Revelation 2:12-29 - "Overcome the World"

 In this morning’s text, we will read the letters to the church in Pergamum, the church that needed to repent (2:12-17), and also the church in Thyatira, the church that had a false prophetess (2:18-29).The Pergamene believers lived in a difficult place, surrounded by pagan influences, yet held fast to the name of Christ and did not deny Him in their difficulties. However, they had people among them who held to the teaching of Balaam, and the teachings of the Nicolaitans, which were pagan, idolatrous, and contrary to the gospel and teachings of Christ.The author of this letter, “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges” (vs 12), is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, issuing a clarion call to repent of their sin.The believers in Thyatira were commended for their love, faith, service, patience and works, but were guilty of allowing a false prophetess to lead them into idolatry, adultery and sexual immorality. Rather than rebuke her and remove her from the church, they allowed her deception to perpetuate in the church.  The tone of this letter is much more serious, because the church had actually yeilded to the demoralizing influence of false teaching and sin.Again, it is clear that the author is Jesus, “These things saith the Son of God… “(vs.18), He is pronouncing judgment on this “Jezebel”, and calls the church of Thyatira to repent of their sin, or face judgment.Jesus encourages those who remain faithful, to hold fast until He comes, and gives a promise to those who overcome.