Embracing God's Word: Justice, Repentance, and New Identity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound themes of justice, deliverance, and the double-edged sword of God's Word. We began with a story from the Old Testament about the judge Ehud, who delivered Israel from the Moabite King Eglon. This narrative set the stage for understanding God's justice and mercy, which are recurring themes throughout Scripture, including the book of Revelation. We then transitioned to the letter to the church in Pergamum from Revelation 2:12-17, where Jesus, the one who holds the sharp double-edged sword, addresses the church.
Pergamum was a city steeped in idolatry and false worship, described as the place where Satan's throne is. Despite this, the church held fast to Christ's name even in the face of persecution, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas. However, Jesus also had a few things against them: some in the church held to the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led to idolatry and sexual immorality. This serves as a warning for us today to remain vigilant against false teachings and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word.
The double-edged sword represents God's Word, which is living, active, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It exposes our rebellion and guides us in righteousness. We are called to let this sword penetrate our hearts, leading us to repentance and a deeper relationship with God. The letter to Pergamum ends with a promise to those who conquer: hidden manna and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing God's provision and our new identity in Christ.
In our journey of faith, we must embrace the double-edged sword of God's Word, allowing it to shape us into the image of Christ. This involves rejecting idolatry, false teachings, and sin, and instead, pursuing a life of holiness and devotion to God. As we do so, we look forward to the eternal rewards promised to those who remain faithful.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Double-Edged Sword of God's Word: The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates our hearts, exposing our rebellion and guiding us in righteousness. This sword is not just for judgment but also for our sanctification, leading us to a deeper relationship with God. [09:04]
2. Holding Fast in a Culture of Idolatry: The church in Pergamum was commended for holding fast to Christ's name despite living in a city described as where Satan's throne is. This teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when surrounded by a culture that promotes idolatry and false worship. [12:59]
3. The Danger of False Teachings: Jesus warned the church in Pergamum about the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led to idolatry and sexual immorality. This serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant against false teachings that can lead us away from the truth of God's Word. [18:18]
4. The Call to Repentance: Jesus calls the church to repent of their sins and turn back to Him. This involves not only individual repentance but also corporate repentance as a body of believers. True love for our neighbor includes helping each other to repent and grow in holiness. [25:31]
5. The Promise of a New Identity: To those who conquer, Jesus promises hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. This symbolizes God's provision and the new identity we receive in Christ. It is a reminder that our ultimate reward is not in this world but in the eternal life to come. [29:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:59] - Story of Ehud and King Eglon
[04:26] - Justice and Deliverance in Scripture
[05:45] - Christ's Sacrifice and Mercy
[07:28] - Letter to the Church in Pergamum
[09:04] - The Double-Edged Sword of God's Word
[11:00] - Awakening to God's Righteousness
[12:59] - Holding Fast in a Culture of Idolatry
[14:37] - The Tragedy of Idolatry
[16:47] - Our Identity in Christ
[18:18] - The Danger of False Teachings
[20:08] - The Story of Balaam and Balak
[22:00] - The Reality of Idolatry Today
[23:40] - Embracing the Double-Edged Sword
[25:31] - The Call to Repentance
[27:49] - Building Each Other Up in Faith
[29:54] - The Promise of a New Identity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 3:12-30
2. Revelation 2:12-17
3. Hebrews 4:12-13
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Ehud's double-edged sword in the story of Judges 3:12-30? How did it contribute to Israel's deliverance? [04:26]
2. In Revelation 2:12-17, what does Jesus commend the church in Pergamum for, and what does He have against them? [07:28]
3. According to Hebrews 4:12-13, what are the characteristics of the Word of God, and what does it accomplish? [09:04]
4. What were the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans that Jesus warned the church in Pergamum about? [18:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Ehud illustrate the themes of justice and deliverance that are also present in the book of Revelation? [05:45]
2. What does it mean for the Word of God to be a "double-edged sword" in the context of both judgment and sanctification? [09:04]
3. Why is it significant that the church in Pergamum held fast to Christ's name despite living in a city described as "where Satan's throne is"? [12:59]
