Is it possible to be faithful to Jesus in one area of life while tolerating serious unfaithfulness in another?

In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum, a congregation that had courageously held fast to his name even in the face of persecution and death. Yet despite their faithfulness, Jesus had something against them: they had allowed false teaching and worldly compromise to take root within the church.

Drawing from the Old Testament account of Balaam and Israel in Numbers 22–25, we discover how compromise can accomplish what persecution cannot. And while the pressures facing Christians today may look different, we face the same temptation to allow the surrounding culture to shape what we believe, how we live, and what we tolerate.

In this sermon, we consider three ways Jesus addresses his church:

Jesus knows when his church stands firm (vv. 12–13).

Jesus confronts when his church compromises (vv. 14–16).

Jesus promises something better to those who overcome (v. 17).

Ultimately, Jesus calls his people to repentance and reminds them that what he promises is infinitely better than anything the world can offer. He offers a better feast, his acceptance, and the everlasting joy of belonging to him.

Don't trade what Jesus promises for what the world offers.