While the Christians in Pergamum were quick to claim Christ as Lord in culture that stands opposed to the one true God, they were also being led astray by false teachers who diminished the holiness of God and the horror of sin. This opened the door to rampant sexual immorality in the Church that Christ says he will come to judge if they do not repent.

The cultural pressure that Pergamum was folding under ethically is indicting of us, to highlight how much more easily we are conforming to worldly values and influence without the threat of persecution. We need to be woken up to the ways we are drifting so we can return to God with our whole heart and display his matchless worth to the world in our actions not just our words.

The widespread use of pornography and engagement in pre-marital sex by Christians are two specific ways the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans has infiltrated the church. We must remember that Biblical prohibitions are intended to protect something precious, not deny something pleasant. God isn’t a stingy father who is holding out on us, he’s a wise Father who knows what’s best for us. Obedience is always worth it, there’s no waste or missing out when you follow God.

The Good News is that there is more grace in Jesus than there is sin in us and he offers us a new name and identity through faith. He loves us too much to leave us perishing in our sin.