4. How do the warnings against the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans apply to the modern church? What are some contemporary examples of similar false teachings? [18:18]
#### Application Questions
1. The Word of God is described as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. How can you allow God's Word to penetrate your heart and guide you in righteousness this week? [09:04]
2. The church in Pergamum was commended for holding fast to Christ's name despite living in a culture of idolatry. What are some ways you can remain steadfast in your faith in today's culture? [12:59]
3. Jesus calls the church to repent of their sins. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to seek repentance and turn back to God? How can you take steps towards repentance this week? [25:31]
4. The promise of a new identity in Christ includes hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. How does this promise impact your understanding of your identity in Christ? [29:54]
5. How can you help others in your small group or church community to remain vigilant against false teachings and hold fast to the truth of God's Word? [18:18]
6. Reflect on the story of Antipas, who was martyred for his faith. How does his example challenge you to live out your faith boldly, even in the face of opposition? [14:37]
7. What practical steps can you take to build up others in your church community, encouraging them to repent and grow in holiness? [27:49]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Penetrating Power of God's Word
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates our hearts, exposing our rebellion and guiding us in righteousness. This sword is not just for judgment but also for our sanctification, leading us to a deeper relationship with God. The double-edged sword represents God's Word, which is living, active, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It exposes our rebellion and guides us in righteousness. We are called to let this sword penetrate our hearts, leading us to repentance and a deeper relationship with God. [09:04]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to allow God's Word to penetrate and transform today? How can you make space for this transformation in your daily routine?
### Day 2: Steadfast Faith in a Culture of Idolatry
The church in Pergamum was commended for holding fast to Christ's name despite living in a city described as where Satan's throne is. This teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when surrounded by a culture that promotes idolatry and false worship. Pergamum was a city steeped in idolatry and false worship, described as the place where Satan's throne is. Despite this, the church held fast to Christ's name even in the face of persecution, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas. This serves as a warning for us today to remain vigilant against false teachings and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word. [12:59]
1 Corinthians 10:14 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to conform to the idolatry and false values of the culture around you? How can you actively hold fast to Christ's name in these situations?
### Day 3: Vigilance Against False Teachings
Jesus warned the church in Pergamum about the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led to idolatry and sexual immorality. This serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant against false teachings that can lead us away from the truth of God's Word. The double-edged sword represents God's Word, which is living, active, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It exposes our rebellion and guides us in righteousness. We are called to let this sword penetrate our hearts, leading us to repentance and a deeper relationship with God. [18:18]
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
Reflection: Are there any teachings or beliefs you have encountered that might be leading you away from the truth of God's Word? How can you discern and reject these false teachings?
### Day 4: The Call to Repentance
Jesus calls the church to repent of their sins and turn back to Him. This involves not only individual repentance but also corporate repentance as a body of believers. True love for our neighbor includes helping each other to repent and grow in holiness. The letter to Pergamum ends with a promise to those who conquer: hidden manna and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing God's provision and our new identity in Christ. [25:31]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? How can you support others in your community to do the same?
### Day 5: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
To those who conquer, Jesus promises hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. This symbolizes God's provision and the new identity we receive in Christ. It is a reminder that our ultimate reward is not in this world but in the eternal life to come. In our journey of faith, we must embrace the double-edged sword of God's Word, allowing it to shape us into the image of Christ. This involves rejecting idolatry, false teachings, and sin, and instead, pursuing a life of holiness and devotion to God. [29:54]
Revelation 2:17 (ESV): "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it."
Reflection: What does your new identity in Christ mean to you personally? How can you live out this identity in your daily life, especially in the face of challenges and temptations?
