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IN PERIL OF DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE

Text: Revelation 2:12-17
10 September 2006

(I) THE COVERT WAYS OF FALSE TEACHERS

1. The use of cunning

“Because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the Children of Israel…” Revelation 2:14

2. The use of false friendship.

“And the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifice of their gods,…” Numbers 25:1

3. The use of counsel

“And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive? Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the

LORD.” Numbers 31:15-16

4. The use of influence

Balaam was a respected and revered person.

(II) THE MAIN CAUSE OF DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE – SATANIC INFLUENCE

“Where Satan’s throne is” Revelation 2:13

“Where Satan dwells.” Revelation 2:13

“But they are the synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:9

1. Through the problem of Religious Pluralism

a. Having different religions within the Church

i. Jewish problem

“I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not.” Revelation 2:9

ii. Idol worshippers

“To eat things sacrificed to idols…” Revelation 2:14

iii. Christians

“Church of Pergamos…” Revelation 2:12

b. Being “politically correct”

2. Through the problem of sexual immorality

“To eat things sacrifice to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:14

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO DEAL WITH THE DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE

1. Personal Repentance

“Repent…” Revelation 2:16

a. If there has been compromise

b. If no repentance, the Lord would come and deal with those who compromise

“Or else I will come quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” Revelation 2:16

2. Proper regard to the Spirit’s prompting

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches…” Revelation 2:17

3. Prevailing in truth

“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.” ‘ Revelation 2:1

a. To stand on truth

i. To be on the guard

ii. To fight against any form of compromise

b. Rewards

i. The provision of food

ii. Special commendation

A new name