Sermon Notes:
1. Jesus encourages the church in Pergamum that He is the ultimate power and authority not Rome!
2. Pergamum is seen as Satan’s throne. He is the underlying force in Rome’s hostility to believers.
3. Jesus describes Satan as the father of lies.
4. Truth is a big deal to Jesus
5. Jesus is passionate about truth because truth sets people free.
6. If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life.
7. Truth has the ability to offend.
8. Jesus expects His churches to know the truth and live the truth.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. In Revelation 2:12-17, Jesus gives a review to the Church at Pergamum. As you read these verses, what were the things they were doing right? Why do you think these things were important to Jesus for a church to practice back then and today?
2. Pergamum was the Roman capitol of this province and the governor lived in this city with the power of the sword to judge people. Knowing this, what do you think was Jesus’ point in verse 12?
3. Read Hebrews 4:12-13 and John 1:1-2. How do these passages relate to Revelation 2:12?
4. In Revelation 2:12-16, we read that some in the church were struggling with discerning false teaching from accurate teaching of how Jesus wants us to live. How do you think this is happening today?
5. Many believe that Jesus called this city the place where Satan lives and rules because he was the spiritual force controlling Rome to persecute the church. The Church at Pergamum was being attacked by Satan externally with persecution and internally with deception and false teaching. How do you see Satan attacking the church today?
6. In John 8:44, Jesus calls Satan a liar and the father of lies. How do you think Satan is lying to the world and the church today?
7. Jesus says in John 14:6 and John 8:32 that He is the Truth and that His truth sets people free. How have you experienced this in your life?
8. In 1 Timothy 3:15, we read that Jesus expects His Church to know the truth and to reflect the truth to our world around us. How well do you feel you are living in the truth of Jesus today? What review do you think you will get from Him one day and how would you like to grow in this area?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?