A Church Approved by God: Be Holy

A Church Approved by God: Be Holy
Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17

I. The City: Pergamum
     1. City was built on the fortified acropolis
     2. Main deity was Asclepius
     3. Known for capital punishment - symbolized by a sword
     4. Built temple to the emperor

II. The Lord – Authoritative and all knowing

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Revelation 2:12
Revelation 1:16
Revelation 19:11-16

III. The Encouragement – Keep honoring My name.

Revelation 2:13

IV. The Warning – Stop tolerating sin in the church.

Revelation 2:14-15

     1. Reveals what we believe about God

1 Peter 1:14-16 – “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

     2. Shows we care about individuals and those they influence

James 5:19-20 – “...brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

     3. Protects and rescues individuals, families, and churches

1 Corinthians 5:5 – “I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

     4. Reveals to the world we have a different Lord and purpose

Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.  But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

V. The Promise - His presence and approval

Revelation 2:15-18

Faith Sheet      

Transformation verse “The one who says he lives in Him should walk as He walked.”                    1 John 2:6   

Main Themes      
~ The Lord Jesus is authoritative and all knowing.
~ Those who honor Christ in times of trouble are noticed and will be
    honored.
~ His approval is the only approval that matters and the only approval that
    will last.

#1- Reviewing This Past Sunday      
A Church Approved by God: Be Holy      
Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17

1. Read Revelation 2:12-17. Discuss the message with someone.
2. Holiness is being set apart to God and His purpose. Why is holy living
    important in today’s world?
3. The Lord tells the church to stop tolerating unrepentant sin. Why is it
    often difficult to address someone else’s sin?
4. Focus on God’s promise in verse 17. How does this encourage you?
5. Pray for MCC to be a place where we live for His glory and purpose.

 # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday    
A Church Approved by God: Hold Fast    
Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29

1. How is the Lord described in Rev. 2:18?
2. What does the Lord know about the church of Thyatira? (19)
3. For what does the Lord praise this church? (19)
4. For what does the Lord chastise them? (20)
5. Who is Jezebel? (20)
6. What judgments did the Son of God pronounce on the one He called
    Jezebel? (22-23)
7. What challenge did Christ give to those who resisted Jezebel’s teaching
    and sinful behavior? (24-25)
8. What two gifts were promised to “him who overcomes”? (26-28)
9. Pray for believers to remain steadfast to the gospel.