Faithfulness Amidst Cultural Temptations: Lessons from Pergamum

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound message found in the letter to the church in Pergamum, a city renowned for its advancements and cultural significance in Asia Minor. Pergamum was a hub of learning, medicine, and innovation, yet it was also a place where the allure of power, beauty, and entertainment could easily distract from spiritual truths. The city's grandeur and the temptations it offered serve as a backdrop for understanding the challenges faced by the early Christian communities there.

These small groups of believers, often meeting in intimate settings, were called to live differently amidst a culture that promised peace and prosperity but was deeply entrenched in idolatry and immorality. The letter to Pergamum acknowledges their faithfulness but warns against the subtle infiltration of cultural impurities, drawing parallels to the story of Balaam and the teachings of the Nicolaitans. These narratives remind us of the dangers of compromising our faith by conforming to societal norms that contradict the teachings of Christ.

The call to purity is not about isolation from the world but about discerning the influences that shape our lives. It challenges us to examine where our time and resources are invested, urging us to resist the temptation to worship at the altars of entertainment, politics, or any other entity that diverts our focus from God. The promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and identity we receive when we remain steadfast in our faith.

As we reflect on this message, we are encouraged to live as a distinct community, marked by radical love and generosity. We are reminded that our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing how we interact with others and how we engage with the world around us. In doing so, we become instruments of God's peace, living out the transformative power of the gospel in a culture that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways:

- Cultural Influence and Spiritual Integrity: The city of Pergamum, with its cultural and technological advancements, serves as a reminder of the subtle ways in which societal norms can infiltrate our faith. We must remain vigilant, ensuring that our spiritual integrity is not compromised by the allure of power, beauty, or entertainment. [54:55]

- The Danger of Compromise: The story of Balaam illustrates the peril of allowing cultural practices to dilute our commitment to God. Like the early Christians in Pergamum, we must guard against the temptation to conform to societal values that contradict our faith, recognizing that even small compromises can erode our spiritual witness. [01:05:10]

- Living as an Alternative Community: The early church in Pergamum exemplified a community devoted to mutual support and radical love. In a world that often prioritizes individual gain, we are called to live differently, prioritizing the common good and embodying the love of Christ in our interactions with others. [58:16]

- The Call to Purity: Purity in faith involves resisting cultural currents that lead us away from Christ. It requires a conscious effort to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our actions and attitudes reflect His love and truth. [01:09:04]

- The Promise of a New Identity: The promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name signifies the spiritual nourishment and renewed identity we receive in Christ. This assurance encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate reward is found in our relationship with God. [01:13:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [49:05] - Behind the Scenes of Pergamum
- [53:10] - The Grandeur of Pergamum
- [54:55] - The Allure of Roman Culture
- [55:59] - The Reality Behind the Facade
- [57:21] - The Early Christian Communities
- [58:16] - Living for the Common Good
- [59:49] - Radical Love and Care
- [01:00:32] - The Martyrdom of Antipas
- [01:01:34] - The Warning Against Compromise
- [01:03:24] - The Story of Balaam
- [01:05:10] - The Purity Problem
- [01:06:41] - Cultural Influences Today
- [01:09:04] - The Call to Resist
- [01:12:37] - The Promise of Hidden Manna
- [01:13:47] - The Significance of the White Stone
- [01:16:29] - A Call to Stand Strong

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 2:12-17
2. Numbers 22-24 (Story of Balaam)
3. Romans 12:1-2

