Following Jesus 96
What is compromise?
To compromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demands. You give up something, and I’ll give up something I order to reach a common goal. We both might not get all that we want or requested, but we both achieved and reached a common goal that will benefit both parties involved.
In discussions, compromise is finding agreement through communication, through a mutual acceptance of terms—often involving concessions from an original goal or desire. It is a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; the result of such a settlement.
However, compromise may also be an endangering of oneself or of one’s family or organization, especially its reputation. It is in this definition that compromise becomes an exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: e.g. a compromise of one's integrity. To expose oneself or to allow contact with danger, evil or non-truth. It may involve the areas of money, power or influence, sexual immorality, or a desire for personal peace and contentment, no matter what the cost.
In Revelation 2:12-17, we see an example of a compromising church. How can this happen? Compromise does not occur overnight but through a long and slow process. As this process develops, the compromising church may still hold on to their faith in Jesus Christ Alone as Savior. Vs. 12-13.
The compromising church and disciple must realize that Jesus Christ is the God of Scripture. “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. Vs. 12. The “sword” in the Old Testament and apocalyptic literature often symbolized judgment or war; Revelation 1:16, 2:16 and 19:13. The Roman Empire thought of the “sword” as the power to execute capital punishment (Romans 13:4).
Ephesians 6:17 refers to the Bible as the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV).
The compromising church must not only realize that Jesus Christ is the God of Scripture, but also that Jesus Christ is the only Savior revealed in Scripture. At times the church evidences a commitment to the Word of God, even while in the midst of compromise. “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” Vs. 13.
As all followers of Jesus, the compromising church lives in the midst of spiritual opposition as it holds fast to the name of Jesus and does not deny the faith even in the midst of opposition.
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