Message Notes

(I) THE WORDS OF REBUKE FROM THE LORD JESUS

1. Historical reference

a) Balaam ( Numbers 22-25 )

b) Balaam teaching Balak to entrap the Israelites ( Numbers 31:15 )

2. Historical significance of Balaamism

a) Putting of a stumbling block ( Numbers 25:1 )

b) Consequences ( Numbers 25:2 )

i) Led astray to idolatry

ii) Engaging in sexual immorality

c) The wrath of God on the people ( Numbers 25:3-4 )

3. Historical relevance

4. Application by Jesus

“But I have a few things against you…” Revelation 2:14

(II) THE POWER BEHIND FALSE DOCTRINES – SATAN

“Where Satan’s throne is…where Satan dwells.” Revelation 2:13

1. Satan has no place in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9)

2. Satan’s throne and dwelling place is earth

3. Satan’s three fold attack

a) The individual

b) The world

c) The Church

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO BE OVERCOMERS OF FALSE DOCTRINES

“To him who overcomes…” Revelation 2:17

1. Heeding the Lord’s grave warning

“Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:16

a) Repent if we have compromised

b) The Lord will fight with false teachers

c) A veiled threat

d) The example of Phinehas ( Numbers 25:6-12 )

2. Holding fast to the word of truth

a) The example of the Lord Jesus

“He who has the sharp two-edged sword…” Revelation 2:12

b) Learning well from historical accounts

i) The people of Israel ( Numbers 25 )

ii) The Church of Pergamos ( Revelation 2:12-17 )

3. Having help from the Spirit of God

a) Hearing the Spirit’s promptings

“Let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches…” Revelation 2:17

b) Knowing the Spirit will help us overcome the evil one

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4