The Compromising Church
“But I have a few things against you, because you have those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:14
The people of the church at Pergamos were doing some things right. They were holding to the name of Jesus and they did not deny the faith even as some were being martyred among them. However, as Jesus addressed this church, He repeated that they were in the place where Satan dwells. He even says that Satan’s throne was there. They held the doctrine of Balaam, the prophet who was lured to speak against God’s people for riches. The instruction Jesus gave Pergamos was to repent (turn back to Him) or He would come quickly and fight against them with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. His message included that they line up with God’s Word, to receive the hidden manna of God’s provision instead of stooping down to the deceitfulness of worlding gain.
Today’s key verse refers to the prophet Balaam, who wanted the payment he was offered so badly that he was willing to do whatever was needed to receive the sum of money God’s enemy was willing to pay. This explains why Jesus said the church of Pergamos was where Satan’s throne was. Since we know Satan is the god of this world according to 2 Corinthians 4:4, and combining that description with the doctrine of Balaam, this church was imitating the world’s way of operating. They were interested in looking like the world and having the things that the people of the world had. I have said it before in other doses that God is not against us having things but He is against things having our heart. The church at Pergamos had a heart for the world more than they did for God.
Jesus told them the solution to this problem was to repent immediately and turn away from the world’s ways and philosophies. They needed to get back on track with God and the answer was to fill up with the ways of God through the sword of the Spirit, His holy scripture and also to get rid of the worldly distractions that were luring them away from Him.
Today I want to encourage you to prepare for spiritual warfare by sharpening your sword of the spirit … the Word of God. Follow Jesus’ instruction to resist the devil and his ways by getting closer to God (James 4:8). Remember that when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He used scripture to chase His enemy away. Then examine the example you are setting for others. Do your behaviors reflect who you are in Christ Jesus or are you displaying the same heart and attitudes of the world? Identify things like complaining, gossip and habits you just can’t seem to break and put those things out of your life with the help of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas of life that need to be adjusted and for His empowering grace to make the changes. Then receive the hidden manna of God’s provision and blessings to bless others. Take on the kingdom of God’s way of leading with love so you can reach others with HIs love everywhere you go. By making your heavenly Father and His ways your #1 priority, you will not compromise to look like everyone else in the world’s system of living. His light will shine through you so that others can see Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
The Daily Dose 