The church in Pergamum is praised for holding fast. They didn’t deny the faith. They faced severe persecution to the point of martyrdom in some cases.

Just being attacked for identifying as a Christian isn’t enough. People can be persecuted for being a cultural Christian.

God requires they live godly lives. The teaching mentioned here that some are following is about idols and immorality.

Grace is not a license to sin. Live right or God is coming to war against you with the sword of His Word.

The church in Thyatira is also warned for their immorality.

They are praised for their love and faith and service. But they tolerate people saying they are speaking for God who are leading people into sin. These people have itching ears. They want secret knowledge. They want to think they know and understand things others don’t. They learn the “deep things of Satan.”

Don’t seek after demonic knowledge. The devil is a liar and so are his demons. They will mix in truth with lies to trick you. Get rid of them. Don’t talk to them. We are to learn truth from the Holy Spirit only!

These churches don’t have warnings of lampstand removal; that’s reserved for the proud, unloving church, who has hardened themselves against these immoral Christians.

But these churches have the warning of God warring against them, of being thrown onto a sickbed, of having her children struck dead.

You don’t want any of that in order to repent and get things turned around.

Get away from “special knowledge.” Learn truth from Scripture. Hold fast to what is true.

But love and pray for those stuck in their sin and idolatry.