Application
Guide: “Who are You Falling For? Part 6” (Rev. 2:12-17)
Oct. 2nd,
2005: Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor of College Park Church, continued preaching on the seven
churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3 as part of his series on worship. This
Sunday, Pastor Kimber preached on the church in Pergamum, a church right at the heart of
demonic activity that was faithfully striving to remain true to Christ yet had
allowed several false teachings to influence their beliefs. Just as much as we
need to be passionate about loving Christ (cf. 2:1-7), we need to be passionate
about the truth of Jesus.
- “These
are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword…” (v. 12).
- What is Christ trying to reveal about himself by
this character description? What is significant about this description that
should enhance our understanding of Jesus (cf. Jn. 1:14; Eph. 6:17; Heb.
4:12; Rev. 19:11-16)?
- Why does Jesus present himself in a different way
to each church? How do these unique characterizations correlate with the
particular struggles of each church? What might this infer about our
personal walks with Christ and the uniqueness of how he reveals himself
to us?
- “…where
Satan has his throne…” (v. 13)
- How does your life reflect the truth that
spiritual activity is a real and actual struggle? Do you live as if Satan
is real and wants to bring you down?
- Why does spiritual warfare seem like such a bigger
issue in other countries (such as Africa) while it goes relatively
unnoticed in America?
Is Satan less active in America,
or is it just that we have bought into such a scientific, naturalistic
mindset worldview that we have lost our sense for the supernatural?
- Have you ever experienced a time in which you felt
a heightened amount of spiritual opposition? Where were you? What was it
like? How did you respond? What do the Scriptures say about situations
such as these?
- “Yet
you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith…” (v. 13)
- How would you characterize your faith in Christ
and commitment to his promises? Would others describe you has someone who
holds unswervingly to Jesus Christ? When trials come, do you falter or
view them as opportunities to become more like Christ?
- What are things (or false teachings) you are
holding fast to while at the same time you are holding to the Name? Are
there beliefs you have that you know don’t measure up to Scripture, but
you want to believe them anyways because of what they offer for you? Do
you know the Scriptures well enough to determine whether or not you are
holding to false teaching?
- “Nevertheless,
I have a few things against you…Repent therefore!...” (vv. 14-16).
- How can we strive to be passionate about both loving
Christ and doctrinal soundness without falling into the pitfalls of being
liberally tolerant or beating people over the head with the Bible? Can
truth and love be balanced?
- Do you take seriously the fact that God wants a
holy church, a church that lives in obedience to his word? Could people
say of you that you have a blameless character? Could they say your life
properly represents the character of God, or are you dragging God’s
reputation through the mud?