The Church in Pergamos - the
church that compromised
--they harbored some false
teachers who taught the doctrine of Balaam
--to eat things sacrificed to idols
--to commit sexual immorality
--they harbored some false
teachers who taught the doctrine of the Nicolaitians
What is the doctrine of
Balaam?
It was the teaching of Balaam to commit great
sin against God by encouraging God's people to marry those outside of the
nation of Israel. It was to marry the Gentiles. (Numbers 31:15-16)
He sold his prophetic gift for money (2 Peter
2:15)
He believed that God would curse His own people
(Jude 11)
What is the similarity to
today?
Believers are permitted to marry anyone they
chose except a non-believer. Today, in this age of grace and in the church age,
believers are not to marry unbelievers.
What are the consequences
or problems with marrying and unbeliever?
·
It leads
to corrupt worship of the true God in the manner in which God is to be worship
by adopting the practices of "worship" of the unbeliever.
·
It can
lead to the practice or participation in ceremonies, rituals, or organizations
that violate God's standards (i. e. the practice of sexual immorality and the
eating of animals sacrificed to idols)
·
It can
lead to the rejection of the worship of God
·
It can
lead to the rejection of God's standards, God's laws, and God's righteousness
and the acceptance of unrighteous or ungodly behavior
What is the doctrine of the
Nicolaitanes?
First, we really don't know
for sure. There has been much speculation and discussion on this
"group" and its practices.
Second, it seems to have
been a "sect" opposed to Christianity
--The name means "conquering of the
people"
--The name implies the sin of the
"clerics" who developed a clerical hierarchy and ruled over God's
people and robbed them of their spiritual freedom
The main idea for genuine
believers is that they should hate anything that perverts the Word of God and
violates the conscience and the spiritual freedom that believers have in
Christ.
What are the consequences
of or problems with the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes?
First - take careful note, that believers are to
submit to one another in love and humility. We are to submit to the Pastors
(Elders) of the church as they care for our soul. God has established a chain
of command in the society, in the home, and in the church. Godly men are to and
do rule over the member of the congregation. Biblical submission is not a sin
nor is it eradicated because of the abuse, or sin of the Nicolaitanes.
Second - having said that, those who rule over the
souls of men, pastors/elders are to "not lord it over" the sheep but
to lead with humility, gentleness, and servitude.
Third - the problems:
·
God's
glory is impugned
·
The
precious conscience of the believer is violated
·
Believers
are led into sin and or sinful practices
·
The Word
of God is distorted
·
The
picture, practice, and privilege of leadership is damaged and/or distorted
How Does the sin of Balaam
and the Nicolaitanes relate to genuine believers?
·
Do you
use your position as a Christian to cause other believers, particularly weaker
or less mature believers to sin or to practice behavior that is considered sin
and condemned by God?
·
Do you
profit in any way from the privilege and position as a believer as a result of
ungodly behavior or teachings?
·
Do you
violate the conscience of fellow believers?
·
Do you
use your position to dominate and "rule" over fellow believers,
particularly for your own gain?
Be aware that I am taking inventory of my life
and asking myself these serious questions. Remember these are thoughts from my
daily devotions. I need to be especially alert to these sins because as a:
o Genuine believer
o Husband
o Father
o Pastor
I have the opportunity and occasion to
unconsciously or consciously practice the "doctrines" of Balaam or
the Nicolaitanes. It is easy in any of these capacities to fall into the sin of
using these positions for my own benefit.
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