#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the cultural and technological advancements that made Pergamum a significant city in Asia Minor? [49:05]
2. How did the early Christian communities in Pergamum differ from the larger cultural context in which they lived? [57:21]
3. What were the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, and why were they a concern for the church in Pergamum? [01:01:34]
4. What is the significance of the promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name in Revelation 2:17? [01:13:47]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the allure of power, beauty, and entertainment in Pergamum parallel challenges faced by Christians today? [54:55]
2. In what ways did the early Christians in Pergamum exemplify living as an alternative community, and how might this apply to modern believers? [58:16]
3. What does the story of Balaam teach about the dangers of compromising one's faith, and how can this be relevant to contemporary Christian life? [01:03:24]
4. How does the call to purity in Revelation 2:12-17 challenge believers to resist cultural influences that contradict their faith? [01:09:04]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where cultural influences might be subtly compromising your faith? How can you address these influences? [01:06:41]
2. Consider the concept of living as an alternative community. How can your small group embody radical love and generosity in your interactions with each other and the wider community? [58:16]
3. The sermon mentioned the danger of worshiping at the altars of entertainment, politics, or other distractions. What specific steps can you take to ensure your focus remains on God? [01:08:19]
4. How can the promise of a new identity in Christ, symbolized by the white stone, encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith amidst societal pressures? [01:13:47]
5. Think about a time when you were tempted to conform to societal norms that contradicted your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [01:05:10]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to resist cultural currents. What practical actions can you take this week to align more closely with the teachings of Jesus? [01:09:04]
7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with the same cultural pressures and temptations? What role can your small group play in this support? [01:00:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Guarding Against Cultural Infiltration
In the city of Pergamum, known for its cultural and technological advancements, the early Christians faced the challenge of maintaining their spiritual integrity amidst societal pressures. The allure of power, beauty, and entertainment was strong, and the subtle ways in which these societal norms could infiltrate their faith were ever-present. The letter to the church in Pergamum serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, ensuring that our spiritual integrity is not compromised by the allure of worldly attractions. It calls us to discern the influences that shape our lives and to resist the temptation to conform to societal norms that contradict the teachings of Christ. [54:55]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What are some specific cultural influences in your life that may be subtly affecting your faith? How can you actively guard against these influences today?

Day 2: The Peril of Compromise
The story of Balaam illustrates the danger of allowing cultural practices to dilute our commitment to God. The early Christians in Pergamum were warned against the temptation to conform to societal values that contradicted their faith. Even small compromises can erode our spiritual witness, leading us away from the path of righteousness. This takeaway challenges us to examine our lives for areas where we may be compromising our faith and to take steps to realign our actions with the teachings of Christ. [01:05:10]

"Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a small compromise you have made in your spiritual life. What steps can you take today to address this compromise and strengthen your commitment to God?

Day 3: Living as a Distinct Community
The early church in Pergamum exemplified a community devoted to mutual support and radical love. In a world that often prioritizes individual gain, they were called to live differently, prioritizing the common good and embodying the love of Christ in their interactions with others. This takeaway encourages us to reflect on how our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing how we interact with others and engage with the world around us. By living as a distinct community marked by radical love and generosity, we become instruments of God's peace, living out the transformative power of the gospel. [58:16]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a community of radical love and support within your church or local community this week?

Day 4: The Call to Purity
Purity in faith involves resisting cultural currents that lead us away from Christ. It requires a conscious effort to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our actions and attitudes reflect His love and truth. The early Christians in Pergamum were called to examine where their time and resources were invested, urging them to resist the temptation to worship at the altars of entertainment, politics, or any other entity that diverts their focus from God. This takeaway challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to make intentional choices that align with our faith. [01:09:04]

"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." (1 John 3:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the pull of cultural currents away from Christ? How can you make a conscious effort to align this area with the teachings of Jesus today?

Day 5: Embracing a New Identity in Christ
The promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name signifies the spiritual nourishment and renewed identity we receive in Christ. This assurance encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate reward is found in our relationship with God. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to live out the transformative power of the gospel in a culture that desperately needs it. This takeaway invites us to reflect on the significance of our identity in Christ and to consider how it shapes our daily lives and interactions with others. [01:13:47]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? What is one specific way you can live out this new identity today?