Quotes
1. "Justice and deliverance is a common and running theme through all of Scripture. The book of Revelation included. God. Is. Just. All unrighteousness will suffer his righteous judgment. God is also love. Love both demands justice and hopes for mercy. Christ died for our sins, paying the justice price that we couldn't possibly pay on our own by works and effort. The price paid. Christ then reveals mercy for all who will come to him. All who tenaciously hold onto his name at all times, even when facing great persecution. Do we love him even to the point of death? Or what is his blood price worth to you?" [05:45] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The one who holds the sharp double-edged sword, the sword that comes out of his mouth representing his words in judgment is coming back. And he will deal justly with all men and all women from all nations. In the meantime, as we anticipate that day, let's not be idle. Let's not pretend as though his double-edged sword hasn't already been presented to us, showing us how his word cuts, where it cuts, and whom it will render in judgment." [09:04] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The word of God guards us from abandoning love by exposing our rebellion. It produces discernment of righteousness, good from evil, flesh from the spirit, sound doctrine from heresy. It tells us who God is in the first place, how to follow him, how to follow him through faith and love in a way that produces works of faith and love. Does your love for God drive you into his word in order to know him? I don't mean to know him as though he's a lab rat to be studied, but to know him intimately, even if it means his double-edged sword exposes your heart." [11:00] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Awaken your spirit with passion for God's word and his will. Awaken your mind with discernment set against God's just righteousness. Awaken your heart and let your darkness be exposed by God's righteousness. God's conviction and redemption. Open your eyes. All who bear the name of Christ, Christian, let your ears hear the call to worship God and God alone for his judgment through Christ brings peace with God forevermore." [11:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The tragedy isn't that antipas and the martyrs died for their faith his reward is certainly heaven because his faithfulness is the reward of his faithfulness his faith in the gospel and glory of christ was worth the cost and just think about this for a moment this man died for his faith jesus himself commends this man for his sacrifice to the churches how awesome is that the tragedy isn't that he died for his faith the tragedy is that honestly we still haven't learned the lesson the name of jesus is the only name on to not zeus or caesar not athena or dionysius not artemis or bell not jew or greek american or russian mexican or japanese not baptist or methodist or lutheran or calvinist or armenian or church of christ not jock or nerd wealthy or poor male or female no other identity is worth more than the one we bear when we come to jesus in faith accepting his free gift of salvation and committing our lives to him with passion and love all who are clothed in christ covered by the blood of the lamb are made one with christ and unified with god for peace" [16:47] (92 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Do we not still have the same problems today do we really think as some teach that we've somehow evolved morally past ancient israel or the early church do we really believe that we can avoid the double-edged sword of the word of god by picking and choosing what we like so long as it tickles our flesh rather than circumcising our hearts do we not believe what paul said to the colossians that sexual immorality impurity lust evil desire and greed are idolatry here's where we are today just as they were when it was written and just as israel was in the wilderness" [22:00] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Many might hear this and might feel accused. You might feel that I'm putting something on you and say you have to follow these regulations and that's not so because what we do comes out of the love that we have for God and our depth of love for God will drive us to want to know him and the deeper you know him the more he will renew you. This isn't a call for our perfection. It is a call to keep our eyes, our ears, our hearts, and our minds focused not on our perfection but on the perfect one with love and devotion embracing his double edged sword. As it develops Christ likeness in each of us" [23:40] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "See, when idolatrous sin is present within some of the body, we should all come together to repent, to build one another up, to spur one another on to love and good works in faith and together to stand firm by enriching one another, and encouraging one another to hold on to the name of Christ, to pursue him alone. Too often when we see sin, we Christians either jump to kicking out the sinner rather than facing why we corporately let sin creep in, or we coddle it, afraid to confront the sinner, preferring to use sin as a badge of honor to show how accepting we are. Neither is love." [27:49] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "There is a reward for the one who conquers, who repents of sin and holds fast to the name of Christ. Rather than feasting on sacrifices to idols, God promises manna from heaven. His provision to Israel in the wilderness becomes his provision for us through endurance. Rather than bearing the name of idols or the name of false identities, God promises us a new name in heaven. After all, our creator can call us and tell us who we are in him according to his creation of each of us. He can show us how our God-given identities glorify him as lights in the darkness." [27:49] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I long for that stone. I long for it. I long to read the name that God will give me, to be shed of all my insecurities, my doubts, and all of my pulls toward sin, to boldly approach the throne of grace as an image-bearer of our Lord, and to see him glorified through a life lived on earth, devoted to the name of Jesus, and a life lived in heaven in worshipful service to our King of Kings. If that means embracing his double-edged sword now as it cuts my heart, so be it. May it be so for all of us. To him be the glory. Amen." [29:54] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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