Revelation 2:12-17 CSB
12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword: 13 “I know where you live — where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives. 14 “But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 “In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 “So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
1. Living in a World (v. 13)
12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword: 13 “I know where you live — where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
Hebrews 4:12:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
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2. The Danger of (v. 14-15)
14 “But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.15 “In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?”
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3. The Promise of (v. 16-17)
16 “So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
Romans 12:2 CSB
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” This transformation is the result of a repentant mind and heart that chooses God’s will over the world’s.
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We are not victims of spiritual warfare, but victors who can actively dismantle strongholds through
intentional faith, authentic repentance, and Christ-centered identity.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Community Life Group Questions
1. How can we identify the “Satan’s throne” or spiritual strongholds in our own lives, communities, and culture today? Revelation 2:13
2. What are practical ways we can “hold on to [Jesus’s] name” when faced with hostility or pressure at work, school, or in our social circles? Revelation 2:13
3. What are some modern-day “stumbling blocks” that can lead Christians to compromise with the world? Revelation 2:14
4. What does true, biblical repentance look like for a Christian? How is it different from simply feeling regret or remorse? Why does it matter? Revelation 2:16
5. How can we pray for you?