Following Jesus 97

How does the church find itself in danger of compromise? The Compromising Church Denys faith in Jesus Christ Alone as Lord. Vs. 14-15.  But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
 
The compromising church holds to of Balaam. This means that the church compromises itself by idolatry. It begins to worship something or someone other than God. Perhaps it is money, self, immorality or power. Whatever the object is, the church replaces God with something to worship other than God. 
 
However, idolatry does remain constant. Idolatry results in a corresponding effect by itself being the preceding cause. This effect is immorality. This is what is meant by the phrase, they hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. It is compromise by immorality. 
 
How does the Compromising Church Return to a Commitment to Jesus Christ Alone as Savior and Lord. The answer to this question is found in vs. 16-17. 
 
“Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” 
 
How does the church return to Christ? It must repent of its sin. The church collectively, and the follower of Jesus individually, must turn and reject their present practice of compromise. 
 
Secondly, the church must also receive God’s Word. This means to acknowledge God’s Word as supreme and God commands our total allegiance. 
 
Talking Points 
  • In what ways are you tempted to compromise by worshiping something or someone other than Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Lord? 
  • As a follower of Jesus Christ, in what areas of your life must you repent and return to a commitment to Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Lord? Is within the areas of money, self, or sexual immorality? 
  • Sound Doctrine results in sound, godly living. Are you presently observing a daily time reading and meditating upon God’s Word and in prayer? If so, continue. If not, begin today. 
 
 
 

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