[The faithful believers within the troubled church in Thyatira are commended for their good works and improvements in performance. Each of the letters to the seven churches promises divine blessings for the one “who overcomes” (2:7, 11, 17,26; 3:5,12,21). TO “OVERCOME” IS TO PREVAIL, OR CONQUER. OVERCOMING, BY ITS VERY NATURE, IS AN EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE.]
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live–where Satan has his throne. Yet YOU REMAIN TRUE TO MY NAME. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city–where Satan lives.” (Rev. 2:12-13)
[The people of Pergamum held firm to their Christian faith, they received from Jesus Christ, and did not deny this faith; for when they were brought to the trial they willingly declared themselves disciples and followers of their Lord and Master.]
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam…” (Rev. 2:14)
[The “doctrine of Balaam,” was a teaching that permitted mixing idolatrous practices with the worship of God. This teaching provided a moral “justification” for bargaining with evil under certain circumstances. It was especially attractive in a time when refusing to participate in pagan rites and emperor worship could result in severe economic poverty or even the death sentence. Paul says:]
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ALL OF YOU AGREE WITH ONE ANOTHER in what you say and that there be NO DIVISIONS AMONG YOU, but THAT YOU BE PERFECTLY UNITED IN MIND AND THOUGHT.” (1 Corin. 1:10)
[Paul is urging them to deny these differences, that they might be OF THE SAME HEART AND MIND, motivated together for the hope of the Gospel.]
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, SO THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD HAS FREELY GIVEN US.” (1 Corin. 2:12)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility VALUE OTHERS above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the SAME MIND as Christ Jesus:” (Phil. 2:3-5)
[It is the desire of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, that we act like Him, talk like Him, be like Him and think like Him!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
IN ALL THINGS JESUS, WILL SEE THAT WE HAVE THE SAME MIND AS HE DOES!
-Bill Stockham