WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:02.780 Well, thank you very much, Alice. 00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:08.880 Please do keep that passage open in front of you as we explore it over the next few minutes. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:12.040 But let us pray together before we do that. Let's pray. 00:00:15.259 --> 00:00:19.699 Heavenly Father, we come before you this morning and recognize that to understand your word, 00:00:19.780 --> 00:00:22.039 we need your spirit to work in our hearts. 00:00:23.240 --> 00:00:27.339 And so, Father, that is our prayer, that you would soften our hearts, 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:32.019 that we would hear your word and, Father, that we would be transformed. 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:36.039 We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:37.899 --> 00:00:43.179 I recently saw a funny video that was a secret social experiment 00:00:43.179 --> 00:00:48.799 to see how people copy those around them without really thinking about it too much. 00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:55.100 So they filmed a doctor's surgery waiting room and there were 10 people sitting in this surgery. 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:56.859 It was before COVID, don't worry. 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:00.200 But nine of those 10 people were actors. 00:01:00.720 --> 00:01:06.359 And one of the people there was the test subject, but they didn't know that they were being tested. 00:01:07.280 --> 00:01:10.780 And every minute or so, a buzzing sound would come over the speakers 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:15.320 and all the actors would stand up for a few seconds and then sit down. 00:01:16.280 --> 00:01:21.500 The test subject confused the first time he saw it, wasn't sure what was going on, 00:01:21.500 --> 00:01:23.340 but then the second time stood up confidently. 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:27.939 And as it continued time and time again, his confidence grew. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:33.799 But then one by one, the actors left the room and the buzzing sound continued. 00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:38.819 With each buzz, he stood up with more and more confidence. 00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:44.059 And yet the point where he was alone in the room. 00:01:44.779 --> 00:01:46.219 All the actors had left. 00:01:46.679 --> 00:01:47.659 The buzzing came on. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:49.919 No pressure to conform to those around him. 00:01:49.919 --> 00:01:51.299 No peer pressure. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:53.479 And yet he still stood up. 00:01:53.480 --> 00:02:01.760 Now this is a silly and small experiment which points to a deeper and more serious reality 00:02:01.760 --> 00:02:07.180 that we conform to, we copy what goes on around us. 00:02:07.180 --> 00:02:12.920 And I'm saying this because it has something to do with our passage this morning. 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:17.060 Because in these short verses in Revelation chapter 2, 00:02:17.700 --> 00:02:19.800 we're going to hear a sober warning. 00:02:20.640 --> 00:02:23.900 Not to conform to the world around us. 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:29.819 The warning in this passage that should be sending off alarm bells in our minds 00:02:29.819 --> 00:02:34.819 is that we cannot hold to Christ and to the world. 00:02:34.819 --> 00:02:40.039 We cannot conform to the sinful patterns that are always going on around us. 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:46.719 Do not conform to the world, Jesus says, but cling to him. 00:02:48.560 --> 00:02:52.719 Last week in Smyrna, the church were suffering persecution 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:54.400 and they were in need of encouragement. 00:02:54.659 --> 00:02:58.740 So Jesus revealed himself to them as the first and the last. 00:02:59.299 --> 00:03:03.740 The one who had died, but also the one who had risen to life again. 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:10.039 And each of these letters in the book of Revelation begin with a description of Jesus 00:03:10.039 --> 00:03:15.120 that is particularly relevant to the situation of each church. 00:03:15.959 --> 00:03:20.139 So turn with me to verse 12 and see how our passage begins this morning. 00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:26.060 These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:31.599 Now we might read that and think, yes, how encouraging. 00:03:32.420 --> 00:03:40.180 Jesus is reminding this church who are suffering that he has the power and the means to protect them. 00:03:42.280 --> 00:03:46.199 But we need to take the whole Bible into consideration when we look at this verse 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:48.099 because that is not what Jesus is saying. 00:03:48.099 --> 00:03:55.719 If you flick over a few pages previously to Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12, this is what it says. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:04:03.099 For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two double-edged sword. 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:10.799 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. 00:04:10.799 --> 00:04:14.900 It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:04:14.900 --> 00:04:21.879 This sword is the word of God proceeding from the mouth of Jesus. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:25.459 And we see that in Revelation chapter 1 verse 16. 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:31.939 Jesus is warning the church in Pergamum that he will come 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:35.819 and he will use this sword on the body of believers that meet there. 00:04:35.819 --> 00:04:45.339 With this word of God, Jesus comes and uncovers, he lays bare the hearts of the people in this church 00:04:45.339 --> 00:04:47.099 and he judges their hearts. 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:50.819 And he sees something that he commends. 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:54.800 But he also sees something that he condemns. 00:04:55.339 --> 00:04:57.740 And that will be subject to his judgment. 00:04:58.600 --> 00:05:03.279 Friends, that is why it is so important that everything we believe is based on the Bible. 00:05:03.279 --> 00:05:05.939 Not what culture says. 00:05:06.959 --> 00:05:10.259 Not what the newest, trendiest religious leader says. 00:05:11.059 --> 00:05:12.659 And definitely not what the world says. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:18.579 Everything we believe must come from this book because it is God's revealed word. 00:05:20.779 --> 00:05:23.319 And on that final day, as we all stand before Christ, 00:05:24.459 --> 00:05:27.759 he will judge with power and authority. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:34.560 So at the beginning of this short letter to the church in Pergamum, 00:05:34.639 --> 00:05:37.439 we get this warning from Jesus that he will uncover everything 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:40.420 and judge the hearts of this church. 00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:43.360 Jesus sees what's going on. 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:49.779 And he sees something he commends and something he condemns. 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:57.219 Well, the first thing we see in this passage is what Jesus commends in verses 12 to 13. 00:05:57.379 --> 00:05:58.979 Jesus commends. 00:06:00.059 --> 00:06:03.419 So Jesus begins, as he does with most of these letters, 00:06:03.599 --> 00:06:07.799 encouraging this church with reasons that he has to commend them. 00:06:08.799 --> 00:06:11.059 But notice how he starts in verse 13. 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:24.340 This is the voice of a loving Lord and Savior. 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:27.060 This is the voice of comfort and reassurance. 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:28.800 This is not a threat. 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:32.300 But Jesus says he knows their situation. 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:39.319 If you were on the street and you saw someone crying on their knees in pain and agony 00:06:39.319 --> 00:06:41.560 as they are afflicted and neglected, 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:44.480 what would you do? 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:47.319 If someone felt alone and abandoned, 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:49.660 well, you would get down on your knees next to them, wouldn't you? 00:06:51.580 --> 00:06:55.439 When someone's entire life seems to have fallen away from under their feet, 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:59.600 you sit with them in their pain and you listen. