CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL SUNDAY, 19th MAY 2024 | Topic: CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
SUNDAY, 19th MAY 2024.
HYMN: S.S & S 513 “O God Our Help In Ages apast”
TOPIC: CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS
TEXT: Rev 2:12-17
INTRODUCTION:
The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the head while the church is His body. Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches, of which the church in Pergamos was one. All seven letters are similar in pattern but the contents were designed to address peculiarities of each church. They were intended to serve as a reminder of the allegiance of each church to God and we’re specially addressed to the “angel” (Guardian, Pastor, Overseer) of the church.
Pergamos was the Capital city of the new Province of Asia. The city was known for her many temples and shrines dedicated to different idols. It was also the first city to introduce emperor worship. The Lord termed it the “seat of Satan”. Despite all these, the church in Pergamos showed exceptional commitment to God, but we’re complacent towards some false doctrines.
In this study, we intend to examine and learn from the experiences of this church.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
In this study, we shall:
- Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction
- Identify the points of commendation for the church
- State the complaints against this church
- Discuss the instructions and promises to this church
- Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1. HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THIS CHURCH, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT ? (Rev 2:12) To the church in Pergamos, Jesus Christ introduced Himself as “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges”. The church in Pergamos was infested with people of corrupt minds and Christ was resolved to fight against them with the sword of His mouth. The sword refers to the word of God. It is sharp because it penetrates flesh as well as spirit and soul. It has two edges because the word of God as a weapon is both offensive and defensive. It is an embodiment of both law and grace.
QUESTION 2. WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS ?(Rev 2:13)
While commending this church, Christ graciously noted the circumstance of the place as one where Satan’s seat was based. This city must have been infamous for wickedness, error and cruelty. Christ took notice of the trials and difficulties faced by this church, commended them for their steadfastness in upholding the faith and the name of the Lord. Mention was made of a worthy and faithful member by name “Antipas”, who was killed for his faith in Jesus Christ. This church was ready to seal their faith and fidelity with their own blood so that the saving grace of Jesus Christ could be made more manifest. They were neither discouraged nor drawn away from their steadfastness by reason of satanic onslaught.
QUESTION 3. WHAT WERE THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS ? (Rev 2 14-15)
The points of complaint by the Lord Jesus Christ against the church in Pergamos centered around the corrupt practices of a few members which had affected their fellowship with God. There were those who held unto the doctrine of Balaam. This doctrine had three prongs, namely:
I. Teach an enemy how to cast a stumbling block before the children of God through ungodly company
II. Trivialize eating of things sacrifice to idols
III. Encourage sexual immorality
There were also those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (a doctrine of compromises and weak version of Christianity which encouraged worldly indulgence and lowered godly standards.
The Lord strongly resented the filthiness of the flesh and spirit that held sway in this church and He commanded them to repent and distance themselves from such doctrines.
QUESTION 4. WHAT WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PROMISES OF THE LORD TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS ? (Rev 2:16)
The major instruction given by the Lord to this church was a call for true repentance. The command was to them as a church, a community and as individuals. He threatened them that if they did not repent, He would come quickly without further delay, and fight against them with the sword of His mouth.
There is the promise of great favour to all who will live victorious lives. They will partake in the meal of the hidden manner. They will also receive a white stone representing that total absolution from the guilt of sin with a new name engraved on it.
QUESTION 5. HOW DOES THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS COMPARE WITH THAT OF THE PR SENT-DAY CHURCH ?
Between now and then, there are similar experiences. The church is now operating in a society of extreme evil everywhere. The earth has become the seat of Satan and nations are concurring. There still believers who have not denied the name of Christ and the faith. Faithful believers are being displaced or eliminated from the scheme of things all around the globe. There is a prevalence and upsurge of the doctrine of compromises, permissiveness and ungodly indulgence in today’s church. Idolatrous activities and festivals are being modernized and dangled before believers, and many have capitulated . Today the same points of complaint against the church in Pergamos are still applicable to present day church.
The same call to repentance from He that hath the sharp sword with two edges applies to the present day church. He still resents and hates the doctrine of compromise and crass-materialism. Overcomers are also needed in our present generation.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The church in Pergamos operated in an environment that was hostile to the faith in Christ. However, brethren here persevered and refused to deny their faith even when threatened with violence. They also had to contend with grace-abusers who have no restraint of spirit in their indulgences. The warning from Christ was stern and direct: Repent or face terrifying judgement! The present day church has a lot to learn from the experiences of this church
MEMORY VERSE:
Revelation 2:17b….. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].”
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