Steadfast Faith: Holding Fast to Christ's Name

 

Summary

In the message to the church in Pergamus, Jesus presents Himself as the one who holds the sharp sword with two edges, symbolizing His role as both a loving Savior and a righteous judge. This duality reflects His grace and truth, His tenderness and His unyielding commitment to purity within His church. The church in Pergamus is commended for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith, despite dwelling in a place described as "Satan's seat," a city rife with idolatry and persecution. This commendation is a call to all believers to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the challenges and temptations they face.

The Lord's observant eye sees the trials and tribulations of His people, understanding the unique circumstances that test their faith. He acknowledges the struggles of those who live in environments dominated by sin and error, offering comfort and strength to those who remain faithful. The message emphasizes that holding fast to the name of Jesus and the faith involves more than mere belief; it requires confession, adherence to sound doctrine, and a life of holiness. It is a call to be bold in proclaiming the truth, even in the face of ridicule and opposition.

The faith of Christ is centered on His person, His work, and His teachings. It is a faith that sees Jesus as the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, and holds fast to His deity, royalty, and saving power. The message warns against the dangers of neutrality, false doctrine, and unholy living, urging believers to remain true to the gospel that has been delivered to them. It is a reminder that the faith we hold bears the marks of those who have suffered for it, and it is our responsibility to pass it on to future generations.

The call to hold fast the name and faith of Jesus is not just a personal commitment but a communal one, impacting the church's ability to be a light in a dark world. It is a charge to be faithful to God and His truth, recognizing that the decisions we make today will affect generations to come. The message concludes with an exhortation to stand firm in the faith, to be strong and courageous, and to seek the commendation of the Lord by holding fast to His name and not denying His faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The Dual Nature of Christ's Role: Jesus is both a loving Savior and a righteous judge, symbolized by the sharp sword with two edges. This duality calls believers to embrace His grace and truth, understanding that His love is accompanied by a commitment to purity and righteousness within His church. [01:19]

- Faithfulness Amidst Trials: The Lord sees and understands the unique challenges faced by His people, especially those living in environments dominated by sin. He offers comfort and strength to those who remain faithful, acknowledging their struggles and commending their perseverance. [07:17]

- The Centrality of Christ in Faith: True faith is centered on the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves more than belief; it requires confession, adherence to sound doctrine, and a life of holiness. Believers are called to be bold in proclaiming the truth, even in the face of opposition. [12:15]

- The Danger of Neutrality and False Doctrine: Neutrality and false doctrine are forms of denying the faith. Believers must be vigilant in holding fast to the gospel, resisting the temptation to compromise or embrace error. The faith we hold is a precious inheritance, marked by the sacrifices of those who came before us. [15:04]

- The Communal Responsibility of Faith: Holding fast to the name and faith of Jesus is a communal responsibility, impacting the church's ability to be a light in the world. The decisions we make today affect future generations, and we are charged to be faithful to God and His truth for the sake of the souls around us. [48:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Pergamus
- [00:28] - Holding Fast the Faith
- [01:01] - The Sharp Sword of Christ
- [02:08] - Christ's Jealous Love
- [03:11] - The Peril of False Professors
- [04:16] - Comfort for the Sincere
- [05:41] - The Church in Satan's Seat
- [07:00] - Christ's Understanding of Our Trials
- [09:11] - Commendation for Faithfulness
- [11:22] - The Name and Faith of Christ
- [13:12] - Denying the Faith
- [15:37] - The Importance of Holiness
- [18:26] - Holding Fast in Practice
- [23:15] - The Deity and Royalty of Christ
- [30:55] - The Immutability of Christ's Name
- [39:05] - The Power of Christ's Name
- [48:19] - The Communal Responsibility of Faith

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 2:12-13

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He refers to Himself as the one who holds the "sharp sword with two edges" in Revelation 2:12? How does this imagery relate to His role as both Savior and Judge? [01:01]
2. How does the church in Pergamus demonstrate faithfulness despite being in a place described as "Satan's seat"? What specific actions are they commended for? [00:10]
3. What are the dangers mentioned in the sermon that can lead believers to deny the faith, and how are these dangers relevant to the church in Pergamus? [15:04]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the dual nature of Christ as both a loving Savior and a righteous judge challenge or comfort believers in their daily walk of faith? [01:19]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can hold fast to the name and faith of Jesus in environments dominated by sin and error? [07:17]
3. What does it mean for the faith of Christ to be centered on His person, work, and teachings, and how does this understanding impact a believer's life? [12:15]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged to hold fast to your faith in a difficult environment. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [07:17]
2. The sermon warns against neutrality and false doctrine. Are there areas in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your beliefs? How can you address these temptations? [15:04]
3. Consider the communal responsibility of faith mentioned in the sermon. How can your small group support each other in being a light in the world? [48:19]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of confession and adherence to sound doctrine. How can you ensure that your beliefs align with the teachings of Jesus? [12:15]
5. Think about the sacrifices made by those who came before us to preserve the faith. How does this legacy inspire you to live out your faith today? [45:53]
6. Identify one specific way you can be bold in proclaiming the truth of Jesus in your community this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [20:15]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of the dual nature of Christ in your personal study and prayer life? What resources or practices might help you in this journey? [01:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Role of Christ as Savior and Judge
Jesus is depicted as holding a sharp sword with two edges, symbolizing His dual role as both a loving Savior and a righteous judge. This imagery reflects the balance of grace and truth in His character, emphasizing His tenderness and His unwavering commitment to purity within His church. Believers are called to embrace this duality, understanding that Christ's love is accompanied by a demand for righteousness and holiness. This understanding challenges believers to live lives that reflect both the grace they have received and the truth they are called to uphold. [01:19]

Revelation 2:12-13 (ESV): "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 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.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you actively reflect both the grace and truth of Christ in your daily interactions with others?


