Young People's Group

DEALING WITH CORRUPTION IN THE CHURCH

by Pastor Mitch
April 03, 2005

When False Teachings Are Left Unchecked

It is not uncommon to see the spread of corruption within Churches today. This problem starts when we allow false teachings to go unchecked. To the Church of Thyatira, the Lord Jesus spoke of how they had allowed a false prophetess to teach falsehood.

“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach…” 
Revelation 2:20

The Church had allowed this prophetess to teach in an authoritative capacity. They did not check whether she was really a prophetess. With the tolerance of false teachings, the people were seduced into all kinds of sins. Corruption started to set in. Ultimately, the one behind such false teachings is Satan. Reference to the devil may be found in the text.

“Not known the depths of Satan”
Revelation 2:24

The evil one has always sought to hurt the Church through false teachings. When we allow such things to happen, there will be the problem of division among the people. People will start to take sides. The devil has done his work of corruption. He has created division in the Church.

The Noble Challenge Of Standing Against Corruption

How can we stand against this corruption?

1. Being On Guard Against False Teaching

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan…” 
Revelation 2:24

There was a group of people in the Church who did not adhere to this false doctrine. They were not seduced by demonic false teachings because they stood on the truth of God’s word. They were vigilant against the false teachings. The need is for us to be “on guard”. We must not tolerate any form of false teaching in our Church.

2. Holding Fast To The Lord’s Word

“But hold fast what you have till I come.”
Revelation 2:25

We are to hold on to the faith and the truth that we have. Let’s seek to remember, to meditate and to internalize the truth of God’s word that has been taught to us. Let’s keep on holding fast to these teachings till the Lord Jesus comes for us.

3. Being An Overcomer

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end…” 
Revelation 2:26

Last but not least, we are to be overcomers. While the rest of the world may falter and fall away, we must press on in doing the Lord’s work. We must not grow weary in doing good. The Lord wants us to exercise faith in being overcomers. We are to be faithful in the works that we have been called to do. Let’s continue in faith and in love for the brethren. Let’s continue to serve the Lord with a sense of oneness till the very end.

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