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:03.100 Listen, that is what Jesus is doing here. 00:07:03.460 --> 00:07:06.700 He's drawing alongside a church that is hurting and he's saying, 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:08.540 look, you're not alone. 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:10.860 I know where you live. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:15.340 I know the situation you find yourselves in and I am here for you. 00:07:18.920 --> 00:07:22.860 The church in Pergamum, or your Bible may say Pergamos, 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.400 it's the same city. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:27.460 This city was very religious. 00:07:27.459 --> 00:07:31.859 There were temples to both Greek and Roman gods, 00:07:32.579 --> 00:07:35.259 temples to Zeus and Athena and more, 00:07:35.399 --> 00:07:40.839 and three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor. 00:07:41.719 --> 00:07:44.579 That is why twice in these few verses, 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:48.139 this city is described as the place where Satan lives 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:51.899 or the place where Satan has his throne. 00:07:51.899 --> 00:07:56.659 And as we thought about last week with Archie, 00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:01.959 the first century Christians initially had protection under the Roman Empire 00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:03.979 because they were thought to be Jews. 00:08:05.519 --> 00:08:08.500 But at this point, that protection had stopped. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:12.219 Now they were being seen as a sect like everybody else 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:17.039 and they needed to conform to the pagan worship that was going on around them 00:08:17.039 --> 00:08:20.759 and pay homage to and worship the emperor. 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:27.500 Pergamum isn't called the city of Satan specifically because of emperor worship. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.819 The emperor here is not Satan. 00:08:32.439 --> 00:08:35.319 But Pergamum is called the city where Satan lives 00:08:35.319 --> 00:08:41.039 because this whole city was characterized by worshiping false gods. 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:44.019 It invaded every area of life. 00:08:44.740 --> 00:08:47.000 If you wanted to be someone in this city, 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:48.980 you needed to go to the right festivals, 00:08:49.480 --> 00:08:50.959 the right meetings, 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:52.459 the right celebrations, 00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:55.019 all revolving around pagan worship. 00:08:57.419 --> 00:08:59.339 Satan has power in this city. 00:09:00.879 --> 00:09:05.559 And he has his people there who are making life horrible for Christians. 00:09:05.559 --> 00:09:09.539 It was so bad that Antipas was martyred. 00:09:11.139 --> 00:09:13.539 Now we know next to nothing about this man 00:09:13.539 --> 00:09:17.839 except for the description Jesus gives him here as a faithful witness 00:09:17.839 --> 00:09:21.279 or a better translation of that word is a faithful martyr. 00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:29.159 Jesus describes himself in the same way in Revelation chapter 1 verse 5. 00:09:29.819 --> 00:09:33.539 So this man followed in the example of Jesus 00:09:33.539 --> 00:09:35.720 and gave up his life for his faith. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:40.320 But even in this city where Satan has power, 00:09:41.259 --> 00:09:44.180 the resounding truth that the Bible teaches 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:48.480 and the repeated emphasis of the whole book of Revelation 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:52.879 is that no matter what weapons Satan throws against you, 00:09:54.560 --> 00:09:58.980 no matter what weapons Satan does use, 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:01.639 Jesus wins. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:04.720 Jesus wins. 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:10.279 Does Satan have power? 00:10:10.600 --> 00:10:11.240 Yes, he does. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:15.519 But that power is held in check 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:19.860 by a God who is in control of all things. 00:10:23.160 --> 00:10:25.300 Satan is a defeated foe 00:10:25.300 --> 00:10:29.460 who will never, ever overcome the Lord's people. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:36.940 But Jesus knows that this is a hard place for them to live in. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:40.040 And so he says to this hurting church, 00:10:40.160 --> 00:10:42.400 I know your situation. 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:52.620 Yet be comforted because I know that you remain true to my name 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:55.600 and have not renounced your faith in me. 00:10:58.460 --> 00:11:02.080 This church stood firm in the face of opposition and persecution 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:05.200 when the pressure around them was mounting up 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:10.560 to renounce Christ for a more comfortable life 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:15.019 so that they could join in with the world. 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:16.199 Just renounce Christ. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.319 That was what they were being told every day. 00:11:19.199 --> 00:11:21.519 Some people in this church stood firm in their faith 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:22.239 and they said no. 00:11:24.819 --> 00:11:26.599 When the world came knocking 00:11:26.599 --> 00:11:29.339 and they were being dragged through the mud, 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:32.300 they would not bow to fake gods 00:11:32.300 --> 00:11:34.740 and renounce Jesus. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:37.240 They stood firm. 00:11:40.300 --> 00:11:42.220 Friends, can the same be true about us? 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:44.440 Would Jesus say the same thing? 00:11:46.780 --> 00:11:49.780 We need to hold fast to our confession in Jesus. 00:11:50.740 --> 00:11:54.240 Stand firm in face of opposition and persecution. 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:56.860 We are surrounded by a world 00:11:56.860 --> 00:12:00.720 and people who worship a plethora of fake gods. 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:04.039 Sure, they may not be graven idols 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:05.860 that we see on people's mantelpieces 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:07.259 as we go into their homes, 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:11.460 but the world idolizes sex as a thing to chase after 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:14.940 and enjoy regardless of the costs. 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:18.919 And that is contrary to the Christian worldview 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:21.200 that sex is to be enjoyed between one man 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:24.379 and one woman in the covenant marriage relationship. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:30.759 And when we stand up for those truths, 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:32.600 we will be opposed. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:36.519 When the world thinks about success 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:37.820 and it pushes that idea 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:39.519 that you need to have a big house, 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:41.879 a flashy car, the latest upgrade, 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:44.519 the newest branded clothes, 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:47.560 we are called to stand firm in Christ 00:12:47.560 --> 00:12:51.019 and not get sucked into the idolatry around us. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:55.039 But what about those times 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.960 when everyone is acting a certain way, 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:58.559 mocking the government, 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:01.600 breaking the guidelines, 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.600 getting drunk, 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:04.360 and the list continues? 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:08.559 As Christians, we should stand firm. 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:12.000 It will mean that we are seen as weird. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:16.559 It will mean that we will be sidelined and shunned, 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:19.379 but it is better to live for the approval of Christ 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:21.460 than it is the approval of the world. