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Lesson 7  Revelation 2: 14

      In lesson six, we learned that the church of Pergamos was situated in the middle of Satan's authority and territory, and that Jesus was commending them for keeping their faith. Nevertheless, in the next two verses He is condemning for some things. Let us examine these verses very closely and see if we have any of these traits in the physical Church or His personal Church.

     In verse 14, Jesus tells them that they have allowed the teaching of Balaam in His church. What is the teaching of Balaam and who is Balak? Where did it come from? How is the church to know what happened to Israel? Did this happen in the Old Testament? So why do I need that information now since I am under the blood of Jesus? If we do not know our history, we are going to repeat it. I know we have all heard that, but many of us do not believe it. That is why we have so many problems today. In the world, our true history is not taught. Moreover, we will not take the time to find out the fact for ourselves.

     You can find the story of Balaam in Numbers 22 - 25. He is also found in II Peter 2: 15; Jude 1:11. Why is his teaching found in the New Testament? Is his teaching in the church today? What is this teaching? It is the belief that deals with monetary gain. According to the Old Testament account, Balaam taught monetary gain resulting from one's willingness to compromise the principles of God and proclaim things contrary to the Word of God. Do we see this attitude in the New Testament and today. Why is this attitude allowed in the physical church? I believe that this happens for several reasons and they come from Satan (adversary):
1) we are told not to judge. Which means you cannot correct them. We all have heard it "TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED".
2) I do not have time to study or read the Bible, it's too hard for me.
3) I do not want people to think I am dumb.

     The doctrine of Balaam related to the sins committed by the Israelites in view of their covenant relationship with God. This doctrine is linked with the fact that the Israelites were the covenant people of God. This covenant could not be broken, and as a result, the Israelites could sin with protection. However, this was not the case. It was true that the covenant established between God and Israel could not be broken; it was also true that Israel's position as firstborn could not be changed; but it was not true that Israel could sin with protection. God's wrath manifested because of the sins of His people. Thousands of Israelites who succumbed to the counsel of Balaam were overthrown in the wilderness, short of the goal. Here at Pergamos we have a church commended for their faith. Yet they are allowing the teaching of Balaam in the church. Whom do you think will be affected by this teaching? Remember where the members of the church of Pergamos are located. Do you think the older Christians or the younger ones would be more affected? What is the effect of not hearing the true Word of God? (Numbers 31:16) Balaam could not curse God's people.

The following definitions help us to understand this passage.

holdest fast = to be strong, or firm in holding a tradition or teaching  doctrine = teaching  cast = throw  stumbling block = the part of a trap which the bait is attached to eat = consume  sacrificed idols = the flesh of the victims, after sacrifice, was eaten or sold  commit fornication = to commit illicit sexual intercourse

     We have talked about the Nicolaitans before. Remember, they believed that they could practice fornication, adultery, and that freedom in Christ gave them the right to do anything. Here they are in the middle of Satan's authority and the church has some people in it that are weakening her (Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:17). You must ask yourselves several questions:

Am I faithful in holding His Name?  Am I weakening the physical or spiritual church?  Am I causing my younger Christian family to become weak?  Am I weak because of misguided teaching?  Have I allowed others to turn me away from my Faith?

These definitions help us to understand these passages.

repent = to change one's mind or purpose for the better  quickly = swift  fight = will make war  hidden = conceal  give = bestow  white stone = the lord special delight, the whit stone indicated acquittal  new = unused  knoweth = recognize, understand  overcometh = mightiest prevail (legal term)

     Jesus is saying to change your minds or else He will be at war with you. Do you think you can win against Jesus? Yet He loves you so much that He is willing to give you time to change, but not forever. When you make that change, He will bestow on you the manna (life). He will also bestow on you a very special name that has never been used and NO one else will answer to it. You see it is made just for you.