based, Christ-centered church for support...(4) Ask those friends who are committed to living the Christian life to pray for us, even mentor us, when the need arises. We ought to pray for each other, lift up each other along our journey. We will, no doubt, make mistakes (I'm reminded of Peter, who denied Christ 3 times, but whose faith did not fail him, because Jesus prayed for him). God is faithful, and Christ is forever with us, mindful of our needs and knows what it takes to get us back on track! He will never leave us or forsake us, is with us to the end of the age! Praise His Name forever!
I work in a factory and people sin all around me. It is hard. I keep my christian music playing and that helps me think on Christ. What stuck out to me in these verses was not to follow balak. I thought What does balak say. And as I read others explainations I realized it says right after to stay sexualy pure and not eat for offered to idols. That is important. Tami thank you for Revelation series! Janice
I praise and thank God for all of yout widom. Grateful for Ian! I pray for the young man to follow through and become a great witness to others. I'll be happy to be accountability partners.
Goodness knows I need that in my life. And appreciate it. Being in a family who rejects any conversation about Christ, I struggle with trying to please man sometimes rather than God. Not that I'm consciously trying to but my church says 'just love them'…so I am wih them but muffled and choking…I am thankful that God allowed me (when I asked Him)to hide chucks of verses in my heart. I go through spurts where I can do that. But it takes work. I must write it out 7x and repeat it out loud 7x(seems to work for me)I had to do this for a few weeks. Lack of use will require review. Just using it over and over will surprise you how he brings it to mind when you need it!
I came to Christ late in my life and I have found that truly surrounding myself with God, and turning to Him at the start of each day, is the only way for me to remain strong against the temptations I often find myself faced with in this fallen world. I was fortunate enough to find a Christ-centered church and meet some wonderful Christians who have really supported and prayed for my journey with Christ. Finding this site was a true blessing because it helps me equip myself with God's word and to truly honor the Lord in my day-to-day life.
Mary -- I pray for you and your struggle to love your family while still honoring the Lord. I can relate so well to that struggle and I pray that God will give us the strength and wisdom to know how to properly handle those situations in a way that He would want.
Stephanie