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:27.299 Jesus says to you this morning, 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:28.019 if this is you, 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.799 I know where you live. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:34.220 Sure, our situation is not the same 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:35.379 as the church in Pergamon. 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:37.639 We're not being persecuted to this extent. 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:41.199 But the reality is the same. 00:13:42.039 --> 00:13:44.399 And Jesus draws near to you this morning 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:44.860 and he says, 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:45.879 I know your struggles. 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:48.439 I know your pain. 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:51.000 I know your temptations. 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:54.659 Friends, my prayer is that 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:56.159 for every single one of us, 00:13:56.679 --> 00:13:57.860 Jesus could say, 00:13:58.500 --> 00:14:00.019 yet you remain true to my name. 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:03.980 You did not renounce your faith in me. 00:14:03.980 --> 00:14:08.580 Jesus commends this church in Pergamon 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.800 because even in their suffering, 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:13.080 they hold firm to Christ. 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:16.920 But at the same time, 00:14:17.700 --> 00:14:18.980 there were those in the church 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:20.440 who were flirting with the world. 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:23.840 And the second thing we see in this passage 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:25.840 is what Jesus condemns 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:28.159 in verses 14 to 17. 00:14:29.080 --> 00:14:30.500 Jesus condemns. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:34.500 The big problem in the church in Pergamon 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:35.820 is that there were Christians, 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.559 regulars at church, 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:40.080 those who sat in services week in, 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:40.899 week out, 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:43.480 listened to their teaching and sermons 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:46.120 and yet were compromising their faith 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:49.360 and mixing it in with the ways of the world. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.580 And there were also those 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:53.480 who knew it was happening 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:54.539 and did nothing about it. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:57.840 There were some in this church 00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:59.220 who were trying to have their feet 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.160 in two camps, 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:02.660 in the church and in the world. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:05.720 But like every spy movie 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:06.740 has ever taught us, 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:08.940 working for two completely different sides 00:15:08.940 --> 00:15:10.139 never works. 00:15:12.040 --> 00:15:14.220 There were some who were professing Jesus 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:15.120 with their mouths 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:17.500 but engaging in pagan worship 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.540 at the same time. 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:23.000 They would sit in services, 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:25.579 be saying and doing all the right things 00:15:25.579 --> 00:15:28.059 but then go home 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:30.079 and do things completely contrary 00:15:30.079 --> 00:15:30.959 to the word of God. 00:15:32.699 --> 00:15:34.959 They were playing a dangerous game. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:39.039 Jesus says in verse 14, 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.740 read with me, 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:41.940 There are some among you 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:44.039 who hold to the teaching of Balaam, 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:47.120 who taught Balak to entice the Israelites 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.580 to sin so that they ate food, 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:50.759 sacrificed to idols 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:53.279 and committed sexual immorality. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:54.960 Likewise, 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:56.539 you also have those 00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.860 who hold to the teaching 00:15:57.860 --> 00:15:59.539 of the Nicolaitans. 00:15:59.539 --> 00:16:03.939 There were people in this church 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:06.019 who thought that they could hold 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:07.219 the teaching of Christ, 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:09.639 the teaching of the Christian faith 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:10.599 at the same time 00:16:10.599 --> 00:16:12.819 as that of other religious leaders 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:13.879 and establishments 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:16.319 that promoted sexual immorality 00:16:16.319 --> 00:16:18.620 and eating food 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.279 that had been sacrificed to idols. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:25.399 The problem in this church 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:26.980 is that sexual immorality 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:28.080 and idolatry 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:29.800 have been called out 00:16:29.800 --> 00:16:30.779 as the main sins 00:16:30.779 --> 00:16:31.639 and temptations 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:33.279 because they've become normal 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.139 for them. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.399 And we see that 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:38.879 because of the names mentioned, 00:16:39.279 --> 00:16:40.399 Balaam and Balak. 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.879 These names take us back 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.860 to the book of Numbers 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.680 in the Old Testament 00:16:44.680 --> 00:16:45.460 where Balak, 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:46.740 a Moabite king, 00:16:47.680 --> 00:16:48.840 called on Balaam, 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:49.960 a prophet of the Lord, 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:52.139 to curse the nation of Israel. 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.480 And you can read this later on 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:56.960 in Numbers chapter 22, 00:16:56.980 --> 00:16:57.980 22 to 25. 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.060 And Balaam, 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.019 who was supposed to be 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.340 a prophet of the Lord, 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.880 told the king of Moab 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:07.039 to seduce Israel 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:09.079 into sexual immorality 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:12.120 and idolatry. 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:15.900 These names are used 00:17:15.900 --> 00:17:18.440 as examples of the depths 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:19.259 of depravity 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:20.099 of some of the people 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.940 in this church. 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:23.180 There were people 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:24.120 who were caught up 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:25.140 in this idolatry 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:26.360 and sexual immorality 00:17:26.360 --> 00:17:27.840 and they were going 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:29.140 unchallenged. 