Day 2: Faithfulness in the Face of Adversity
The Lord acknowledges the trials and tribulations faced by His people, especially those living in environments dominated by sin and error. He offers comfort and strength to those who remain faithful, commending their perseverance despite the challenges they face. This message serves as a reminder that faithfulness involves more than mere belief; it requires a steadfast commitment to Christ's name and teachings, even when faced with persecution or ridicule. Believers are encouraged to draw strength from the Lord's understanding of their struggles and to remain steadfast in their faith. [07:17]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's strength to remain faithful in this situation?


Day 3: The Centrality of Christ in Our Faith
True faith is centered on the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves more than belief; it requires confession, adherence to sound doctrine, and a life of holiness. Believers are called to be bold in proclaiming the truth, even in the face of opposition. This call to boldness is rooted in the understanding that Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and that His deity, royalty, and saving power are central to the Christian faith. Believers are urged to hold fast to these truths and to live lives that reflect their commitment to Christ. [12:15]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Christ's teachings and incorporate them into your daily life?


Day 4: The Perils of Neutrality and False Doctrine
Neutrality and false doctrine are seen as forms of denying the faith. Believers must be vigilant in holding fast to the gospel, resisting the temptation to compromise or embrace error. The faith we hold is a precious inheritance, marked by the sacrifices of those who came before us. This message serves as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the importance of remaining true to the gospel that has been delivered to us. Believers are encouraged to actively resist false teachings and to uphold the truth of the gospel in their lives. [15:04]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you have been tempted to compromise your beliefs? How can you reaffirm your commitment to the truth of the gospel today?


Day 5: The Communal Responsibility of Faith
Holding fast to the name and faith of Jesus is not just a personal commitment but a communal one, impacting the church's ability to be a light in a dark world. The decisions we make today affect future generations, and we are charged to be faithful to God and His truth for the sake of the souls around us. This communal responsibility emphasizes the importance of unity and collective faithfulness within the church, encouraging believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys and to work together to uphold the truth of the gospel. [48:19]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and unity of your church community this week?

Quotes

The Lord Jesus Takes all our surroundings into consideration and though he loves us too well to make excuse for our sins yet he himself mentions the circumstance es which make our act to be rather failure than fault even as he did for the first disciples when he found them asleep and said the spirit truly is willing but the flesh is weak. [08:47]

The faith of scripture has Christ for its Center Christ for its circumference and Christ for its substance the name that is the person the character the work the teaching of Christ this is the faith of Christians the great doctrines of the Gospel are all intimately connected with the Lord Jesus Christ himself. [11:47]

Some deny the faith and let go the name of Jesus by never confessing it remember how the Lord puts this matter in the gospels whosoever shall confess me before men him shall the son of man also confess before the angels of God but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. [13:08]

Christ is also denied by false Doctrine if we espouse error as to his person work or doctrine and believe what Jesus did not teach and refuse to believe what Jesus did teach then we have denied his name and his faith one of the main points of a Christian without which the rest of his life will not be acceptable with God. [15:01]

Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord the Apostle Paul somewhere says he that careth not for his own household hath denied the faith and is worse than an Infidel or unbeliever so that a moral fault may be a denial of the faith and may make a man worse than if he had never profess to believe at all. [16:33]

We hold fast the royalty of the name of Jesus Christ moreover we believe in the Grandeur of that name as being the first and the last open the New Testament and read the first verse of Matthew how does it begin the book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David the book of the New Covenant begins with Jesus. [26:38]

We hold fast the belief that Jesus saves us from the guilt of sin by having borne it in his own body on the tree we are assured that he makes us just before God by that righteousness of his which is ours because we are one with him he saves us from the punishment of sin because the chastisement of our peace was upon him. [29:05]

We Stand Fast By The unaltered unalterable Eternal name of Jesus Christ Our Lord this is what we mean by holding fast the name and the faith of Jesus thirdly dear friends to lead you a step further in the same road let me show the Practical place of the name and of the Faith with us. [31:48]

The faith which we hold is our daily and hourly joy and hope the doctrines which I believe in connection with the Divine person in my trust are the pillow of my weariness the anod of my care the rest of my spirit Jesus gives me a lookout for years to come which is Celestial and at the same time I can look back with thankfulness. [34:19]

Our only business here below is to cry Behold the Lamb are any of you sent of God with any other message it cannot be the one message which God has given to his people to Proclaim is salvation through the lamb salvation by the blood of Jesus it is by his blood that cleansing comes to the polluted he is the one great propitiation. [35:58]

We must defend the faith for what would have become of us if our fathers had not maintained it if confessors reformers Martyrs and Covenants had been recreant to the name and Faith of Jesus where would have been the churches of today must we not play the man as they did if we do not are we not censuring our fathers. [42:51]

I charge you not only by your ancestry but by your posterity that you seek to win the Commendation of your master that though you dwell where Satan's seat is you yet hold fast his name and do not deny his faith God grant us faithfulness for the sake of the souls around us how is the world to be saved if the church is false to her Lord. [47:54]

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Transcript
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