Application Guide: “Who are You Falling For? Part 6” (Rev. 2:12-17)[1]

 

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.

 

  1. “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword…” (v. 12).
    1. 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)?
    2. 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?

 

  1. “…where Satan has his throne…” (v. 13)
    1. 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?
    2. 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?
    3. 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?

 

  1. “Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith…” (v. 13)
    1. 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?
    2. 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?

 

  1. “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you…Repent therefore!...” (vv. 14-16).
    1. 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?
    2. 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?


[1] This is part III in Kimber’s series on The Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3.