00:17:31.580 --> 00:17:32.800 But before we cast 00:17:32.800 --> 00:17:33.620 this church off, 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:35.759 we need to come to terms 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.440 with the reality 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:37.340 that the same thing 00:17:37.340 --> 00:17:37.940 can be happening 00:17:37.940 --> 00:17:39.480 in this church today. 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.700 It may look very different, 00:17:43.340 --> 00:17:44.660 but it can be true. 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.800 Maybe we're not going 00:17:47.800 --> 00:17:48.920 to pagan temples 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.840 and sacrificing 00:17:49.840 --> 00:17:51.100 to idols made of wood 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:51.839 or stone. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:54.219 Today, 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:55.500 that might look like 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:56.240 us neglecting 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.099 our church family 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:58.359 on the altar of comfort. 00:18:01.439 --> 00:18:02.579 Neglecting to engage 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.679 in a meaningful way 00:18:03.679 --> 00:18:04.259 in church 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:05.199 because we're happy 00:18:05.199 --> 00:18:06.099 to go it alone. 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:08.980 And instead, 00:18:09.219 --> 00:18:10.259 going out for walks 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:11.059 on Sunday morning 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:11.839 instead of tuning 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:12.699 into church. 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:15.860 Maybe we aren't 00:18:15.860 --> 00:18:16.680 going to temples 00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:17.380 and engaging 00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:18.799 in sexual immorality 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:20.740 with prostitute 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.420 priestesses 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:22.240 and priests. 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:25.700 But how many people 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.380 in the church 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:27.140 today engage 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:27.559 in sex 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:28.519 outside of marriage? 00:18:29.600 --> 00:18:30.680 How many people 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:31.200 are addicted 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:31.980 to pornography? 00:18:32.460 --> 00:18:33.840 How many people 00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:34.920 have lustful thoughts 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:35.460 as they walk 00:18:35.460 --> 00:18:36.059 down the street 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:37.120 and see someone else? 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:39.740 Friends, 00:18:39.840 --> 00:18:40.539 this passage, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.279 this message 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:43.000 is not just relevant 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.680 for a church 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.960 2,000 years ago. 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:46.279 It is a message 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:46.819 that we need 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:47.700 to hear today. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.399 You cannot, 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:52.220 you cannot 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:55.180 hold to Christ 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:56.460 and conform 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:57.259 to the world 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:58.920 at the same time. 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:01.379 Jesus and the world, 00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:03.899 sin and perfection, 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:05.519 holiness and debauchery 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:07.259 are not compatible. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:10.900 the sins 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:11.339 that you do 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:11.940 in private 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:12.740 or the sins 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.140 that you 00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:14.559 do in public 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.299 that ensnare 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:16.019 your life, 00:19:16.140 --> 00:19:16.799 that draw you 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.700 to idolatry 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:19.160 and sexual immorality. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.779 There's everything 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:21.980 outside of God's plan. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.160 All of those sins 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:24.660 are seen 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:25.400 by the Lord 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:28.559 and you may hide 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:29.259 them for a while 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:31.299 but everything 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.519 will come to light 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.079 one day. 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:35.779 Jesus is the one 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:37.079 with the two-edged sword 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:38.039 that penetrates 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:38.599 the heart 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:40.379 and lays bare 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:42.199 everything before him 00:19:42.199 --> 00:19:43.339 and he will judge. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.559 All of us 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.259 will need to give 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:47.500 an account of our lives 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.460 before the Lord 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.079 on the end. 00:19:49.220 --> 00:19:49.500 Nothing 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.679 can be hidden 00:19:50.679 --> 00:19:51.299 from him. 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:54.619 And our responsibility 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:55.700 as a church 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.720 is to hold each other 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.319 accountable, 00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:59.000 to care for each other 00:19:59.000 --> 00:20:01.079 because the problem 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:01.700 in Pergamum 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.899 was this was going on 00:20:02.899 --> 00:20:04.440 and people knew about it 00:20:04.440 --> 00:20:05.559 and yet they did 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.480 nothing about it. 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:08.720 Friends, 00:20:08.879 --> 00:20:09.799 we need to get out 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:10.720 of our comfort zones 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.579 and start calling 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:12.379 sin, sin. 00:20:13.659 --> 00:20:14.659 We need to go 00:20:14.659 --> 00:20:15.619 the extra mile, 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.639 make ourselves 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.399 uncomfortable, 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:19.359 submit fully 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:20.119 to Christ 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:21.219 and live in a way 00:20:21.219 --> 00:20:22.359 that pleases him 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.500 through the power 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.639 of his Holy Spirit. 