Standing Firm: Overcoming Compromise in Faith

Today, we gathered to seek the power and presence of Jesus Christ, praying for breakthroughs, miracles, and the peace that only He can give. Our focus was on the third of the seven churches in Revelation: the church at Pergamos, known as the “compromising church.” Pergamos was a city of great influence, knowledge, and darkness—called “Satan’s City” because of its rampant idolatry and spiritual corruption. Yet, even in such a place, there were those who held fast to the name of Jesus and did not deny their faith, like Antipas, a faithful martyr whose story reminds us that no act of faithfulness escapes the Lord’s notice.

However, Pergamos also allowed compromise to take root. The doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans crept in, leading believers to mix the truth of God with the practices and values of the surrounding culture. The doctrine of Balaam teaches that if the enemy cannot destroy the church from the outside, he will seek to corrupt it from within—through moral compromise, idolatry, and the blending of worldly values with God’s truth. The Nicolaitans, on the other hand, represent a spirit of hierarchy and control, where a select few dominate the church rather than serving as a team, as Christ intended.

We must be vigilant not to let compromise take hold in our own lives or in our church. The call is to repent—to turn away from anything that dilutes the truth of God’s Word or our devotion to Christ. Repentance is not about living in shame over the past, but about coming home to the Father, being set free, and walking in the newness of life that Jesus offers. Every one of us has a past, but in Christ, every sinner has a future. The world will always try to pull us into its mold, but we are called to be a spiritual powerhouse, united in prayer, worship, and truth, refusing to be married to the world’s standards.

Let us be a church that welcomes all, stands firm on the Word, and allows the Holy Spirit to move freely among us. May we break free from the chains of our past, refuse to compromise, and walk boldly in the victory Jesus has won for us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faithfulness in Darkness: Even in the most spiritually hostile environments, like Pergamos—called “Satan’s City”—God sees and honors those who remain faithful. The story of Antipas reminds us that our steadfastness, even when unnoticed by others, is never overlooked by Christ. No matter how dark the world around us becomes, our faithfulness matters eternally. [55:22]
• 2. The Subtlety of Compromise: The doctrine of Balaam shows that when the enemy cannot destroy the church outright, he will seek to corrupt it from within. Compromise often begins subtly—through small concessions to culture, comfort, or convenience—until the truth is diluted and our witness weakened. We must be alert to the ways compromise can creep into our beliefs and practices, and be willing to confront it with courage and conviction. [59:41]
• 3. Repentance as Freedom, Not Shame: True repentance is not about wallowing in guilt or being trapped by our past mistakes. It is a gift from God—a way to turn around, agree with Him about our sin, and walk in freedom. When we confess and repent, God forgives and forgets, inviting us to leave the past behind and embrace the future He has for us. [73:18]
• 4. Unity and Humility in the Body: The doctrine of the Nicolaitans warns against creating hierarchies and divisions within the church. God calls us to serve together as a team, each fulfilling our unique purpose, without lording authority over one another. True spiritual power is found in unity, humility, and mutual submission, not in titles or positions. [70:40]
• 5. Living Uncompromised in a Compromising World: The world will always pressure us to conform, to blend in, and to accept its standards. But we are called to be set apart, to stand on the unchanging Word of God, and to let the Holy Spirit lead us. Our victory comes not from our own strength, but from Jesus, who calls us to walk in truth, love, and the power of His Spirit, no matter what the world says. [87:24]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [45:44] - Introduction to the Seven Churches
• [47:40] - The Church of Pergamos: Context and Background
• [49:15] - The Sharp Two-Edged Sword: The Power of God’s Word
• [51:19] - The Angel of the Church and the Word’s Conviction
• [52:23] - Satan’s City: The Spiritual Climate of Pergamos
• [54:24] - The Faithfulness of Antipas
• [56:45] - The Danger of Compromise: Doctrine of Balaam
• [58:47] - Corruption from Within: Lessons from Balaam
• [60:44] - Refusing to Compromise God’s Word
• [63:33] - Unity, Outreach, and the Power of Testimony
• [67:17] - The Mixed Marriage: Church and Worldliness
• [69:33] - The Nicolaitans and Church Hierarchy
• [73:18] - The Call to Repentance and Restoration
• [75:18] - Historical Compromise: Constantine and the Church
• [79:10] - The Church Married to the World
• [81:19] - Guarding Against Wolves: The Importance of Truth
• [83:25] - Worship, Praise, and the Role of the Holy Spirit
• [84:41] - Rejecting a Compromised Attitude
• [86:41] - Freedom from the Past and Embracing Victory
• [89:39] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Reading

Revelation 2:12-17 (ESV) — 12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 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.’”

Numbers 25:1-3 (ESV) — 1 While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. 2 These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.

1 John 1:9 (ESV) — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Observation Questions

1. According to Revelation 2:13, what does Jesus commend the church at Pergamos for, and who is mentioned as an example of faithfulness?
2. What two false teachings or influences does Jesus rebuke the church for tolerating in Revelation 2:14-15?
3. In the sermon, what does the doctrine of Balaam represent, and how did it affect the Israelites in Numbers 25?
4. What is the promise given to those who overcome, according to Revelation 2:17?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus calls Pergamos “where Satan’s throne is”? What does this say about the spiritual environment the believers were living in?
2. The doctrine of Balaam is described as a way the enemy corrupts from within when he can’t destroy from the outside. How might this kind of compromise look in a modern church or in a believer’s life?
3. The Nicolaitans are associated with hierarchy and control in the church. Why is unity and humility so important for a healthy church body?
4. The sermon says repentance is not about shame, but about coming home and walking in freedom. How does this understanding of repentance change the way we approach our past mistakes?

Application Questions

1. The world around us often pressures us to compromise our beliefs or blend in. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt tempted to compromise your faith or values? How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time?
2. The story of Antipas shows that faithfulness matters, even when no one else notices. Is there an area in your life where you feel your faithfulness goes unseen? How does knowing that Jesus sees and honors your faithfulness encourage you?
3. The doctrine of Balaam started with small compromises that led to bigger problems. Are there any “small” areas in your life where you’ve started to let compromise creep in? What steps can you take this week to confront and correct them?
4. The Nicolaitan spirit is about control and hierarchy, but Jesus calls us to serve as a team. Are there ways you can help build unity and humility in our church or small group? What does it look like to serve others rather than seek recognition?
5. Repentance is described as a gift and a way to freedom, not a reason for shame. Is there something from your past that you need to bring to God and leave behind? What would it look like for you to walk in the freedom Jesus offers?
6. The sermon says, “Every sinner has a future.” How can you help someone else in our church or community who feels stuck in their past to see the hope and future they have in Christ?
7. The call is to be a spiritual powerhouse, united in prayer, worship, and truth. What is one practical way you can contribute to making our church a place where the Holy Spirit moves freely and people are welcomed without compromise?