Quotes

1) "And what you start noticing is that there's a whole lot more going on behind the scenes than they want you to see. They're going to show you just enough to make you believe. There's a lot more going on behind the scenes. And today we're going to talk about, I would say it's a letter that addresses something very similar to that. So today we're going to be going from Smyrna all the way north to Pergamum. It's just a couple of miles north, and Pergamum is no minor city. This is one of the major. It's one of the major centers of advancement and development in Asia Minor." [49:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Rome is offering peace and safety, art, technology, culture, financial opportunity for anyone with half a brain. A little bit of intuitiveness, right? It's there. They're addressing the big questions of life that everyone's going to ask at some point. They have a lot of temples that prove that. There are things to do, things to learn, people to see, books to read, shiny new things around every corner. How many opportunities for someone to feel as if they have a purpose, a future, that they're necessary, and, at the most basic, safe. But the writer begins the letter saying, saying, I know where you live. I mean, who wouldn't boast about living in such a place? But Pergamum wasn't exactly what it claimed to be." [54:55] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Now, in the midst of this city, there are these small communities of Christians, just believers. A lot of them are Jewish, some of them are Gentile. Maybe it's more Gentile and some are Jewish at this point. And it's important to remember that these communities of Christians, we call them the church, right? But these aren't big box churches. They're not churches that are, you know, huge and immense. And I would even say that nothing like this, if one of them were to walk in here, they would have been like, wow, what do y 'all do? What are y 'all doing in here? Because to them, it was a group of 20 here, maybe 10 over here, maybe 15 in that little group, 30 over there, maybe five or seven. They're small little communities together. Rural churches, I guess you could say." [57:21] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "These are groups that consist of families. Some of them are primarily family units, and then they have some extras peppered in here and there. Some of them are a ragtag group of misfits, side by side with some well -connected people. But they've all had an experience with God. They've had an experience with the Holy Spirit. And they don't know what to do with that other than to believe and to follow. These are people who, once they've had this experience, they are determined that they are going to live differently than those people that are around them. How often do we wake up in the morning and think, I'm going to live differently today. And if so, what does that look like? But they truly were this alternative society." [58:16] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Now in this city, Pergamum, what they did is they decided they're going to devote themselves to helping one another, to living for the common good. That seems to be what a lot of those believers did, as they lived for the common good. And the thing that Lynn read this morning, they shared with one another, as they had need, they broke bread together. And that breaking bread wasn't just this little pinch of a wafer that we do on a Sunday morning. This is really a full meal. It's breaking bread. It's this act that's not only every day, but it's spiritual, it's sacred. They're sharing life together around a table." [58:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "But what they were doing is that they weren't getting ahead of one another. They weren't trying to use one another for social gain or financial gain. They weren't oppressing one person so they'd feel better about themself. They weren't loaning money with interest. They were loaning money or just giving it away without any interest at all. They'd give whenever people needed. They'd open their home to stranger and friend alike, even if it meant it might make them suffer financially. They loved and accepted one another, whether you're rich or poor or a slave or a free man or a woman. They loved. And by the way, this is still the power of Christ -centered churches today." [59:49] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And what it comes down to is the fact that Pergamum has a purity problem. And we know the city has a purity problem. But now we're seeing the church has a purity problem. People are staying strong, but they were becoming comfortable and embracing more and more of the culture around them. You know, the shiny and beautiful things that the culture was offering. You know, they were worshiping the gods of power. They were worshiping the gods of beauty. Worshiping the gods of entertainment." [01:06:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And our culture today is not all bad. You know, there are some amazing things happening around us, too. You know, medical advancements and art. Literature that gets at the heart of deep questions and starts conversations for us of faith and love with our neighbor. But there are also aspects of our culture that do not lead us to Christ or to love. It leads us to discriminate. It leads us to look down on others. To write some people off as lost and without hope. Some aspects of our culture that lead us to use one another for our own purposes, whether social or financial. Or to use one another for pleasure, whether they're live or on video." [01:06:41] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "Sometimes I wonder if we put more of our faith in our governing authorities than we have in Jesus himself. And no matter what kind of peace or prosperity the principalities and powers offer, it's not a pure peace. There's always something more going on behind the scenes. You know, purity is not a pure peace. It is more about resisting the cultural current and less about trying to, as I heard this week, to baptize the power and principalities. What I mean by trying to baptize the principalities and powers, what I mean by that is that sometimes we try our best to co -opt the government into doing our bidding as the church. And it may offer some sort of a compromise. That's very alluring. But you need to know the principalities, the powers, the government is never going to choose the way of Jesus fully, ever. No matter where it is." [01:09:04] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "Purity matters. Jesus has offered us a new life, a new start, a clean slate. And I know many of you have already accepted that. And you're doing your best every day, relying on the grace of God. And I know some of you have not. For those of you who have, don't waste this. Don't give up. Stand strong. Do not get co -opted by your culture, no matter how alluring or safe it may offer. If you're moved to hate or to fear or to insecurity or to anger, no, that is not Christ. So stand out and live differently. Love above and beyond. Give more than you think you can. Don't be lured by such things that lead to a self -centered, life. Instead, repent. And for those of you who have not chosen, there's still time. Repent. Stand strong. And through the power of Jesus, you too will be victorious. Amen? Victorious through the power of Jesus." [01:16:29] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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