00:20:27.939 --> 00:20:28.979 And if we fail 00:20:28.979 --> 00:20:29.719 in this regard 00:20:29.719 --> 00:20:31.559 which we will 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:33.239 because we are 00:20:33.239 --> 00:20:34.719 sinful human beings 00:20:34.719 --> 00:20:35.500 there is comfort 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.299 because that is not 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:36.799 the end. 00:20:38.239 --> 00:20:39.339 Look at verse 16 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.259 Jesus says 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:41.379 repent. 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:44.240 It is never 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.160 too late 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:45.800 for people 00:20:45.800 --> 00:20:46.500 to return 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.220 to the Lord 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:47.840 and ask 00:20:47.840 --> 00:20:48.460 for forgiveness 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.520 and the promise 00:20:49.520 --> 00:20:50.480 that we see 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.040 in Scripture 00:20:51.040 --> 00:20:51.820 is all those 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:53.080 who come to Christ 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:54.520 forgiveness 00:20:54.520 --> 00:20:55.160 is given. 00:20:57.340 --> 00:20:58.540 But we are called 00:20:58.540 --> 00:20:59.400 to flee sin. 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:01.440 A Christian 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.380 cannot flirt 00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:03.060 with the world 00:21:03.060 --> 00:21:03.720 and expect 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:05.200 to remain pure. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:06.800 We must 00:21:06.800 --> 00:21:07.780 Usain Bolt 00:21:07.780 --> 00:21:08.520 it in the other 00:21:08.520 --> 00:21:09.120 direction. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:12.299 And Jesus 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:13.079 tells us this 00:21:13.079 --> 00:21:13.559 not because 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.399 he is a killjoy 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:14.919 but because 00:21:14.919 --> 00:21:15.799 he loves us 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:17.459 and because 00:21:17.459 --> 00:21:18.079 he knows 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:18.919 the situations 00:21:18.919 --> 00:21:19.599 that we are in 00:21:19.599 --> 00:21:20.139 he knows 00:21:20.139 --> 00:21:20.899 we are weak 00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:24.079 and he knows 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:24.679 that we cannot 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:25.719 expect to dabble 00:21:25.719 --> 00:21:26.179 in sin 00:21:26.179 --> 00:21:26.759 to flirt 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.459 with the world 00:21:27.459 --> 00:21:29.219 and not 00:21:29.219 --> 00:21:29.979 sin. 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:33.440 And if 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:33.980 this morning 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:34.660 you are trying 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.059 to hold 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:35.539 on to the 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:35.779 world 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.220 and at the 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:36.779 same time 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.220 hold on 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:37.839 to Christ 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:39.339 listen to 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:39.880 those words 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.860 in verse 16 00:21:40.860 --> 00:21:41.360 repent 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.339 therefore 00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:43.180 otherwise 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:44.839 I will soon 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.500 come to you 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.220 and will fight 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.960 against them 00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:48.380 with the sword 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:49.579 of my mouth. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.400 Now this is 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.400 sobering language 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:54.140 that should wake 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:54.900 us all up 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.460 this morning. 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.140 If you are 00:21:57.140 --> 00:21:58.019 living in sin 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:58.839 whether privately 00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.679 or publicly 00:21:59.679 --> 00:22:01.119 and at the 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:01.679 same time 00:22:01.679 --> 00:22:02.240 trying to 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.119 confess Christ 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:03.839 Jesus says 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.259 that he will 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:04.619 come 00:22:04.619 --> 00:22:05.659 and he will 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:06.379 fight against 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:06.720 you. 00:22:09.699 --> 00:22:10.419 It's also 00:22:10.419 --> 00:22:10.899 a wake up 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.519 call for all 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:11.799 of us 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.519 brothers and 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.079 sisters in 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:13.459 the body 00:22:13.459 --> 00:22:14.099 of Christ 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:15.159 to look out 00:22:15.159 --> 00:22:15.599 for each 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:15.839 other 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.199 because we 00:22:17.199 --> 00:22:17.740 should see 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:18.220 this and 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:18.599 not want 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.759 anyone to 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.259 fall into 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.839 that judgment. 00:22:22.179 --> 00:22:22.959 We have a 00:22:22.959 --> 00:22:23.519 responsibility 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.419 to care for 00:22:24.419 --> 00:22:25.659 people and 00:22:25.659 --> 00:22:26.079 to do it 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:26.519 wisely. 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.519 Friends 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.920 wake up 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:32.039 wake up 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.639 from your 00:22:32.639 --> 00:22:33.180 slumber 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:33.680 and your 00:22:33.680 --> 00:22:34.359 sin and 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.059 return to 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.619 Christ. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.639 Reject 00:22:41.639 --> 00:22:42.259 the fleeting 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.960 comforts of 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.519 this world 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:45.000 because they're 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.379 meaningless. 00:22:50.619 --> 00:22:51.400 They are 00:22:51.400 --> 00:22:51.980 short-lived 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.420 and they will 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:53.180 only leave you 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:54.660 empty and 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:56.980 hurting and 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.420 under the 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:57.940 judgment of 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.559 Christ because 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.019 you cannot 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.700 have Jesus 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.220 and the 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:00.500 world. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:04.819 But the 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.480 Bible isn't 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:05.940 naive. 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:07.620 Living like 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.279 this is 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:08.700 difficult. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.220 But the 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:11.099 reality, this 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:11.779 is the reality 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.099 of the 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:12.940 Christian life 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.779 because it 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.420 means dying 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.220 to ourselves 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.740 and living 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.339 for Christ, 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.279 forsaking all 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:19.460 else but 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:19.799 him. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:21.400 And that's 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:22.120 precisely why 00:23:22.120 --> 00:23:22.759 Jesus goes 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.519 on to explain 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.339 the result of 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:24.819 those who 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:26.179 do renounce 00:23:26.179 --> 00:23:26.699 the world 00:23:26.699 --> 00:23:27.179 and live 00:23:27.179 --> 00:23:27.559 for him 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:27.959 in verse 00:23:27.959 --> 00:23:28.539 17. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.459 To the 00:23:30.459 --> 00:23:31.379 one who 00:23:31.379 --> 00:23:32.279 is victorious, 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:33.899 I will give 00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:34.699 some of the 00:23:34.699 --> 00:23:35.359 hidden manna. 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:36.159 I will also 00:23:36.159 --> 00:23:37.059 give that 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:37.659 person a 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:38.519 white stone 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.399 with a new 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:40.019 name written 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.500 on it, 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.679 known only 00:23:41.679 --> 00:23:42.319 to the one 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.079 who receives 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:43.339 it. 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:45.159 Do you see 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:45.759 that victory 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:46.319 language? 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:48.439 Jesus knows 00:23:48.439 --> 00:23:48.939 that living 00:23:48.939 --> 00:23:49.559 this way is 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.119 a battle. 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:50.939 It is a 00:23:50.939 --> 00:23:51.659 fight, a 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:52.679 spiritual war 00:23:52.679 --> 00:23:53.359 that is won 00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:54.159 by patient 00:23:54.159 --> 00:23:55.639 obedience and 00:23:55.639 --> 00:23:56.759 responsiveness to 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.579 God's word. 00:23:59.859 --> 00:23:59.980 And 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:01.579 persevering to 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.059 the end, 00:24:02.439 --> 00:24:03.539 overcoming sin, 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:04.639 clinging to 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:05.960 Christ will 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.720 result in a 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.319 wonderful 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.339 inheritance. 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:09.799 And Jesus 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.619 highlights two 00:24:10.619 --> 00:24:12.119 rewards that 00:24:12.119 --> 00:24:12.919 await those who 00:24:12.919 --> 00:24:13.519 fight the good 00:24:13.519 --> 00:24:14.019 fight and 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.859 continue to the 00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:15.240 end. 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.720 So this 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:18.319 morning, if you 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:18.879 are in this 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:19.579 spiritual battle, 00:24:19.679 --> 00:24:20.079 if you are 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.839 feeling beaten 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:21.519 and you want 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.039 to throw in 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:22.500 the towel, 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.179 if you're 00:24:24.179 --> 00:24:24.980 struggling in 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.659 your holiness 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:26.619 and finding it 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.439 hard to focus 00:24:27.439 --> 00:24:28.179 on Christ, 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.700 here is what 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.460 Jesus says 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.740 awaits for those 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.019 who are 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.500 victorious, 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:33.960 who overcome 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.240 the sins of 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:36.799 conformity and 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:37.819 tolerating sin 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.500 in our lives. 00:24:38.639 --> 00:24:39.460 Jesus promises 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:41.319 first that he 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:42.000 will give hidden 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.000 manna to his 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:43.379 people. 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.419 As God's 00:24:45.419 --> 00:24:46.299 people, we're 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.899 in the wilderness 00:24:46.899 --> 00:24:47.440 in the book 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:47.919 of Exodus. 00:24:48.159 --> 00:24:48.480 The Lord 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.259 provided them 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:49.879 with manna, 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.259 a type of 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.899 food that 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:52.799 sustained them 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.559 in the wandering 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.740 in the wilderness. 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.759 The point that 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.579 Jesus is making 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:58.379 here to this 00:24:58.379 --> 00:24:59.859 church is that 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:00.799 he will sustain 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:02.779 and provide for 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.319 them in this 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:04.200 tension between 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:05.000 the kingdom of 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.919 God not yet 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:06.700 being complete 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.079 and the 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:07.680 suffering that 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.339 they face. 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.180 Friends, this 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:12.019 means that as 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:12.519 you battle 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.299 against your 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:13.879 flesh and 00:25:13.880 --> 00:25:15.900 blood, to 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.340 live for 00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:17.840 Jesus, as 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:18.500 you release 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.420 your grip on 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:20.160 the world and 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:21.220 you cling fully 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.960 to Christ, he 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.820 will sustain 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:24.160 you. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:26.160 That's what he 00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:26.580 promises. 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.380 He will give 00:25:28.380 --> 00:25:29.160 you the strength 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:29.780 that you need 00:25:29.780 --> 00:25:30.780 by the Holy 00:25:30.780 --> 00:25:31.460 Spirit to 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.480 persevere until 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.040 the end. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.560 But it is 00:25:35.560 --> 00:25:35.780 hidden. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:36.400 You will not 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:36.820 see it. 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.040 You may not 00:25:38.040 --> 00:25:38.880 even feel it all 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.300 the time. 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:41.200 But Jesus 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:42.019 promises to 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.700 provide for 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.299 and sustain 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.500 you in your 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.399 present suffering 00:25:45.399 --> 00:25:46.319 until that day 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:46.720 that his 00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:47.500 kingdom comes 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.559 in all of 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.240 his glorious 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.159 fullness. 00:25:52.539 --> 00:25:53.319 And then the 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:54.259 second reward 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:54.720 that Jesus 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.419 offers in 00:25:55.419 --> 00:25:56.180 verse 17 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.859 is a white 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.099 stone with 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:00.000 a new name 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.659 written on it 00:26:00.659 --> 00:26:01.680 known only to 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.259 the one who 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.019 receives it. 00:26:04.379 --> 00:26:04.779 Now there 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:05.259 are a number 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.240 of ideas what 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:07.399 these white 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.319 stones could mean 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.159 but I think the 00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:10.439 most convincing 00:26:10.439 --> 00:26:11.619 is that stones 00:26:11.619 --> 00:26:12.299 were used for 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:12.700 voting. 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.279 So a black 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:14.980 stone was a 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.679 negative vote 00:26:15.679 --> 00:26:16.200 and a white 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:16.759 stone was a 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.119 positive vote. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.559 So if someone 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.619 was tried in a 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:21.559 court of law 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:23.480 they were given 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.460 a white stone 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.259 if proven 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:27.159 innocent once 00:26:27.159 --> 00:26:27.799 the trial was 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:28.099 over. 00:26:29.679 --> 00:26:30.220 And so Jesus 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:30.960 is saying that 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:31.679 on that final 00:26:31.679 --> 00:26:32.319 day he will 00:26:32.319 --> 00:26:33.039 give those who 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:34.039 remain faithful 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:34.839 to him a 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:35.659 white stone. 00:26:36.659 --> 00:26:37.639 A sign of 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.300 their complete 00:26:38.300 --> 00:26:39.200 innocence through 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.840 his death 00:26:39.840 --> 00:26:40.960 and resurrection 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.660 and their 00:26:41.660 --> 00:26:42.600 perseverance to 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.360 the end and 00:26:43.360 --> 00:26:43.900 he will give 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.860 them a new 00:26:44.860 --> 00:26:45.259 name. 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:47.600 This fulfills a 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:48.820 prophecy in 00:26:48.820 --> 00:26:49.860 Isaiah 62 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.560 verse 5. 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.460 Please do look 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.060 at it later. 00:26:53.080 --> 00:26:53.680 That those who 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.480 remain faithful 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.240 to the Lord 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.140 in Israel will 00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:56.780 be given a 00:26:56.780 --> 00:26:57.740 new name. 00:26:59.120 --> 00:26:59.840 As a 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:00.540 Christian your 00:27:00.540 --> 00:27:01.620 identity has 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:02.300 changed. 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:04.600 And if you 00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:05.360 live that out 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:06.180 until the end, 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.039 if you wage 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.360 war well 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:10.180 and persevere 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.720 you will be 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.640 given a new 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.640 name by your 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.100 Lord and 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:15.160 Saviour in 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:15.640 the end. 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:18.740 This short 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:19.460 letter to the 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:19.980 church in 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:20.600 Pergamon is 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:21.360 bookended by 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:22.039 the comforting 00:27:22.039 --> 00:27:23.880 truth and 00:27:23.880 --> 00:27:24.460 challenging 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:26.640 truth that 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.220 Jesus knows 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:27.900 everything about 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:28.560 each and every 00:27:28.560 --> 00:27:29.120 one of us. 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.680 Jesus knows 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.500 where you live. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.900 He knows that 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.160 you are 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:35.880 surrounded by 00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:36.440 temptation. 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:38.360 He knows 00:27:38.360 --> 00:27:39.200 that you get 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.120 invitations all 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:40.800 the time to 00:27:40.800 --> 00:27:41.259 go to the 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:42.019 wrong places, 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:42.700 to hang out 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.000 with the 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:44.200 wrong crowds, 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.680 and he knows 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.259 that it's so 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:46.800 easy to 00:27:46.800 --> 00:27:47.340 accept. 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:50.940 He knows 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:51.500 you're surrounded 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:52.259 by things that 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.740 draw you to 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.460 sin all the 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:55.940 time, but he 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.580 calls you to 00:27:56.580 --> 00:27:58.240 persevere and 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.380 to stand firm 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:00.120 in him. 00:28:02.360 --> 00:28:03.220 Think back to 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:03.600 the test 00:28:03.600 --> 00:28:04.460 subjects, sitting 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.140 in the 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:05.539 doctor's 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.039 waiting room 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.440 and acting 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:07.100 like everybody 00:28:07.100 --> 00:28:07.579 else. 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:09.920 The reality 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.620 is that as 00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:11.400 Christians we 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:12.559 can so easily 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.339 be caught up 00:28:13.339 --> 00:28:13.819 to do the 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:15.019 same as the 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:16.620 world and 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.420 to conform to 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:17.880 the sinful 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:19.079 patterns that 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:19.640 go on around 00:28:19.640 --> 00:28:20.460 us every day. 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.440 But Jesus 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.079 tells us that 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:24.680 he knows all 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:25.100 things. 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.980 He knows our 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:27.579 lives and he 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.220 says do not 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:29.519 conform to the 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.380 pattern of this 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:30.920 world. 00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:32.680 do not 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:33.220 think that 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.800 you can hold 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.620 on to Christ 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.460 and the 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.700 world at the 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.580 same time, 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:40.560 but instead 00:28:40.560 --> 00:28:41.500 wage war 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:43.640 against sin. 00:28:44.600 --> 00:28:45.220 Wage war 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:45.900 against wrong 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:46.820 theology and 00:28:46.820 --> 00:28:48.080 cling to Christ 00:28:48.080 --> 00:28:49.039 alone. 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:52.680 Because 00:28:52.680 --> 00:28:53.500 persevering to 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:53.920 the end, 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:54.759 running the 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.980 race until 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.560 the finish 00:28:56.560 --> 00:28:58.279 line means 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:58.660 that we will 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.140 dwell with 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.720 him forever 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:01.780 in perfect 00:29:01.780 --> 00:29:02.680 harmony. 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:03.480 And he 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.140 promises to 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:04.800 sustain you 00:29:04.800 --> 00:29:05.340 until that 00:29:05.340 --> 00:29:07.480 day that 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.160 we hear those 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:08.780 life-giving 00:29:08.780 --> 00:29:09.300 words, 00:29:10.020 --> 00:29:10.600 well done, 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.300 well done, 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.820 good and 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:14.820 faithful servant. 00:29:16.320 --> 00:29:17.140 Let's pray 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:17.500 together. 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.100 Heavenly 00:29:22.100 --> 00:29:22.660 Father, we 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.500 pray that as 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:25.759 we read 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.360 your word, 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:28.539 by your 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:29.079 spirit you 00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:29.559 would show 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:31.000 us things 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:33.099 that we 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:33.539 are to be 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:33.919 commended 00:29:33.919 --> 00:29:34.299 for, 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:36.419 but also 00:29:36.419 --> 00:29:37.000 show us the 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:37.619 reality of 00:29:37.619 --> 00:29:38.240 things that 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:38.859 we know 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.559 deep down 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.199 we will be 00:29:40.199 --> 00:29:40.599 condemned 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:41.019 for. 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:44.919 And Lord, 00:29:44.979 --> 00:29:45.299 would that 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:46.179 reality wake 00:29:46.179 --> 00:29:46.639 us up? 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:48.159 Would it 00:29:48.159 --> 00:29:48.799 help us 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:50.019 release our 00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:50.699 grip on the 00:29:50.699 --> 00:29:51.119 world and 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.740 cling solely 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.339 to you? 00:29:53.339 --> 00:29:57.159 Father, 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:57.839 forgive us. 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:00.579 Father, we 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:01.099 thank you for 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:01.659 that comforting 00:30:01.659 --> 00:30:02.359 truth that for 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:03.199 every time we 00:30:03.199 --> 00:30:04.439 fail and we 00:30:04.439 --> 00:30:04.939 repent, 00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:06.699 that your 00:30:06.699 --> 00:30:07.439 forgiveness is 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:07.839 granted, 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.459 that Jesus 00:30:09.459 --> 00:30:10.480 has paid the 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:10.959 price, 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:13.439 and that we 00:30:13.439 --> 00:30:13.919 are forgiven 00:30:13.919 --> 00:30:14.419 by the 00:30:14.419 --> 00:30:15.119 precious blood 00:30:15.119 --> 00:30:15.419 of the 00:30:15.419 --> 00:30:15.659 Lamb. 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:19.859 Jesus, 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:20.599 thank you. 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:23.259 Amen.